Sitters ('temporary caregivers")?

614 Views 12 Replies 10 Participants Last post by lilyka, Jun 28, 2004

Dov

Discussion Starter · Jun 26, 2004

Anyone have any advice on where or how one goes about finding a responsible, caring, AP type person to watch a 4 yo and a 7 yo for an evening, a full day, three full days and two nights? DW and I have been alone for exactly 4.3 hours in the past 7 years and it's getting a little old.

I grew up in the mountains and parents left me resonsible for my two younger bro's for up to four days (no problem, we had a blast and nothing was broken or damaged too). But we feel freaked out by such a prospect and frankly, we wouldn't dare to follow that model as our situation is urban not rural (and it's not the 1970's).

We cannot find anyone, I mean anyone, not even a teenager to fill-in/sub for us for an evening in our entire town. Every teenager who we've been referred to "doesn't do sitting" any more due to academics or sports. College students all went home, and this past year we couldn't get any of them to even consider it (schedule conflicts, wanted $50/hour, etc.).

We're at a loss. Anyone have any beta to share on this?

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lovemygirl

· #2 · Jun 26, 2004

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dov
Anyone have any advice on where or how one goes about finding a responsible, caring, AP type person to watch a 4 yo and a 7 yo for an evening, a full day, three full days and two nights? DW and I have been alone for exactly 4.3 hours in the past 7 years and it's getting a little old.

I grew up in the mountains and parents left me resonsible for my two younger bro's for up to four days (no problem, we had a blast and nothing was broken or damaged too). But we feel freaked out by such a prospect and frankly, we wouldn't dare to follow that model as our situation is urban not rural (and it's not the 1970's).

We cannot find anyone, I mean anyone, not even a teenager to fill-in/sub for us for an evening in our entire town. Every teenager who we've been referred to "doesn't do sitting" any more due to academics or sports. College students all went home, and this past year we couldn't get any of them to even consider it (schedule conflicts, wanted $50/hour, etc.).

We're at a loss. Anyone have any beta to share on this?

WOW that sucks! I feel for you as me and dh have been out of the house together by ourselves a total of 4 times in 3 years. We actually have a 12 year old homeschooled girl that is my mommy's helper 1 day a week (she comes for 2 hours) and we now have started using her for a couple of hours on a friday or sat night so we can go out. I dont' have anyone either that can stay with my dd overnight for a few nights but have you looked into the homeschooling groups? Perhaps post in the Find your Tribe area here at MDC of the state you live in & ask around for homeschool groups/moms with babysitting teenagers---or even the moms! Or you could try the the local La leche league group and see if they might have a mom who is looking for some child care jobs. Granted, probably not overnight but maybe a few hours so you could go to a movie and dinner. What about going and visiting a relative and having them watch the kids and you and DW go on a mini vacation from their house?

Good luck!

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Alkenny

· #3 · Jun 26, 2004

Do you have a vocational high school nearby? Ours offers early childhood education courses. I was just thinking you could call and see if any of those girls/boys are interested.

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LoveBeads

· #4 · Jun 26, 2004

I was going to suggest that you check out some of the high schools - ours have some "Childhood Education" departments which actually teach kids infant CPR and talk about babysitting, etc.

I find all of our sitters through our synagogue - I post a note on the listserve and got responses that way. Can you do something similar through a religious organization? (either your own or through others?)

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Fieryfly

· #5 · Jun 26, 2004

Have you considered doing a childcare swap with another family, or another mom? Is there anyone that your children get along with well that would be willing to swap babysitting hours with? Or another mom who might want to watch your kids for a couple of hours to make a little extra money?

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Dov

Discussion Starter · #6 · Jun 27, 2004

Thanks for the advice so far. Unfortunately nearly all of those have been deployed in the past year. My db & sil live out here (50 minutes away) but they have 3 of their own and have schedules that boggle our minds. Grandparents are on the other side of the continent. Our synagogue is in a different town (on the other side of the mountains) and most of them have nannies and paid governess types (we're the tzedakah case family in the bunch). Money is a considerable barrier.

Clearly we're going to have to get more creative about this.

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Fieryfly

· #7 · Jun 27, 2004

Another suggestion would be to look into childcare centers or home daycares in your area. Most communitities have some sort of resource and referral organization that can give you lists of those in your community. Some of these daycares may do drop in care, or be willing to care for your kids during the evening. It might also be possible that these childcare providers do babysitting during their "off hours" on an occasional basis. Might be something to look into! GOod luck!

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stafl

· #8 · Jun 27, 2004

have you posted in the tribal forum for your area? There might be some mdc mamas closeby that can point you in the right direction.
Also, look for a local AP playgroup. I was very suprised to find one here!

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Nanner

· #9 · Jun 28, 2004

If there is a college anywhere nearby you could look there. Most Education majors are really eager and great with kids. Just another suggestion.
Sara

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Dov

Discussion Starter · #10 · Jun 28, 2004

Gonna go over to the tribal MDC place and see what might be around... we're writing down all ideas presented so far. Even the ones we've already tried... maybe flipping them over, turning them around and getting creative with them will produce something.

Thanks!

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sadkitty

· #11 · Jun 28, 2004

This is just the kind of thing I supply. I do childcare. But, as i am very AP I only do part-time & occasional. I second the listserve or Craigslist ideas. You can post an ad with very a detailed outline of your needs. Good Luck!

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Evan&Anna's_Mom

· #12 · Jun 28, 2004

In addition to trying your religious center, try others in the area. Most have youth groups for teens -- they might be willing to sit. Or they have nursery attendants who might be willing to babysit. The plus on using people who regularly volunteer or are paid by the church is that many of them have been screened, background checked, fingerprinted and such. At least those who work at our church have all been so checked. Other sources might be the local gym or YMCA child care center -- maybe the workers will "moonlight".

I'm guessing from your comments that you live in a fairly small town, so many of the resources I have in a large city may not apply. What about your children's friends parents -- who do they use? For that matter, would they be willing to sit? Your children's friends might also be the best bet for an overnight situation. While I am comfortable with teens and others for day and evening situations, I would be much more comfortable with an older, experienced adult for an overnight deal.

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lilyka

· #13 · Jun 28, 2004

*As keveryone you know with kids who they use.
*If there is a homeschool group ask to place an ad in thier newsletter.
*Call every church in the area and ask if you can have them put it in thier bulliten/newsletter (small churches would most likely be more helpful)
*hang up a flyer at the grocery store
*put an add in the newspaper

Be specific, what sort of hours are you looking for (occaisional days and evening) and how much you can pay (I think you are in an expensive area - Where I live it is about $3 per hour for the first child and $1-$2 for each additional child for part time care. You might offer a bonus if they can drive themselves.) I pay more or less according to age. 12-13 year olds don't get as much as a 16-19 yo and adults are way out of my price range.

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