Leaving DD for the first time alone with babysitter

[gbailey]

I am extremely nervous. I like the young lady who is going to be watching my 20 month old. She's nice, her references were great and she's spent a couple of days with DD before (once with me in the house but in the other room and the other time with me in and out of the apartment). DD really likes her and I like that she listens to what I say and she remembers it. DH and I are going out to dinner so she'll be with her for about three hours. I'm not concerned about her not taking care of DD but it still makes me anxious.

Any soothing words to offer this nervous mama? DD and I are almost always together except for the time my mother is over or with DH or shes spending time with DH.

[RunningMomTegan]

I think you will be surprised at how well she does. My son is also 20 months, and although he's in daycare all day, he HAS TO BE WITH MOM in the evenings. Even being with dad is only sort of okay. If I've left for work before DS wakes up, my husband has to hold a sobbing toddler for the first 10 minutes after he wakes up.

However, I left him for 2 hours this week and IT WENT GREAT. He'd never even met her before, but they just played and had a great time.

You never know, but as long as there are no major transitions and they're mostly playing, it should be fine.

[StopThat!]

I hesitated to leave our DS with a sitter, as he's a high-needs child and can be a challenge at times... And he's 20 months old, and still nursing up a storm!

Left him last month with a mom friend of mine (who we've known since Aug) and I was worried stiff. I ended up drinking way too much wine to try and relax, and still thought about home too much.

Turns out he did amazing! He even put himself to bed, went to our bed, lay down, and went to sleep - no fuss. No asking for milk or Mommy. Beyond my wildest dreams!

You can do it... Kids surprise you

Now if only he behave this way for Daddy

[gbailey]

DD did well didn't even blink an eye when I left and when we got home from dinner she was sitting on the babysitters lap having a book read to her. I did text her about 4 times to see if she was okay though.

[claddaghmom]

I'm nervous about this too!

I wish restaurants had tot drops services lol. Think of the money they would make!

[gbailey]

Originally Posted by claddaghmom

I'm nervous about this too!

I wish restaurants had tot drops services lol. Think of the money they would make!

Has the person spent time with your DC before? In the parenting forum everyone recommended DD spend time with the person before hand and it was agreat advice. She loves the young lady and the young lady is great with her. That said, I am sure I will be nervous the next time around too. I think it's natural to worry about our kids when they are not in our presence.

[butterfly_mommy]

I left 23 mon old DS for the first time with my 13 year old niece and her friend for 4 hours. Now he knows both of them and he loves his cousin. She has taken her babysitting course and has her first aid and CPR certificate and she has been babysitting for about 2 years now. She is very responsible, loving and thoughtful. Anyway I was nervous but I just kept reminding myself of all the babysitting I have done and how I was a great caregiver even to very young babies and I know that my DS would be well cared for.

It was great DS didn't cry once not even when I left (oh well he did cry when my niece left ) They had given him lunch and changed his clothes and even though there was a bit of spilt chocolate milk on my kitchen floor DS was happy and healthy and that was all I cared about.