Should I do this babysitting job?

Question

I currently have two little guys--one 12 months & one 3 years--of my own, and I am considering taking on watching my friend's little boy who is 15 months (I've been watching him all week). I am concerned about this taking a lot of time away from my kids, especially the three-year-old, who really needs a lot of direction right now. But it IS nice to have the extra money from babysitting, and I want to provide a secure place for this little guy whose parents are divorcing and has been passed around from place to place recently. I feel very sorry for him, and I know I would be a good daycare situation for him. His mom also doesn't have a lot of money and I wouldn't charge her as much as a local daycare would. My kids seem to get along pretty well with him, except that my three-year-old gets more hyper, and my one-year-old seems a whole lot more clingy. And, sometimes having them all REALLY stresses me out! What should I do?

Also, this poor little kid is going to be the subject of a custody battle between his mom & dad, who both think the other cannot do a "good job" taking care of him. Already, his mother has asked me not to let his father take him, but then for a few days last week, the father had to take him while the mom was busy. So I'm a bit confused by the politics of THEIR relationship.

Answer 1

Having been in your situation let me tell you no extra $$ is worth your relationship with your own children. Also, watching your friends child will most likely ruin your friendship because you will be in the position of telling her unbecoming things about her child that she may not want to hear. And from your own admission the extra child in the house not only stresses you out, but it is hindering your own children as well. As bad as it may hurt you to see your friend and this child going through this divorce you WILL get caught in the middle of this. The child will inevitably be put in the middle of this divorce and being his caregiver is going to put you in a VERY stressful situation. I HAVE BEEN THERE.

I say no, it sounds like you are already trying to talk yourself out of it. Follow your instincts.

Answer 2

If you decided to do this job, you would be sacrifing or compromising something special to you and your son in the best interest of someone else.Although you be gaining some $$ in return, I think the results are very positive given the situation of the child.If you decided not to watch this child it would be merely for the fact that your family comes first and there is no situation that is more important than that. In my opinion, I think watching the child will cost you some sacrifice,however it may be a lesson for all the children involved as well like sharing, playing with others,looking out for one another,friendships and sharing your time. You will make some extra $$ too, which you can spend on your children.This lightens the mental burden for the parents.I think there is less pain in choosing not to watch the child and one particular benefit, your relationship will not be disrupte4d with your children.On the other hand, I think watching him carries greater rewards than not.If you had a large number of kids already, then I would recommend that you not bring another child into the house.

Answer 3

I think that it is a good idea to babysit for you and your kids. We all want our kids to come first but, it will teach your 3 year old important life lessons about waiting his/her turn and how to get along with other kids..These are life skills that he/she will need when they go to school. I always babysat when my kids were little it was great because I got extra money and after the first 2 weeks when we got a routine down it was even better because the kids would play with each other. Just get lots of crayons and paper or coloring book and playdoh and stuff like that. You can get all that art stuff and it doesn't cost a lot kids like to do project together. and as long as the stuff is non toxic they will have a blast. I hope everything works out for you.
The reason the kids get clingy is because they are testing the boundaries and you are there mother. You have to show them by helping other people and them having someone else to play with it is a win win for everyone.
Good Luck

Answer 4

I would consider how much STRESS you are going to be under watching 3 kids under 3...If you think you can handle it...I would say go for it...but dont run yourself down trying to make a little extra money. Your 3 year old should be fine...I watch him the first couple of weeks and see how he is adjusting...Let him help out with the baby.

Answer 5

Is there a possiblity of watching him just a day or two a week? That way, it would provide a friend for your 3 year old, not stress you out as much, and may help your friend out too in the meantime.

Answer 6

The social interaction you are creating for all of them is really good. You have a controlled atmosphere, so it is better than daycare with 15 kids in one room. Just do it! Make sure you stimulate their minds.

Put shaving cream on the dinner table and let them finger paint in it, it also cleans your table. Make shapes in different colors and hold them up and tell them the color and the shape. You may think they are not paying attention but after a week or so the talkers will figure it out.

With colors you can sing songs like g-r-e-e-n, g-r-e-e-n, g-r-e-e-n green is a color, to the tune of b-i-n-g-o. It works. My cousin is 2 and she can spell all of her colors!! Just think of nursery rhymes ad sing those!!

Go to the library and do story time!!

Make it fun for you and them!!

Good Luck!!!

Answer 7

i think whatching a child can be excelent etra money for a stay at home mom.i have done this on and off several times.i too have my own children and i agree it does take away from your own at times but it can also add to thier growth.being around other kids is healthy for your kids and helps them learn to be accepting of others even though they do things differently.it also can help to learn to be more adaptable.try it for awhile if the stress gets to much then it can take away from the quality care you give to your kids and this other child.if that happens then change your circumstances,because if you are too stressed by it it could damage you the kids and possibly compromise your freindship.best wishes!!

Answer 8

Try it out for a little bit. Sometimes it will take your kids a little bit longer to adjust to the changes. Try it out for a month and see how it goes. Talk with his mom and tell him how you're feeling.

I would go for it, but I would be prepared for problems along the way.

Answer 9

Try it out for a while and see what happens. Your kids may just get used to him being there and things may settle down after a while. Good Luck!

Answer 10

explain to the childs mother you are not sure about taking on the extra responsibility but are willing to try it however if it doesn't work out tell her the kids were fussy together-it won't hurt anyones feelings-