Do You Offer Night Time After Regular DC Hours Are Over?

[jokalima]

I've been getting calls lately, last one today asking for DC after 5:30 ( my closing time ) and I know the money would help a lot but I am so tired that IDK if I can do it. Do any of you do this? This last call is for a 3 yr old girl for 4 days a week 4 hours a day 5:30-9:30 and 2 of those days 5:30 to 7:30 so i think is not that bad, but i would love to hear what is your experience in doing this if you have. And also, how do I charge? Is it the same rate than day time? And another thing is that I know I AM NOT doing activities and books, markers, crayons etc. At this time, so how do you do this? Just let them be as you watch them? Put them to sleep at 8:00 even when they r going to pick up at 9:30? Totally lost with this one.

[NeedaVaca]

This would be impossible for me. I would have no alone time with my family and it would interfere with all evening activities that I plan. I don't transport DCK and I do errands some evenings, take my kids to classes etc. Not to mention the fact that I need time to unwind before starting all over again the next day. I also enjoy a nice glass of wine on occasion after DCK are are gone, this wouldn't be possible if I still had a DCK in my care

I would worry about the burn out factor...

[LoraJenkins]

I use to offer 24/7 care and did so for a while. It wound up taking a toll on myself, my family and my marriage. Would you still have time for yourself & family? I would think long and hard...and be realistic.

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

I just stopped offering an extra hour in the morning and evening because it was taking its toll on me. 9 hour days are what I can handle. 10 if I must. Anything over that is really pushing it.

[butterfly]

I couldn't do it either. My family has too much going on with kids' activities, etc. and I need that down time on the 'off' nights.

If you do it, make sure you charge enough to make it worth your while.

[Lorna]

I was but stopped. i was offering evenings, extra hours if needed. Even took a couple of kids on the weekend. But its easier to just close and 5:30 and be done. Its too hard on my family.

[crazydaycarelady]

I have not gotten any phone calls like but I don't think my sanity could take it. 10+ hours a day in long enough.