Comments on: Babysitter Anxiety

By: This is going to sound like I’m just making excuses | Playgroups are No Place For Children

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:56:03 +0000

[...] When we lived in Indiana, I was going to walk regularly (and BRISKLY!) with my neighbor, but it got cold and I hate doing physical activity when it’s cold. Then it got hot and apparently I can’t possibly do any sort of physical activity that might cause me to get flushed! Lawsy mercy, Miss Jennifer, you are so delicate! Just like a flower! I had considered joining a gym with some of my MOMS club friends, but I was nervous about leaving my kids in the nursery. [...]

By: Returning to work after staying home with children | Playgroups are No Place For Children

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:06:42 +0000

[...] the kids were in Kindergarten. Eventually, I pushed the timing back to *maybe* junior high. I’ve never even left my kids with a babysitter. But the thing is, I really think I NEED [...]

By: Snack FAIL | Playgroups are No Place For Children

Snack FAIL | Playgroups are No Place For Children — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 12:03:24 +0000

[...] Last week, I put my children in the care of church nursery workers for the very first time. It was a big step for me and my kids and a great leap towards lessening my babysitter anxiety. [...]

By: Two Posts for the Low, Low Price of Just $19.99! Call Now and I’ll Throw in a Useless Freebie! | Playgroups are No Place For Children

Tue, 27 May 2008 19:10:17 +0000

[...] There are so many little things that bug the ever-loving CRAP out of me about my kids right now. I just look at them in awe and wonder why the hell I don’t just break down and call a babysitter. [...]

By: CanadaMom

CanadaMom — Mon, 26 May 2008 18:32:08 +0000

I have the same anxiety with babysitters. So far we’ve had family members watch the girls, and the girls love them so it hasn’t been an issue. But we also have only gone out maybe 8-10 times in 4 years, and only stay out for 2 to 3 hours at the most and are home before bed time, or we let the girls stay up until we get back…

I babysat a *lot* in high school, and Im fairly sure I was responsable, but when it comes to your own kids, its hard not to freak out.

By: Andi

Andi — Tue, 20 May 2008 22:09:12 +0000

We have an 18-month-old, and we have yet to pay for a babysitter. We swap date nights with friends with kids, which has worked out great. I go over to their house after the kids go to bed so they can go out, and they do the same for us the next week. It's free (sweet!), and I know my kiddo is in good hands and not with a total stranger. Since he's asleep, he doesn't even know we're gone, but if he did wake up a familiar face would be there. It's a great setup for all parties! Andi's last blog post..Anyone want a dog?

By: Greta

Greta — Mon, 19 May 2008 13:55:24 +0000

I cannot tell you how with you I am on this. I need a babysitter for 5 workdays over the summer and I'm terrified of getting a nonfamily member. That said, I think it's time. Greta's last blog post..Virgin Garden(er) Dirty Workout

By: Mommy Daisy

Mommy Daisy — Sun, 18 May 2008 18:19:52 +0000

I left my son with a sitter (other than family) uh...twice? He was about 6 months old and I had a quick chiropractor appointment. I left him with a teenage boy at their house. The parents (who we've known very well for a long time & the kids too) were home and so were their older and younger boy. So, I'm not really one to ask. But it is inconvient to have our parents come here or us take him there since they're over an hour away. I think $10 for two kids is perfectly reasonable for you. Even if it is a bit over, it's good to ensure good sitters. I babysat a lot when I was in junior high/high school, and one family paid me well. I know they really apprecaited me. I was great with their kids, I communicated everything that went on to them, and I was willing to come back when they needed me. In case no one else has suggested this, here is an idea. You can check with your local YMCA, high schools, colleges, hospitals and churches to see if they have babysitter lists. Our church's youth group recently started a "babysitter's club". All the kids must go through a babysitting class at the YMCA or local hospital. Some of them are even certified in infant/child CPR. They have a list of who is nearest to you and then will get you in touch with the person of your choosing. I have not used this, but it's a great concept. You might try calling a few places around you for ideas too. Mommy Daisy's last blog post..I guess "complainy" isn't a real word

By: Christina

Christina — Sat, 17 May 2008 17:13:07 +0000

Right now the only babysitters we use are family or very close friends. Which is kind of limiting, honestly. I've felt like I need a Mother's Helper around the house now that I'm doing so much - someone to be here for a few hours one or two days a week to let me catch up on writing or homework or whatever I need. But I can't make myself call anyone. I'm too nervous to hire a complete stranger, and worried they will ignore my kids, or steal from me, or something else bad. So I know how you feel. Christina's last blog post..You Think I'm Strict?

By: my minivan is faster than yours

my minivan is faster than yours — Sat, 17 May 2008 06:07:32 +0000

We had a sitter tonight and tomorrow night we're going to the gym so we can put the kids in the kid's club and have more time to ourselves. Sorry, can't relate AT ALL!! In fact, we usually get our sitter on Saturdays at 4:00 and we come home around 9 or 10 after they've gone to bed. We figure if we're paying, we'd rather really get a break. I know. We suck! my minivan is faster than yours's last blog post..A Personal Note of Gratitude