Childcare When You Need It

As a work-at-home mom, it may seem a little odd that I would need childcare, but I do need to get things done. I mean, this blog is actual work between the writing, taking pictures, editing, and then sharing on social media so you all can read what we’re working so hard on!

And… it’s not just working moms that need childcare. Yes, even stay-at-home parents need childcare sometimes! I’m going to give you 13 reasons you need childcare and then I’ll tell you my new favorite find for it!

1. Work – If you’re a working mom, you need childcare in one form or another.
2. Date night – um… remember those? Don’t bring the kids!
3. Wedding – Some people like kid-free weddings and that’s okay, but what am I supposed to do with my children?
4. Hair & Nails appointment – Seriously, you guys! Moms need to take care of themselves and spend a little me-time on self care. While you’re at it, grab a mani or pedi. You deserve it.
5. Work events & meetings – These are those extra things that aren’t built into your regular schedule, but you still need to do them for work.
6. Shopping – Maybe you’re grocery shopping or maybe you’re buying yourself some new clothes. Either way, you need someone to watch those kiddos!
7. Dentist – Okay, I’m really bad at this one, but I’m certainly not bringing the kids with me for my dentist appointment.
8. Hospital Visit – Need to visit someone in the hospital? I’d ditch the kids first!
9. Peace and Quiet – We’ve all been there. You need someone to take the kids just so you can catch a minute to yourself.
10. School Functions – Your little one probably isn’t going to sit through a school function for an older child. Even if they will, they’re not always welcome.
11. Cleaning – If you have kids, you know how much fun it is to clean the house and have someone behind you destroying the rest of it. Get a little ahead and do it when they’re not home!
12. Parties – Not every party is for kids and not every kid party is for all kids. Maybe your baby doesn’t belong at the bounce house party that the oldest was invited to. This also includes baby showers, bridal showers, and don’t forget about bachelorette parties!
13. Volunteer at School – Want to help out at school? They generally don’t let you bring a sidekick.

Okay, I know that’s just scratching the surface on the “why I need childcare” list, but you get the point. Everyone needs some kind of childcare at some point.

We recently tried out KidsPark in Willow Grove, PA and I’m completely in love! Now you’re curious, right? Click here to see if there is a KidsPark location near you!

KidsPark is a licensed, hourly childcare center with the goal of: happy kids. happy parents.

The service is available, with no reservations, for children 2- 11 years old (a few centers accept children as young as 12 months, so check your location)! All you need to do is register, which just takes 10-15 min of paperwork to fill out.

One of the things that impressed me the most is that all KidsPark teachers have an Early Childhood background! That’s awesome, right?

Most daycare centers are open 6am to 6pm. Not KidsPark! Their hourly child care is also available in the evenings and on weekends! Did I mention that they’re open until midnight on Friday and Saturdays?!?

And it’s not just toss your kids into a room and someone will keep them alive. We’ve all seen those types of childcare, right? And yes, sometimes we do what we have to do. The teachers at KidsPark will actually do things with your child like games, stories, art, and more! KidsPark offers a traditional Preschool with a modern twist. You pick the schedule and only pay for the days you need. Some centers also have birthday parties available on Sundays!

There are several stations at the KidsPark center including: an indoor play structure, a theater area, sport court (for all those sports balls), and areas to create art.

Oh, and they’ll feed your kid too! Snacks of 100% apple juice and crackers are complimentary at 10am, 3pm and 8pm. Lunch is at noon and dinner is at 6pm. You can pack a meal, but try to avoid peanuts. Didn’t have time to pack a lunch? It’s cool. Lunch and dinner are just $4 per child (that’s what we paid at Willow Grove, PA location).

Tom and I spent our afternoon shopping for a wedding this weekend at the mall and enjoying lunch together in the food court. Fancy, right? Well, it may not have been a fancy date night out (this time!), but it was time spent with just us on something we needed to get done. And trust me, Owen had much more fun playing with other kids in a safe environment than he would have with us at the mall.

When we picked Owen up, I just needed to show my id and everyone said goodbye to Owen. All of the kids were resting after lunch while watching a movie. We could tell Owen was just a few minutes from falling asleep!

Honestly, I wish we had a KidsPark location closer to us because I know I would definitely use it often! The Willow Grove location will work great though for when I have events in Philly that I normally have to turn down because I would need someone to watch Owen.

What would do while your kid is having a blast at KidsPark?

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