[elicatanna]

I am a mom to 3 dd's ages 7, 3 and 10 mos. My oldest just finished school yesterday and she's already bored, lol. I am considering hiring a local teenaged girl to come to our house mon, wed, fri from 2-4pm to play with my older 2 girls. She could take them to the waterpark, the playground, the library, or stay here with them and play in our yard or do crafts with them and things like that. I will be home with my 10 mos old while she is with my older 2. I could take them to the waterpark etc., but my baby is at the age where she is into absolutely everything, and I can only be outside with her for a little while at a time before she starts eating the rocks, dirt and bugs. She will not be held while she is awake right now...she has to go, go, go. I just feel that my dd's will get more outside physical activity, or craft time etc. in a week if I have someone come in. I could also possibly catch a nap once in a while as well.

I just feel like I cannot dedicate enough outside time to them when I have the baby on my hip, but on the other hand I feel guilty about hiring someone else to play with them. I know the girls would love it, and would look forward to the times the babysitter would be here and I would only be hiring someone I trust and they are happy with.

Would this be something you might consider?

 

[mocha09]

I know lots of people who hire a mother's helper to play with the kids. I see absolutely nothing wrong with this at all! You're talking about SIX hours a week. I hope you don't feel guilty if you decide to do it.

Also posting just to put out there: you might want to re-consider sending anyone to the waterpark with your girls alone. (water safety stuff). Maybe the waterpark is something all of you could do together.

 

[village idiot]

ITA with mocha

 

[Piglet68]

Yup. I agree with mocha, too.

 

[Fieryfly]

I would say that if you can do it, definately do it! Your baby will only be in this phase for a little while, and things will start to get easier. Good luck!

 

[elicatanna]

Just to clarify, the water park does not have a pool, not even a small paddling pool. It only has 3 sprinkler things that spray water and all the water is drained immediately so I am confident it's as safe as a playground. Thank you for all your comments. I'll be talking this over with dh and we'll start looking for a babysitter soon.

 

[mirthfulmum]

I was frequently hired as an extra caregiver during the summer months when I was in high school. And the kids and I always had a great time. If you can afford it, I would recommend it.