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Taking 10mo to babysitter for 1st time...advice pls :)

laughingdaclaughingdac
in Babies: 9 - 12 Months

Hi all!  I have been a full time SAHM since my daughter was born in August.  I am going back to work as a fill-in receptionist at my husband's work (ie fill in for vacation, sick/personal time, etc).  Today I had to go in for a few hours and my husband flexed his time so that he could stay with her.  We're meeting a babysitter tonight at her home (she watches some kids of DH's coworkers), and I have heard nothing but praises about her.  We're going so we can meet her, ask questions, let Abby get the feel of the place, etc.  Tomorrow, she is going for the first time for 5-6 hours (I will be working 7a-noon).  She will also be going on Friday and Tuesday, same hours.

I know not to make a big deal out of saying goodbye, and I do feel good about the situation, but I am also having a lot of weepy moments thinking about leaving her, even though I know it's the best situation for our family.  Does anyone have any hints, advice, etc for the both of us?  Who knows, maybe she'll surprise me and be great!  I also want her to be more socialized, so I'm hoping this works out on many levels.

Thank you so much!

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Re: Taking 10mo to babysitter for 1st time...advice pls :)

  • 210david210david
    The hardest thing for me was the drop off so I usually had my husband do it (is that a possibility for you?).  When I do drop them off, and if they happen to be crying I just tell myself over and over that the crying will stop within minutes of my leaving (according to daycare it usually does).  It will be harder on you then on her. :(  Think of the benefits (socialization, new experiences)- it does get easier!  Good luck!
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  • ougrad1ougrad1 member

    I think she may surprise you.  I sent Emerson to a Mother's Day Out starting at 4 months.  I started Hudson and Landry a bit later because they were preemies-7 months.

    None of the ever cried when I've left them with anyone.

    The socialization is fantastic for them...she's going to love being with the other kiddos and you'll really enjoy being away for a little while. 

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  • davidandmickeydavidandmickey

    aaaahhhhh, that has got to be hard on you!  But hopefully you'll be busy getting back in to the swing of things at work to be too weepy, and your LO will be having a great time! 

    Our LO goes to the grandma's houses all the time, and has been for some time now, so she's all settled in to her routine.  But, if I were to bring her to a new sitter now (she's also 10 mo), I'd do the meet and greet thing like you're doing, but also bring a couple of her favorite toys/blanket, and give the first morning a couple of extra minutes with you there for her to acclimate.  I have heard the same thing about the actual leaving/saying goodbye part - make it short and sweet. 

    For you, be sure to bring a sweet photo of her with you to work, or take a video of her on your phone so you can watch it during the day when you're missing her.  I do this every now and then and just feel a little better when I do. :)  Also, my DH will occasionally send me a picture or a video of her and I just think that is so sweet.  Will the sitter call you or text you to tell you how she's getting on, or can you call her once or twice during the day?  Some sitters love to do this, and others find it annoying. 

    Good luck with this!

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