Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by CC Fowler on January 31, 2012 at 9:52am

I was in your shoes just one year ago...I dabbled with sittercity.com but then chickened out.  Instead, I contacted other local mothers who's children I knew were slightly older.  They suggested I reach out to the local Girl Scouts, ballet schools and the high school in addition to our local church and university.  Many of these organization run classes and can recommend sitters.  An additional benefit to using local resources is that someone you know is bound to know a perspective sitter.  Once you have chosen a possible sitter, have them come over for a supervised play date. 

My children are now 7 and 5 and as I mentioned before, have only been exposed to non family sitters within the last 12 to 18 months.  I now have two girls I call on in need. 

Good Luck!

Permalink Reply by Robin Mead on January 31, 2012 at 10:29am

I always had mostly family as well and a few local girls...and personally I always like using local teens and high schoolers recommended by the school or a local family you may know...with the economy the way it is, many Moms and college students as well are are supplementing their income by watching children after school and helping with homework as well..at least you know them and have that local connection...both my daughters  watched children and provided tutoring during their high school years..and they were recommended by teachers at school...

Permalink Reply by Vanessa Jubis on January 31, 2012 at 8:48pm

Hi Corine,

Your woes about sitters is normal.  I am the 'exact' same way.  I've never had anyone other than family or very close friends care for my girls.  It does get tricky when all of your resources you have are exhausted but I believe that you can find someone you can trust.  

I have a sitter come to my house once a week (Tues) because I homeschool my girls.  She is a family friend.  She relieves me on these days for me to get things done without the added stress of the girls.  If I had to, I'd go through a trusted site, like the one you mentioned, and I'd meet everyone under the sun. Go with your gut, it NEVER lies to you.  You'll find a great person! You'll see! :) 

Vanessa 

Permalink Reply by Corine Ingrassia on February 1, 2012 at 8:58pm

Thanks for the encouragement Vanessa! I hope you're right about finding a great person! :) 

Permalink Reply by Debra Rutt on February 1, 2012 at 2:38pm

I am in the midst of investigating sitters for the fall when my son starts kindergarten.  Right now we have a great gal who picks up both my kids from pre-school/daycare everyday - she happens to work there. I wish she was available this fall, but she can't commit since she doesn't know if she'll be back.  It's such a worry and concern.

Permalink Reply by Corine Ingrassia on February 1, 2012 at 9:00pm

It's definitely tough. Have you been able to get recommendations from friends and neighbors? 

Permalink Reply by Heather Reinhard on February 2, 2012 at 7:36am

I've been under the weather the last few days, so when my kids are in school it's been fine but when my daughter is home with me, it would have been nice to have the extra help - I'm at the point of perhaps looking further into something like this to have on hand as a solid back up.

 

Permalink Reply by Heather Reinhard on March 15, 2012 at 10:14pm

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