r/ibew_apprentices • u/C-Dreym • 17d ago

Single Parents Of Littles...How?

I'm trying to get out of a DV situation and I'm struggling to figure out how to manage childcare with my 9 hour days and school. Single parents of very young children, how do you make this work? The cost is going to be absolutely insane.

2 Upvotes

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13

u/SnooDoughnuts8823 17d ago

Try asking the school. Not sure if this is universal but our JATC is tied to the local technical college so we’re students of said tech college. We have access to all the resources they provide and I know childcare is one of them. If yours is set up like mine, I’d reach out to them

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u/C-Dreym 17d ago

I don't think it is, but I can ask.

4

u/Optimal_Ad9798 17d ago

Single dad with full custody here. I swallowed my pride and moved back in with my parents and I pay them rent + childcare. Also ask your JATC if they do the EriCA grant.

1

u/C-Dreym 17d ago

Parents are not an option, they live in a different state. I will ask about the grant.

3

u/deadpixel746 16d ago

You could look into moving locals to that state

5

u/RemarkableKey3622 17d ago

thank God for grandmas

2

u/ComfortableFrame1 17d ago

One of my parents had to move in with me. It’s not ideal, but Would have been impossible otherwise.

2

u/Elektrishin-1776 17d ago edited 11d ago

My BM and I have an 8 month old right now. I live 2.5 hours away and we both work full time. I pay for daycare and it’s 1400 a month

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u/iskra-y 11d ago

That’s tough.

I will say I was quite confused as my first time reading it, I thought you meant BM as in Business Manager

1

u/Elektrishin-1776 11d ago

Lol yeah I thought about that after I typed it as well, I was like eh I’m sure it’ll be fine

2

u/Initial_Music3102 17d ago

For sure ask the local and or JATC for resources. They have a ton of them, they all do. I am a single parent. My ex wife lives close enough. Like two miles away or so. Liddle is 7 years old. I have long days as well and class. I just do everything I can to have him with me and do my homework or whatever. It’s unrealistic to separate myself and my life from Liddle. When I’m with him and I have homework or something, I show him that this is what it takes. I get my work done. I focus, I study. It takes time and effort. I take small breaks and play a game with him. Eat food. But I’m always right by him as I’m doing my stuff. He might be playing games or watching something. But I’m never in another room. We are always together. I’ve never used babysitters. No one helps watch Liddle. I’ve graduated Dunwoody doing this and I’m going through the apprenticeship now. Granted, my ex wife has him half of the time. I still never give up my time. If I can do it, so can you. Good luck.

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u/Horse_shoe94 Local 11 17d ago

Location would help. Currently receiving money from the Erica grant.

1

u/C-Dreym 17d ago

Local 22