WWYD- Babysitter

geiwee05

So DH and I have had tickets to Rascal Flatts since they went on sale and had a babysitter lined up.  Well she canceled on us yesterday and the concert is tomorrow.  I have called everyone and had no luck finding a babysitter.  A friend of mine, who DS does not know, offered to at her place.  I really wanted someone to come here since he will be going to bed but at this point am a little desperate.  He is only 18 months so I am very picky about who I leave him with.  Would you go ahead and take DS to this friend's house or just try to sell the tickets or any other ideas?

dt5570

That is a tough call. How is DS with people he does not know?

ilovemygirls

Ooh, that's a tough one.  18mo can be a little tough w/separation anxiety sometimes- how is your DS being away from you?  How is he in new situations in general?  Does the friend have children/experience w/toddlers?  I ask this because all of those things would matter in my final decision.  If he does horribly away from you right now, would you really have fun leaving him in a new place w/someone he doesn't know?  Or, is he a pretty easygoing guy who generally does okay in new situations?  Your friend's experience w/toddlers should come into it as well, because if she hasn't had any she could realllly not know what she's getting herself into when he starts going down the meltdown path.  That totally sucks, I am sorry you have to deal w/this. 

geiwee05

He will be upset when we leave I am sure, he always is but he is pretty welcoming to new people after a few minutes. My friend just graduated with an Early Childhood degree and has plenty of experience with children so I trust her with this.  She will only be about ten minutes away from the concert place as well so.

Max'smom

From you second post it seems to me you feel comfortable with her sitting for him. I would probably go and leave him at her place. You might plan to go early so you can spend some time with them together and give DS a chance to adjust to her.

Daisy77

I'd probably go early so he could get comfortable and bring his favorite toys, blankets, etc.  A favorite blankie worked wonders with my older two and staying someplace unfamiliar at that age.  I like to keep a last resort thing (like a dvd) that I know is a well liked item, but not something I let them have all the time for those meltdown times.  I've babysat for some kids that had a few meltdowns and things like that are lifesavers!