Help with figuring out what to charge.

[Countrymomma]

I certainly appreciate all your input. I do understand how many would not feel comfortable offering this type of care, but rest assured, my family and I have looked at it from every angle, from holidays, sleeping arrangements, calling the parents when the child is ill, etc, and agree it is something we can do.

Reggio, interesting you mention family values. In their email to me, initially, they explained they are both firefighters on the same shift. They work the same shift so that they can have days off together, as a family. They are doing things this way to spend as much time together as their career will allow. Sometimes their rotation allows as much as 7 days off in a row, together. They are working one of the most dangerous jobs out there and making sacrifices for me and the members in my community. I respect that more than I can convey. If they are not able to find 24 hr care, then they would have to work opposite shifts and rarely see each other, as a family. That hurts every family value I hold dear.

In a perfect world children could spend every moment with their parents, but, alas, that is not the world we live in. there are shift workers who have children and no family close by or available. They deserve quality care for their children. Many of these people are our health care providers, emergency service providers, police officers. Often times they are married to each other and that presents a work/family life balance issue regarding schedules and child care.

It reminded me of being a little girl, with a single mom who was a nurse. We were living in a new town and my mom had to work night shifts and rely on the kindness of strangers for my care. She had no choice. If I can pay it forward a offer a safe, secure environment for this couples child while they work, then I am up for the challenge.

This opportunity to support and offer care to this family, striving to maintain as many days together as a family as possible, while they work protecting my community, resonated with me, and my family values, greatly <3

Thanks again, everyone!