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Thoughts on when to quit babysitting.

dmizakdmizak member
edited November 2013 in June 2014 Moms
I currently watch my almost 10 month old nephew mostly 4, sometimes 5 days a week. While I LOVE my nephew and like the idea of him and my son getting to play together, I never really wanted to watch him full time. Especially since the original deal was supposed to be 3 days a week. I felt trapped into agreeing since I am family and couldn't see how feelings would not be hurt if I said no. His parents are "different" than my husband and I, they never have a set schedule, bring him anywhere from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30, and he stays anywhere from 3:00 till 6:30. I never know the plan, it drives me insane. I'm pretty passive and just resorted to texting them every night to ask when/if he will be coming. Anyway, I have already told them I will not be able to watch him when the new baby gets here, they were understandably disappointed, but the thought of a 2 year old, a 16 month old and a newborn was stressing me out. I chickened out and told them I would let them know how I was feeling and see how I could handle watching him later on in my pregnancy, when I really wanted to stop watching him in February when he turned 1. Does that seem too unreasonable? Should I wait until April or May? I really want some time to enjoy this pregnancy and to hang out with my son before he has to have a sibling full time. I know I need to be more specific with them so they can find alternative daycare, but I wanted to see what you gals though was a reasonable time for me to quit. Thanks:-)
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Re: Thoughts on when to quit babysitting.

  • nunzchucksnunzchucks member
    The randomness of the drop off/pick up times would make me quit ASAP regardless of money. How do you ever get anything done?

    I think @mullenem gave great advice. Keep in mind that they'll have to find another situation so notice is key.
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  • owlcupowlcup member
    mullenem said:
    It's really shitty that they are taking advantage of you like that.  I think that you need to lay it all out for them.  I would say something like "I'm really sorry, SIL and BIL, but starting after the new year I can only watch nephew on these three days from x:xx to y:yy.  If this schedule doesn't work out for you, then you'll have to find alternative care options.  Also, I'm going on maternity leave as of April XX"  That being said, if you want to stop in February, stop then.


    All of this. Don't let them take advantage of you. You might find that you are a lot less stressed with set pick-up and drop-off times and only three days a week which would allow you to watch him closer to your due date.

    But I totally understand wanting to spend quality time with your son before the new baby gets here too. I would also tell them pretty soon about setting the schedule after the new year to give them time to find alternative care, if that's what you want to do.

    Baby 1 - 10/2010 | Baby 2 - 8/2012 | Baby 3 - 6/2014 | Baby 4 - EDD 8/2016 - MC 12-27-2015 | Baby 5 - : 9/2016

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  • dmizakdmizak member
    Thanks girls, I'm glad it's not just me.

    @mullenem Thanks for that well thought out response. Yeah, it's my BIL and his wife. I know he thinks he's doing me a favor bringing him late some days, and it IS my fault for not saying anything. And yes, they are paying me, not always on time, but eventually. That part doesn't stress me out though, they are having a hard time financially, and I don't let that part bother me.

    I really will give them a specific date, like you said, I just have to figure out when I'll be the most comfortable with it.

    @uganamafans matter of fact is so hard for me! But you're right, I will be definite.
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  • dmizakdmizak member
    Yeah, that's a good idea. I totally agree too, I think it would be a lot easier to watch him if I knew the schedule. You're a great one to brainstorm with!
    @mullenem
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  • Tdgriffin519Tdgriffin519 member
    It stinks they take advantage of you ill that. I currently babysit 3 days per week for a family and have for the past 2 years! I am planning on babysitting until my due date unless anything happens! After that I will take off 8 weeks and by then the mother is only going to work 2 days or week, so I am going to bring our baby with me those two days! But I completely understand how you feel with a son already and they have you babysitting 5 days per week. I would just go ahead and let them know you will not babysit after Feb. and just enjoy time with your son!! You may hate telling them that but you may also regret not doing it and missing out on predacious alone time with your son! Good luck!
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