No Helper?

[rebekah]

Since the topic came up at lunch... how many of you will not be having a helper? I know that childcare here is an issue when you don't have one. Are there babysitters available and I just am not aware? Have any of you considered swapping childcare with another family? What are your plans when it comes to this? I value the privacy we have and I don't work; as such we won't be getting a helper, but I do wonder what one does when they want the occasional date night with hubs. Any suggestions? (besides get a helper, since that's not going to fly here, especially with hubs)

 

[pooch]

i know of a few people who have used agencies like Rent-a-Mum and have been happy with that service. you just need to be a bit more organised and plan ahead.

 

[Matty]

You can absolutley get by without one. It just takes more planning.
You just can't do as much as you would with a fulltime helper.
We have a local chinese girl who we love to death, that has been our babysitter for the last year.
If she hasn't been available, we've been fortunate enough to have a childless friend who happily comes over and watches a DVD while we go out to dinner.

And we've also used the more expensive option of agency nannies through Rent-a-Mum.