| All parents of young children should have a | | | | well. |
| back-up plan for childcare options but in most | | | | 2. College Kids. If you have college age kids in the |
| cases, parents develop a plan only after crisis hits. | | | | area, many would be more than happy to help |
| Sooner or later, your childcare provider will call and | | | | you out. Calls around beforehand to find several |
| cancel the morning you least need it to happen. | | | | students who would be willing and able to respond |
| Thinking ahead to plan for such unexpected | | | | in a moment's notice. |
| situations can give you peace of mind and reduce | | | | 3. Babysitting Services. There are several online |
| your stress level if the emergency does occur. | | | | babysitting services that can connect parents with |
| So how do you plan so you won't be left at the | | | | great childcare resources in their local community. |
| last minute without a care provider on the worst | | | | You can use them to try out some back-up |
| possible day for it to happen? | | | | sitters for day or evening schedules. |
| 1. Do your research. Check out daycare options in | | | | 4. Try a Friendly Neighbor If you have a neighbor |
| your area that may allow for last-minute drop in | | | | who is a stay-at-home mom or a retiree, they |
| childcare. Try it out on a day when you really | | | | may work out a swap of some type with you. |
| don't need it so that you will be prepared when | | | | The stay-at-home mom may ask you to return |
| the inevitable happens. | | | | the favor for a chance to go out with her |
| Your child will feel more comfortable when you | | | | husband one evening, while the retiree may need |
| really need to take him there in a last minute | | | | help cutting the grass. It may work out to be a |
| emergency and you'll know what to expect as | | | | perfect solution for you both. |