[HollyOllyOxenfre...]

I was reading in another thread about some SAHMs who manage to do some volunteer work as well. Have you done it? How have you managed it? Is it a matter of finding volunteer positions where you can take your kids it's you, or doing it during non business hours so your partner can look after the kids? Or are you getting child care/babysitting?
I'd love to be doing some volunteer work now that DS is a bit more settled and I have some more time, but I have no idea how to juggle both.

ETA - This feels like one of those questions that might be a bit dopey, so please be kind

This post has been edited by HollyOllyOxenfree: 18/02/2013, 05:41 PM

[Peridot]

I volunteer with the Tasmanian Ambulance Service, and have been doing so for nearly a year now
We do training and can go up the levels which is exciting and I really value it.. The things I've learnt are life saving, literally! We can do virtually everything a paramedic can do, bar a few high up things like administer morphine and put in canulas.
I do my shifts when my partner or mother in law can have the girls

[Bacongirl]

Depends on what type of volunteering I guess.

I know SAHMs who volunteer through their children's school. Canteen duty, reading, weekly kids banking etc. so they just do them duirng school hours and their children are already in school. A couple others have shift working partners so they volunteer when their husbands are hime to watch younger kids.


I volunteered at a local nursing home when my DS was a baby. It was an adopted a grandparent program. They set me up with a lovely lady whose children were just too far away to visit regularily, so we took their place. It worked well for us as my own parents lived overseas and my IL's were not terribly involved.

The lady we were paired with just lit up when we came to visit. We aimed for a catchup every fortnight at a minumum, if not more. I just had to ring the staff a few hours before to ensure it was a good day/time.

[amabanana]

I used to help prepare, cook and serve a large luncheon for people who live alone. I brought DD along and she would play in the other room and entertain the oldies. They loved having her there as many of them rarely saw their (great) grandchildren or family and were isolated from their community. DD loved the attention so it was win win. Unfortunately I can't fit it into my crazy schedule now but I'd love to do it again when I can. I'm very interested to see what everyone else gets up to.

[lisles]

I joined WIRES when my first child was a baby. I care for native animals at home, in my own time, and fit it in around kids (and my paid work as well). I love it, but it does get hectic at times!

My kids really love it too, especially now they are old enough to help. I think it is good for kids to see the adults around them giving something back to the community.

[caitiri]

My DH is a shift worker so I do my volunteering when he is home. I volunteer for a community information referral service

[GenWhy]

I'm a volunteer ambo and firie. I also work part time. I'm allowed to take the kids with me on weekends as they have a play area. On call outs or training nights my DH has the kids.

[JustBeige]

I volunteered for the kids school in primary. I also did meals on wheels with mum when they were 3-4. This was an awesome thing for them as they just loooooved going and knocking and delivering the food. tbh, It was a bit of a PITA having to unstrap and restrap int he car seats all the time, but between mum and myself we managed because the kids just loved it and so did the majority of the clients. They also didnt get out for every client, just a few special ones.

I also am volunteering in an ongoing community project.

Try your local neighbourhood centre to see what they have available. or you could call Volunteering Australia and have a chat regarding doing something that is kid friendly.

[kerrie23]

I am P and C president - I manage the staff in the canteen and before and after school care, I liaise with the school - often this takes up 25 hours of a normal week. Lots of it I can do from home but I am around the school a bucketload.

[BadKitteh]

I volunteer for the Australan Breastfeeding Association (ABA) & we all bring our kids along to different events, training etc. There has been many a laugh as a result.

When calls are placed to the helpline the counsellors are at home & may have their kids with them. I'm not on the helpline but, many counsellors have some hilarious stories to tell about helpline.

The ABA very much encourages & accomodates families in their volunteer work. It is not at all out of place to bring yor kids.