Comments on: The Babysitters Club - Where Are They Now?

By: Kathleen

Kathleen — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 16:54:05 +0000

Check out caresquare.com for babysitters. The site connects parents and babysitters online and it’s free. I work as a caregiver and I get tons of jobs from the site. You can order a background check on any caregiver, which is great for parents who are weary of finding babysitters online.

As for the male babysitter idea, I think it would really depend on the person. I would be weary of it as well, but I would use someone if I knew them well or they came highly recommended by someone I trust.

By: MommyCosm

MommyCosm — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 19:06:18 +0000

I was in a similar situation as you. About a year ago, I hired our first non-family babysitter ever.

I hate putting out feelers with friends, mainly b/c I don’t want to compete for a sitter with them.

We live about 30 min from a university. They have a childcare program. I posted an ad online and interviewed 3 people. LOVE our sitter!!

She is now like family to us. My kids adore her and I am comfortable leaving them with her all day at times. She’s actually upstairs with them right now while I’m supposedly working;)

MommyCosm’s last blog post..When buying big girl panties for your 5 year old…

By: In the Trenches of Mommyhood

In the Trenches of Mommyhood — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 15:38:39 +0000

At first, have the 14 year old come over and be your “mother’s helper.” For me, this meant, you know, actually being able to SHOWER alone. As you are able to observe her interactions with your children, you’ll know whether you would trust her to leave her alone with them. I paid $5/hour for a mother’s helper, and then we up it to between $7-10 to leave someone alone with the 3 of them.

In the Trenches of Mommyhood’s last blog post..The Fridge Fiasco

By: baseballmom

baseballmom — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 19:04:00 +0000

I’ve kind of been thinking of the same thing. Since I started working more, I don’t have the time to myself in the morning that I used to, to grocery shop BY MYSELF. Or get pedicures. We have a girl across the street who is awesome, but I don’t always want to impose. I think you did the right thing by asking people in your preschool group though. I, personally, would have to know the guy babysitter really well. Another blogger that I read sometimes has a college guy babysitter, and had hired him without knowing him, and personally? That’s scary to me. Good luck, though, and I hope you find someone awesome!

baseballmom’s last blog post..Hal. E. Luyah.

By: An Iowa Mom

An Iowa Mom — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 03:08:05 +0000

Okay … first off, we have NO family close by, so I’ve never had anyone watch the kids other than baby-sitters. I know … SUCKS!

Second, our FIRST baby-sitter ever was a teen boy. My kids LOVED LOVED LOVED him. He played. He was polite. He played. He put up with their crap. He played. He’d pick their nose if they asked. He played. He grew up. He no longer played. My kids were heart broken.

And so was I.

I’ve had several other “gals” watch the kids since then … and while they are great … we still miss Chad.

I think that answers your question from my point of view.

An Iowa Mom’s last blog post..A Small Oversight

By: Cris

Cris — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 02:06:54 +0000

My friend’s son watched my kids a couple of times. He was about 14 or 15…and they LOVED him! Mostly it was just for an hour or two while I went to diiner or something…and granted, he was a friend of the family. I’m not sure how I would feel about it if it wasn’t someone I knew REALLY well. Good luck!

Cris’s last blog post..Hi! Here I am!

By: kristian

kristian — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 01:06:41 +0000

Linked in from My Mommys Place-I’m with you on male babysitters. I don’t care if it makes me an asshole. There is a reason that most sexual offenders are male. Besides, I’ve never met any normal boy who WANTS to babysit. Off I go, in my blatant sexism…

kristian’s last blog post..I love my kid, but he is making me nuts.

By: Lottifish

Lottifish — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 20:42:01 +0000

It would depend on the boy. There are lots of teenage boys that are responsible just as there are teenage girls who I wouldn’t want babysitting my kids. For me it’s not about what sex they are but about how responsible they are. When I was 6 my mom had a 20 year old boy babysit me and he was so much fun! He had lots of energy and we got to play outside a lot. It was great!

Lottifish’s last blog post..Over the Hill

By: Della

Della — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 19:36:50 +0000

Hello! I haven’t signed up yet, but when I go back to school I am going to try http://www.care.com. They list babysitters in your area, and there are recommendations and background checks! It also lists what special certifications they have such as CPR training. My plan is to stay home the first few times while my kids get to know her (though I know several wonderful men, I just can’t see hiring a male babysitter. Sexist of me, I know) then try short outings first.
If you try care.com, let me know how it goes!

Della’s last blog post..my turn, I guess

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 18:58:57 +0000

I don’t know about boy babysitters. I let my husband’s boss’ son watch our son twice, but his girlfriend came, too. I guess I’d have to know the boy. But the same goes for a girl, I’d have to get to know her before leaving her in charge of my kids.

I’ve been meaning to write a post about my fear of babysitters. I just can’t imagine leaving a 2 year old and a 10 month old with a teenager! Maybe I’ll feel different when my kids are older (like yours.)

Also, I’ll be checking in on your comments and see what people say about interviewing. I wouldn’t even know what to ask!

Jennifer’s last blog post..Many Unhappy Returns