Couples in Mumbai now have childcare services that run through the night.

Freedom is fine, but it will have its pound of flesh. Ask couples with kids who've uncoupled from the joint family wagon and now rue the fallout of this independence on their social life. With no reliable help at hand but yearning for an evening out, couples (and there are many) have no choice but to inveigle neighbours and friends to chaperone their offspring. Even if they manage to score a hit, parents are usually on a timer, compelled to turn what would have been a leisurely evening into a speed date.

A daycare and nursery in Mumbai called Jumping Genius Daycare and Activity Centre has spotted business opportunity in hard times and jumped in with a night-care service that allows couples to hit the town without guilt or panic. "A night pass for parents can be booked by noon of the same day. Having noticed the growing demand for night care facilities, and unable to resist the demand we launched Jumping Genius Night Care in January this year, " says Chandni Mehta, the brave young proprietor.

She says parents can choose to leave their kids behind for four, six or 12 hours, depending on their schedule. "Night Care runs from 7 pm to 7 am, " says Mehta. The aim of the service is to provide parents the opportunity to have a night out or take an overnight work trip, without worrying about their children.

"Children are attended by a trained educator and a nanny. The child will also be monitored by CCTV cameras with constant picture updates for parents. Each child gets an independent bed and sheets. While parents benefit from the time out, children learn independence and get over their social anxiety, " says Mehta, adding that they also allow parents to leave their own domestic help with the child, should they choose. At fees that range from Rs 600 to 1, 000 depending on the hours, parents desperate for some downtime can write it off as entertainment tax.