my friend has offered to babysit my child but she has a drinking problem, she is the only help that i can afford. i really need the help because of school and work what should i do?
2007-01-04 12:50:49 · 36 answers · asked by dm4_0 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
You can find someone more appropriate.
You can post an ad for a babysitter (for FREE) at www.craigslist.org. Craigslist is available for main cities in every state. So, find your location first, then post your ad. It's extremely popular - gets more traffic than the local paper!
Of course, screen your potential babysitters as you normally would.
2007-01-04 14:48:10 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am a single mother of three, full-time student with a part-time job. It is HARD to find the right person for the right time! The only thing you can do is ask all the right questions to the right person. The first Question should be, "Do you trust this person when sober?" If yes, then just talk to her. Tell her that you are thankful she is willing to help you and that you can in turn pay her for the help. Then ask her that there be no alcahol in your home or her system when watching your children.
If you feel like you can't trust her or that she is beng dishonest, then don't do it. Trust your instincts. But if you find yourself looking for someone else, either now or in the future, try contacting your local social services department. There are sometimes people listed as in-home child care and such. They are usually inexpensive and due to federal law requirements, the person watching any child must be CPR certified as well as have child-care classes.
If you ever have someone you don't know watch your child, ask for references and drill as if you were a president of a corporation giving a future vice-president an interview for a job.
2007-01-04 15:32:25 · answer #2 · answered by spoiledbrat30x3 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you should, maybe you could find a teenager that can work after school that will work for a low amount of money, if your friend has a drinking problem, then she probably isn't the best person to be responsible for for your child, she could be a bad influence, or what if she shows up drunk one day or gets drunk while babysitting, I wouldn't take the risk if I were you
2007-01-04 12:54:49 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If this is the only child care method you have, then insist that there is, in no uncertain terms, to be any drinking done around your child. Also, don't keep alcohol in your home, or lock it up before she comes over. Finding a babysitter is tough these days. IF she is a good friend, she will understand that you want a sober person watching your child.
2007-01-04 12:59:42 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some people use the "3 strikes and you're out" rule. In this case, I would use the "1 strike and you're out" rule.
I would set rules:
- NO drinking before or during the babysitting session, at your home or hers.
- NO talking about her adventures / problem in front of your child.
- NO exceptions.
If she can live with those boundaries, and you trust her otherwise, then I don't see an issue. Some people are much more responsible when they're in a situation where they need to be than they are with the rest of their life...
2007-01-04 13:03:06 · answer #5 · answered by ♫CuriousC☼ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just because she has a drinking problem, it doesn't mean that she's going to drink when she is with your child. Just politely ask her not to drink before taking care of your child. She can drink all she wants afterwards, just not before or during the time she's with your child. It doesn't make her a bad person just because she drinks. If you really need the help and she's affordable for you, I say go ahead with it.
2007-01-04 13:01:31 · answer #6 · answered by Monica S 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't risk the safety and health of your child. Find help elsewhere. Your friends drinking problem should be your first reason to tell her "No thank you". Maybe check with local churches for after school programs or a boys and girls club. There are alternatives to a situation like this. Think of your childs safety and well being when you look for baby sitter.
2007-01-04 13:03:28 · answer #7 · answered by Robin H 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
How bad is this drinking problem? I know many teachers, daycare workers, and others who work with children--many can't wait until they can grab a drink to relax. Many go out and get sloppy a few nights a week...but when they are at work or around children, they are responsible and trustworthy. If your friend is this sort of person--it should be fine. If your friend is a bit irresponsible, you may have to find someone else.
2007-01-04 12:57:02 · answer #8 · answered by aquari-kat 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How could you ever consider leaving your precious child with someone you know who might not be capable of watching your child.
There are many organizations that will watch you child while you go to work or school. Their fees are on a sliding scale depending upon what you earn and what you can afford.
I urge you to seek the help of social services in your area or your minister or doctor. These people can put you in touch with a reliable baby sitter.
2007-01-04 12:54:51 · answer #9 · answered by swulfson 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I personally think if someone drinks every day, they have a problem. Does she drink 1 beer or 2 beer a day, or does she get drunk, a very big difference. Does she have people come to visit her?
Consider these things, and remember, when people drink, they are impaired, not thinking clearly.....perhaps she has had to much to drink and one of her friends come over,,,,she doesn't have any idea, but the guy/gal is a child molester,or abuser she has to much to drink.....what do you think you would be setting your child up for?
2007-01-04 13:06:14 · answer #10 · answered by Jennifer N 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋