Summer Time
It’s Summer Time! More sun, shorts and sandals equals more fun. I can feel the excitement around the house. For some reason the song “Summertime” by Will Smith is replaying in my head. The song takes me back to a time in high school when we would ride around in my parents’ T-top convertible playing our mixed tapes and hanging out at the wave pool all day. Oh what fun!
Fast forward 20ish years and I approach summer totally different! Summer time still equals more sun, shorts, sandals and fun, but it also includes 10 weeks of no school. Oh my, where are these kids going to go for the summer??
Technique 1: Start Early
I usually start thinking and planning for the summer around spring break! Crazy, I know. I print out a free three month calendar (June, July & August) from the Internet and get to work. I have discovered that if I can plan early, I can save money and reduce stress. Most camps begin publishing their schedules around Spring Break. I have learned that camps we have participated with in the past often have deals if you commit early. I also have seen that the local community center offers a savings for signing up early.
Starting early helps me stay calm and organized. Every summer for the past three years, including this year, I have changed offices or changed jobs during the summer. There is always an increased stress level when starting a new project. Knowing that my children are in great care is a huge relief and allows me to focus on learning my new assignment.
Technique 2: Partner/Team Up
For some reason that I cannot understand, the majority of camps operate from 0800 – 1600. This is a serious challenge for dual working families. For example, one science camp my son is participating in this summer is from 0900 – 1530. In order to make sure my son can attend, I partnered with another dual working family. We are dividing the 5 drop offs and 5 pick-ups among the 4 of us. Now we can trade-off arriving late and leaving early to accommodate the camp hours.
Have you heard of Child Care Aware? This organization will help military families find childcare. I have used them with 2 PCS’s to find childcare. Additionally, if you are an active military member with a spouse that works or is in school, you may qualify for a subsidy for off base child care. This support is for families that do not have access to a CDC. I recommend everyone call and find out what programs you can use. I was surprised to discover that I qualify as a LtCol.
Technique 3: Nanny
I have used a variety of nannies. Most of the ladies that I have used worked at a child care center one of my children attended. I have also found sitters/nannies at www.SitterCity.com. They offer free accounts for military families. I feel comfortable with child care employees because I know that they passed a background check. I had my greatest use of a nanny last year. She was a great help to drop off & pick up my son from the various camps around town. This was the first time I allowed a care provider to drive my child. It was a major step for me and a major success for our family. This worked because I took sufficient time to make sure she was the perfect fit.
What do you do for summer care?