When our 2nd and 3rd kids (Twins) were infants, we hired a young girl, 11 years-old (if I remember correctly) as a mother's helper. She would take care of the babies on the weekend while my wife and I did some gardening or took a nap or whatever. As she grew older, we started to run errands and leave her alone for a half hour. Now she is older, the kids are older (3, 3, and 5) and she is a regular and favorite babysitter for us. The point is the mommy-helper option (look after the kids while Mom is still home) gave her experience, mom a chance to warm up to the idea of babysitters, and all of us a chance to get to know each other. It was a good arrangement. Hope this helps.
the best and most experienced babysitters are found by word of mouth. Either you or your wife need to talk to other parents in your children's school and see who they use and who they'd recommend. I've been babysitting for more than 10 years (I'm still a college student so its not sketchy hehe) and that is always how I have been found. Desperate sitters post themselves on sites and in ads. DON"T fall for it!!!
That's what Grandpas and grandmas are for. I watch my 5 yr old grandaughter in my town she loves the Bigguy, and now that we have a new one in Jersey I will be communting to Jersey often to do the same. What else do I have to do with my time that is more important nothing. I even bring the wife sometimes.
several states away ..... hence the need for the thread. they all wish they could babysit every week. they love themselves some grandbaby!
Places to check: - local day care probably employees high school/college kids that are experienced with kids - local high school probably held a red cross baby-sitting course One suggestion especially if the babysitter is new to you and the kids is to actually have them come over, but you stay home, or a few minutes away. A friend of mine did this when she was a teenager. First time babysitting for one couple, they just hid out in another room and she played with the kids for a few hours. This way the kids where more comfortable, parents where more comfortable and everyone made a smooth transition to when she "really" babysat.
we do that ... kind of an extended interview. you can tell how comfortable they are with the kids. for example, do they get on the floor and play or just sit on the couch and observe? we also have two ladies across the street that are bit past the babysitting stage (their words) who we let know so if the babysitter needs help there's somebody at hand.
I was always the "sit on the couch and hope the kids don't cry"... I HATED babysitting. So I have even more respect for kids who actually enjoy it. Weird. EDIT: Got the nickname changed this week--this is "montgjules" new handle.
If'n you MUST know... Unfortunately, I am NOT a real bee. I do not produce honey so I cannot guarantee you a discount on your alternative sugar needs. Nor do I make face creams and baby products. I am also NOT the second letter of the alphabet. Lizzie Bee is my nod towards one of my favorite fictional characters, Elizabeth Bennett. I decided it wasn't smart to have my real name associated with an online forum. Privacy/safety thing and all that.
I always thought Caesar Augustus was way hot. Prepare to be stalked my good man! I'll be the one buzzing around your apartment. Mwahaha... Okay, sorry for the thread derail. I'll stop now!
oh, lord. My wife is a massive P&P fan ... she would leave me in a hot second for Colin Firth (I wouldn't hold it against her, either ... I'm cool like that). I bought her the VHS and later the DVDs and we've seen them so many times I could honestly recite the entire movie if forced to. I've never read the book. But I can't even count how times I'v seen that mini-series. We could totally geek out and dish on our favorite P&P moments ... my wife has actually got frustrated watching it with me lately because I'll pause it to start discussing character and motivation like I was leading some sort of roundtable discussion. She hates it when I do that. Great choice for a new name.
Awesome! The latest version of P&P is outstanding, as well, but I'm pretty fond of Colin Firth. I mean, the older A&E version. Edit: If your wife hasnt' seen it yet, don't miss "The Importance of Being Earnest" with Colin Firth!
i think my wife has seen everything Colin Firth has ever done. but i'll check. the new P&P was Ok ... but suffered by comparision.