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Here is what we do .  We assign sisters to be in charge of the nursery once a year.  (2 women at a time).  The Nursery Leader calls to remind them of there assignment.  If they cant come or if it a Homemaking meeting they can switch with one of the other sisters for her month, or get a sub-- husband, teenager, etc..  Ultimately, its Her responsibility to get a sub.  We don't ask just women who have kids in the nursery to take a turn.  We ask all active women as we are all in it together.  Also, the NL makes up a short lesson and activity and puts them in a box.  We have never turned a child away because he was too old.  We usually turn the older kids into "helpers"--they love it.  As for snacks, we provide the nursery with its own and nursery isn't release till Homemaking is over.  Once the Nursery ends, moms need to pick up their kids and be responsible for them.  Worked for us.

Contributor: Vickie Carter

We also have had a lot of school-age children come to Homemaking.  We set up a system where the school-age children are kept separate from the little ones. The older children are usually watched by an older YM.  This area is set up like a study hall.  They may do their homework or read, but we discourage much play time.  This way, the sisters who must bring their children can feel confident that the child's homework is done.  The bonus is that, because it's not a big social time for the kids, they don't beg to come if Dad's at home. Our bishop also reminded the brethren in Priesthood meeting that it was their responsibility to see that their wives could come to the meeting and to be at home with their children (an aside- why is it when men watch the children it's called babysitting and when women watch the children it's called life?) You might give this a try. Vickie

Contributor: Mervie

In our ward the Elders Quorum and the high Priest Quorum alternate months that they provide for the nursery.  Our Bishop reminds the quorums of their turn in Ward Correlation so there is never any question,  then the High Priest Group Leader or the Elders Quorum President is responsible to get volunteers to cover the nursery.  They assign two members of their quorum and they take care of the nursery providing activities and treats is they so desire.  Some of the brothers bring their older daughters to give a little assistance also.  We have been doing this since I was called as Relief Society President about 2 1/2 years ago.  It works out beautifully and the fathers are able to get closer to their children and their children's friends to spend some quality time.

Contributor: Deanna T Holdsworth

What works for the ward I just moved from, was the Priesthood taking over the nursery.  Actually it rotated from YW, YM, High Priest and then Elders.  Each of these organizations just had to do the nursery three times a year.  Someone mentioned not having a lot of youth, so I would suggest having the Priesthood Quorums take turns.  My personal feeling is that the Priesthood should support the sisters going to Homemaking and in this way they are helping to have that happen.

In my new ward the YW do the child care for free on Homemaking night and they do it in the family's home.  That way no children are at the church building.