I want to quit so bad!

JessMil10 · February 2010

I watch a 10 month old baby three days a week and all she does while she is here is cry. And when I say cry, I mean... hysterical screaming. The only way to calm her down is to hold her but I cannot spend 8 hours lugging her around when I have Brooke to care for and her 4 year old brother. I thought this was an age of exploration! She woke Brooke up out of a dead sleep this morning, and wakes her up from her nap every day with her screaming.

The parents are friends of DH's family which makes it more awkward for me for some reason. I feel like if I wasn't connected to them in that way I would have quit already and let it go.

I spend most of my week extremely stressed out, which isn't great while pregnant, and I think it stresses Brooke out as well.

Sorry, I just had to vent!

ETA: DH just doesn't seem to understand. He wants me to have a side job for the extra money but this is the second babysitting job that just isn't working out.

LondonBridges · February 2010

Why don't you quit? I've seen your vents about this on here before, so I know this isn't just a one time thing that has you stressed today. I think you'd be perfectly justified to quit (unless you just can't survive without the income). How does your DH feel about it? I would think you could quit without telling the family you're doing it because all their baby does is cry. I'd say pregnant with a toddler of your own to keep up with is enough to keep you busy.

lpennie16 · February 2010

have you talked to her parents about her behavior?

if i were them i would want to know

carolinag · February 2010

ugh. that is really tough, especially if they're family friends. BUT you and brooke need to be stress-free. if there is no way to keep her content, then i would probably talk to them and say you're not sure this is a great fit. frankly if i were them i wouldn't want my baby upset all day either. i DON'T think thats your fault, some babies are just really high maintenance, but if that's the case they probably need someone who doesn't have any other kids, and can just sit and rock the baby all day.

do you have a baby bjorn or sling or anything you can wear her in? would that help? or is that bad while you're pregnant? i don't know.

i'm so sorry jess.

naturelle25 · February 2010

You do have the perfect excuse to quit...you are pregnant! Just say you cant physically handle it anymore.

JessMil10 · February 2010

lpennie16:
have you talked to her parents about her behavior?

I meant to mention this in the post. I have told her several times and last week she had to come over three times in one day to calm her down. All she had to say was that she only acts like this for me and is great for anyone else who watches her.

So maybe we just aren't a great match? I'm not offended that the baby doesn't like me, but I know that if DD screamed at her babysitter all day I would be looking for a new one.

GabbysMama · February 2010

I started watching a little girl the same age as DD when she was about 3 months old. I did this for an entire year and he little girl was super needy and cried ALL THE TIME. It was horrible and to be honest I feel like it ruined the first year of DD's life with me. I don't feel like I could give her enough attention because the other little girl was so needy. If you are unhappy just stop. Like PP's said you are pregnant and that is a great excuse.

lpennie16 · February 2010

You don't need the stress. I know its awkward, but I would end this situation. You have a great "excuse" in that you have a toddler and are pregnant. its too much to have to deal with a high demands baby like this little girl also.

LondonBridges · February 2010

I'm sure you are super sweet, but I have to agree...if my child was crying all day long I'd want them with someone else. If the little girl is fine with everyone else, they shouldn't have an issue finding a replacement. I just don't think this is at all worth your stress.

Alli3586 · February 2010

I'm so sorry, Jess. I think it's time you quit, you really don't need this stress. Also, if the mom admits the baby only does this with you, it sounds like they need to find someone else.

mieuxmieux · February 2010

At this point where the parents know that she is not happy, I think it would be best to stop watching her. I am sure they will understand since they know what is going on. It isn't good for you, and it isn't good for your child either.

Chloe77 · February 2010

Quit!!! I have seen several posts from you on this topic; it's obviously really bothering you. Just pull the pregnancy card so that the other family doesn't feel bad. You don't have to say anything about their daughter crying, just say that you are all of a sudden so tired with this pregnancy and think you need to take it easy. Even tell them your doctor told you to take it easy and limit exertion if you have to. But quit - you want to enjoy Brooke and your pregnancy, not be stressed all the time. GL!

SBear12 · February 2010

It just sounds like it's not a good match, and I think the mom probably understands that too, if she's saying the baby never cries with anyone else. I'd let her know that you're happy to continue watching them in the meantime, but that you need them to start looking for another childcare situation.

JessMil10 · February 2010

Thanks girls. I called the mom just to talk -- and let her hear the baby cry -- and she brought up finding a new sitter on her own.

https://community.thebump.com/cs/ks/forums/31552882/ShowThread.aspx#31552882

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