Advice Needed Please!

phq2011

So I have a friend with 4 kids all of whom I have cared for since birth. I have watched them overnights in the past and have done it once since Patrick was born. However, now she wants me to come watch them for a whole weekend (Thursday afternoon through Sunday morning). This would mean packing my son up for 3 days and 3 nights. I am a bit nervous because it would mean taking Patrick out of his normal environment for an extended period of time. They also live in the mountains, 45 minutes from town. I love these kids and she does pay me, but I am not sure if it is worth packing Patrick up for so long. What do you think?

bigbootyjudi

Uhm, I can't even watch myself and my four month old...so no. I surely would not be packing up to go spend a weekend watching four more kids...unless I had a huge bottle of wine and a desire to be locked in an asylum afterwards.

I'd kind of be pissed she even asked. I mean, are people really that dense? How am I supposed to watch your FOUR freaking kids when I have a four month old to look after? Get real. 

WhimsyGirl14

If we're talking not being able to eat without this money, then I probably could. Otherwise, no.

AprilAngie

I second anbeck. However as I do have four kids, one more isn't too bad

mmdailey

WhimsyGirl14:

If we're talking not being able to eat without this money, then I probably could. Otherwise, no.

I'd go with this.  If you are in desperate need of the money, then go for it.  If you don't need it, then skip it.

rp-chicago-mom

mmdailey:

WhimsyGirl14:

If we're talking not being able to eat without this money, then I probably could. Otherwise, no.

I'd go with this.  If you are in desperate need of the money, then go for it.  If you don't need it, then skip it.

I could watch Howell and my sister's kids. She has three. I think it depends on you and whether you get along well with the kids. My seven year old niece would be awesome at entertaining Howie while I'd be dealing with the other two. I know I can count on certain shows or games to calm everyone down. I know they mostly listen to me. They live two blocks or less from a convenience store, police station, fire department and park. The only thing we're lacking is a hospital but the fire department is who you want in true medical emergency anyway and that's what ambulances are for.

I don't know about doing it in the middle of nowhere but I'm afraid of the middle of nowhere. I also did childcare for a living so four kids is way less than sixteen. It's the remote aspect that gets me.

nopegoat

How old are the kids? If they are a little older and can kind of fend for themselves it might not be quite so bad. 

 

VeniVidiScripsi

I think it depends on what you are comfortable with.

Just a thought can they come stay at your place for the weekend? Then you wouldn't be in the mountains or need to worry about taking Patrick out of his environment. Not sure if it's a possibility.

ks3pink

I would but I have three kids two of which are infants so I'm like what's a couple more?  lol.

nicnac817

Depends on how much cash we're talking. Honestly... If you are cool with the kids, are comfortable for the 3 days and need the cash flow then do it. I could think of worse things.

Manda-Kay

4 kids plus a 4 month old ... You couldn't pay me a million dollars to do that. I wouldn't do it.

kokokat

If you're comfortable watching that many kids, I think it's fine.  My little guy is definitely not the most flexible, and we've had him travelling with us for the holidays for a week now, and he's been fantastic.  We were worried about how he'd do, but we were pleasantly surprised.  If you're concerned, I'd have a back up plan (like another friend or family member to come help if things get crazy), and make sure your friend can return home to her kids fairly quickly if necessary.

Jillwithani

It would really depend of the ages/needs of the kids. When Cooper was 3 weeks old we went out to our family island house and watched our 3 cousins. It was actually really nice and peaceful. It was great bonding time for Cooper and his cousins but they are 10, 13, and 15. Packing him up wasn't really an issue but we had a big suv to fit all of us in if we needed to go to a store or there wa an emergency. Make sure that you will be able to provide adequate transportation for all of you if needed.

byrne15

Like how much money are we talking here?

It would have to be quite a bit for me to agree to that.