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babysitting dilemma, need feedback

mistd78mistd78 member
in Attachment Parenting
So dd is 5 1/2 months old. My usual babysitter for 2 days a week cancelled and I have one day taken care of but the other day I'm considering my friends babysitter who is 15 years old. Problem is dh has never met her, I've only met he'd twice, briefly. She's gonna come spend time w dd and I tomorrow to see how they do together. Dh and my mom and step dad are all wanting me to just stay home w her, I will probably do that, its just that I only went back to work not quite 3 months ago and I'm just Leary about taking time off. My gut says this girl is good and my friend has her watch her son. I guess I'm needing support in whatever I decide. I will probably stay home, but we need a back up, desperately. Thoughts? Tia
~Misty
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Re: babysitting dilemma, need feedback

  • Emerald27Emerald27 member
    Check a few posts down in the other babysitter post. I listed some questions that I would ask a babysitter. You might want to ask this girl those questions too.

    If she's gentle and loving, and respects/follows your instructions, then her age doesn't matter too much. Maybe she even has some young sibling and has been exposed to gentle parenting practices. I think it's great that she's coming over to spend some time with you. Good luck!
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  • jillianmbjillianmb member
    When I was 15 I would have been entirely capable of watching a 5 1/2 month old for a day. Go with your gut, but if you think she is a good fit don't let her age scare you. With cell phones, texting etc she can reach you easily if she has a problem. 

    TTC September 2010 thru October 2011
    SA February 2011: Normal
    RE App. October 2011 - Recc. Clomid and IUI

    Taking a break from TTC to pursue adoption

    Met our 2 year old son in Russia July 2012!
    Court trip October 2012
    Home November 24 2012!

    Back to RE Summer 2013. TTC journey continues: 

    Dx DOR, endometriosis, low sperm count 
    Clomid + IUI#1, #2 = BFN / IUI #3 = ???

    Laparoscopy scheduled December 2013

    Adding a Burden
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  • LadyDelilahLadyDelilah member
    Meet her, try it out. I think you'll be able to tell if its not a good fit
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  • boogerbearoriginalboogerbearoriginal member

    Are you concerned about her age, that she's a relative stranger, or both?

    IMO age isn't as important as maturity. I know some 20 yr olds that I wouldn't trust with a baby, and some 12yr olds I would. FWIW my niece, who was 10 at the time, was perfectly able to change my son's diaper, rock him, and feed him a bottle with supervision from my sister. Now she's almost 12 and I trust her to keep an eye on him if they are outside playing together, etc. So I don't think 15 is really too young to deal with a baby. Heck, some teens are moms that young! And ditto PP that she can call/text if she has any question/concern. My only real worry would be her lack of a car if an emergency arose, but absolute worst case scenario, there's always 911.

    With regard to her being 'unknown', I assume you trust your friend's judgement and she's shown she is capable of watching her son. Also, it sounds like you plan to meet her beforehand. At that point, I think you'll get a good gut feeling whether she'll work. 

    While I had a very flexible boss, my first 6m back to work I tried hard to not take time off unless it was necessary because I felt funny having been off for maternity leave so recently. So I understand not wanting to take a day off if you have a good option for care. Plus, it's always nice to have a backup if your regular person gets sick, takes vacation, has an emergency, etc.  I hope she works out for you!



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