I used to drive 1 1/2 hours every Tuesday after lunch to collect DGS (early) from nursery at 4, take him to their house, do playtime, teatime, bath time and bedtime so that DD (who had gone back to work 4 days a week) could stay late at the office and clock up some brownie points to offset leaving promptly on the dot of 5 the other 3 days. On Wednesday morning she could leave early so as to be at her desk before 8 and I would see to his breakfast, dressing and drop him at nursery about 9.30 (once the rush had subsided) although it was such fun playing with him I tended to get later each week. I would then go back to theirs, tidy up the breakfast things. DGS's nursery and "my" bedroom , the toys etc and leave so that I could be home around 12 to collect DH frm his weekly blood test. I really enjoyed it, I know it helped DD and SIL (who occasionally made it home for bath time, but was as often away overnight or very late) and it helped me form a lovely relationship with the wee chap. Sadly DH is no longer well enough for me to be away overnight, there are 3 DGCs there and DD has had to find a daily nanny. But it was an excellent arrangement and the driving, being always in daylight was no trouble. They even gave me something towards petrol and bought a car seat which could stay permanently on the back of my car. If necessary I could usually do a different day but never stayed more than one night. Could something similar help you?