No School for 4 months?

[EricksonExpats]

Hi, we are a family with a 4 year old and a (soon to be) 6 year old. We moved here about 3 weeks ago and found out today that it might be 4 months till they get into a day school. We are already adjusting to the smaller homes and now having to entertain the kiddos this long is not something to look forward to.

We did check out the open day care today and that will be a nice activity. I am sure there are babysitters that can help from time to time. If we don't get into a day school, then I'll be looking for:

* stay-at-home moms in the Tapiola area.
* activities that keeps the kids occupied that will help them learn the language and free up mom for some of her own time.
* babysitters that could take the kids out for an hour and also teach them Finnish

thanks!

PS....we are in north Tapiola and don't have a car so easy to access activities are sought

[Karhunkoski]

4 months? A lovely opportunity to spend some quality time with the little cherubs. They grow up sooo quickly.

[Rosamunda]

There should be an asukaspuisto not far from you:

http://www.espoo.fi/default.asp?path=1; ... 0729;10733

I'm not too sure what the arrangements are for leaving kids there but I suggest you wander over and ask.

You will probably struggle to find other mums with pre-school kids to meet up with because (a) all the mums work (b) all the kids are in päiväkoti.

You will probably just have to get your head around the fact that (as Karhunkoski puts it) this is an opportunity to have quality time with your kids. Take them sledding, go for walks, take them into Helsinki. There are some ex-pat mums clubs eg: BWA but I'm not sure if they accept small children at their meetings, they certainly used to.

For babysitters you could try advertising at the University in Otaniemi (huge student population) and also http://www.mll.fi/en/short_term_child_care_services/

[susytraveler1985]

if you need a nanny that lives in Espoo i live really close by im available everyday even in the evenings

[Liam1]

Hi
Have a slightly different dilemma

We have 6 year old (speaks Finnish and English) and 2 year old (speaks "2 year old" English/Finnish)
We're actully looking for a Nanny / similar to pick them from their day care in Niitykumpu (next to Tapiola so 5 min by bus) and look after them for 1 -2 hours. The issue is that it is short time so hard to get anyone interested.

If you find someone who is willing and wants to either earn a bit more or between us we can offer enough time / money I'd be very interested. Also our 6 year old girl may be good company for your child!
/Liam
PM me if you want more details...