I was talking to one of my friends who has a son who is 3 months younger than my boys the other day. She was having a hard time trying to find a baby sitter she trusted so I volunteered to keep her son for a couple of hours one night. It went great and in fact the boys all had a great time. So, yesterday we were talking and she said she would like to return the favor - give us a night out to go to dinner or a movie or just get out together without the boys. It would be just her and the babies, and I am a little hesitant. I totally trust her as mom, I am just not sure she knows exactly what she is getting herself into. There is a big difference between being accustomed to keeping an eye on 2 incredibly mobile monsters, and adding one more who is just getting mobile than there is to only having one all the time who doesn't get into much. KWIM? So would you take her up on it?
truthfully... YES! but I totally see what you're saying about her not quite knowing what she's getting into. What about doing a little "test"... just go out for like 1-1.5 hours the first time to dinner or something (and stay fairly close) and see how she feels about the arrangement afterwards to be gone longer....
Yes, but I think Shandy has a good idea in doing a test first. Really it could turn out to be a great arrangement for both of you if it works out. Maybe you could take turns every few weeks so that you each get a break and some alone time with your DH.
I'd probably do a daytime thing for the first time - like she watches all three for 90 minutes while you go for brunch or something?
Yes, I would, especially if it's not for a really long period of time. Think of it this way, if it doesn't work out, she will not offer again. Remember, you did have all of the same children in order to babysit for her not too long ago. Btw, it was really nice of you to do that for your friend!
Yes, I would and I agree with Shandy, I would do a trial test of a couple of hours first. If it goes well and she is comfortable and then you could try longer stretches with her. I think the two of you could have great arrangement, I hope it works out!
QUOTE(CHJH @ Jan 10 2009, 08:41 AM) [snapback]1141065[/snapback] I'd probably do a daytime thing for the first time - like she watches all three for 90 minutes while you go for brunch or something? I think this is what I would do. I would feel hesitant for the same reasons you mentioned - this way, maybe you could just go out for coffee, or something short, and she can get an idea of what it would be like. If you go out to dinner, maybe all the babies would go to sleep not too late, so it wouldn't be too hard on her(although putting all 3 to sleep may be another story...)
I agree with previous posts...one other thing, if you aren't comfortable having her stay alone for the 'test'. Maybe you could arrange for her to come over to watch babies, while you tackle a 'project' in the house...that way if it's too difficult for her, you will be right there... but I agree with pp, if this works out...LUCKY YOU!!! GL! reb
Yes, as long as you know her well I would trust her to be able to watch 2 extra kids for a few hours.
I would certainly give it a try. Like PP said just stay close the first time and maybe not be gone very long.
I would definitely do it too. What time do your babies go to bed? Mine go to bed at 7pm so if we didn't have crazy dogs to deal with it would be really easy to get someone to come at 7.15pm or so, she probably wouldn't even see the babies.
I agree with pp. Take her up on the offer but test her first. Before I went back to work I had my mother-in-law come by on a day when all I had to do was run a few errands. I came back to the house periodically (I did not interfere with anything she had going on). I just came in and went straight upstairs. Once I was home for good I told her that I needed to rest a bit. So, I went up stairs and slept for a few hours. I just listened to how she handled different situations. And I got to see first hand that she could totally handle it. Good luck!
