For many parents, the struggle to find flexible work that fits around school schedules and childcare costs is a major problem. It’s a constant juggle, and DoorDash has become a viable option for those who need a way to earn money while keeping their children close. Having said that, the thought of mixing work and kids in a small car can feel impossible.
How do you keep everyone happy and safe? What happens when a meltdown strikes in the middle of a delivery? It turns out a lot of parents have mastered this balancing act. It all comes down to strategy.
Building a Solid Game Plan
Image via Getty Images Signature/AndreSr
The most important part of dashing with kids, as with any successful outing, is proper planning. A vlogger who was trying to make at least $50 one morning proved this. She had a specific goal in mind and a clear cutoff time to get to the school pickup line. She knew she had to stop dashing at a certain time no matter what.
Planning ahead makes the whole trip run more smoothly. The same goes for knowing how the job itself works. Waiting for an order can be frustrating; one parent said she once sat for 30 minutes with nothing coming in. Instead of letting the time go to waste, she redid her daughter’s braids and paid attention to which restaurants and parking spots seemed busiest. Those little observations helped her figure out the area’s hotspots and when it was best to be online.
The Tactical Road Kit
You can’t just jump in the car with a smartphone and hope for the best. You need a set of tools to make the job easier for you and more fun for the kids. The first item is a phone holder. Keeping your phone hands-free is a simple way to stay safe and navigate efficiently.
The second item is a compact stroller. One dasher with two kids brought a stroller along specifically to help carry multiple food items. The third item is your entertainment. This could be a tablet with movies or a few new books. The point is to keep their hands and minds busy while you are focused on the road.
Making it a Team Sport
When you involve your kids, it gives them a sense of purpose. Some parents make it a game by racing them to the door for fun.
According to DoorDash's policy, you can have passengers if they do not hinder the job. However, it is vital to remember that a child is not an assistant. They should never handle the food. You are in charge of the deliveries, and you should handle the pickup and drop-off yourself. The main responsibility is to keep the child safe and ensure the food is delivered in a sanitary way.
The Ultimate Survival Guide
Beyond the games and gear, a few other simple tips can make all the difference. First, always have a snack box ready. A hungry child can turn a smooth day into a difficult one. But keep it simple and mess-free. Fruit, granola bars, or crackers work well.
You should also schedule your bathroom breaks. Many parents who dash with their kids use the restroom at the restaurant while they wait for the food to be prepared. This is a quick and easy way to prevent an emergency stop later on.
Last, keep it real. This is a job, and it comes with challenges. But it can also be a unique and rewarding way to make a living while spending time with your children. For some, it is the only option that offers the flexibility they need. With a little planning and the right mindset, it can be a great way to make money and memories.