A Stay-At-Home Mom (But Not Really…) // Introducing KidsPark!

My “career” is extremely difficult to explain. It’s always shifting. It’s also very unique among my friends & family. Most mothers that I know fall into one of two categories — stay-at-home mother (SAHM) or working mother. There isn’t much in-between. As for me, however, I am completely in-between!

My children are with me full-time. They have never been in a daycare environment. They have never spent a full day with anyone other than me or their Papa. And yet, presently I run three businesses, and I am the secretary of our church. Depending on the week, I spend between 40 and 60 hours “working” and that does not include #momlife and housework.

So, while I am technically a SAHM, I am also very much a “working” mom. Is it a lot? Heck yes! But do I love it dearly? You bet! Of course some days I get supremely stressed out. I am continually working to find the best work/life balance for our family. It’s a work-in-progress for sure.

As my children have gotten older and become more independent — especially Marina! — getting my work done has become more manageable. Through my work, I am able to express myself creatively and that makes my spirit so happy.

Still, there is one thing that would make the whole deal a lot easier — and that would be reliable, affordable childcare. In the past, my options have been extremely limited. Most of the daycare options in our area typically require that children attend full-time. Options for part-time care are expensive and rigid. This is not surprising because the traditional daycare industry is built for children with parents who work full days.

Without many options, I rely on my parents for help when I am in a pinch. It is not ideal, as my mother works full-time herself, and my father is out of work on physical disability. However, there is a beautiful light shining at the end of the tunnel for all parents who find themselves in shoes like mine — and it’s called KidsPark.

KidsPark is a revolutionary childcare provider that offers exactly what we need — on-demand childcare by the hour. If you need a few hours here and there, they’ve got you covered. With their flexible day, evening and weekend hours, you can keep appointments, attend meetings, run errands, go the gym… basically do whatever you need to. All the while, you’ll know that your children are safe and having fun. KidsPark is even open until midnight on Friday and Saturday — Hello, date nights!

With KidsPark, you pay only for the time used. The centers are licensed and have a comforting “no walls” floor plan, which allows continuous teacher and parent observation. I am eagerly awaiting the first KidsPark facility to open near me. It will solve so many of my childcare dilemmas. KidsParks are popping up all over. You can check to see if there is one near you right here.

As parents — whether we are stay-at-home, working full-time, or anywhere in-between — reliable and affordable childcare is always a blessing! It’s very exciting to see an outside-of-the-box option available for an outside-of-the-box career mom like me.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.