Help! Babysitting advice

[Becs]

Hi Ladies,

Any advice would be really helpful!

My brother and his wife have a 3 year old and a 1 year old and they have asked me to babysit them tomorrow night. Sounds simple, except this is the first time they have ever asked someone to babysit. They should be in bed when I get there so in theory there may not be any reason to even know I was there. However what will comfort them if they wake up to find i am there and not their Mum and Dad? The 3 year old is very possesive of his family and can be cold with outsiders. I get on fine with him but am nervous this situation could bring that out in him.

Sorry for all of the questions, I am probably being seriously paronoid.

What do you think?

Becs

 

[Sherlock]

Blimey, they have never had anyone in to babysit?

Hmm having looked after no end of children and done babysitting for them, I'm always of the opinion that if they are old enough to understand then its always good to tell them that the babysitter will be there for a few hours. That way, if they wake up, they won't be surprised and possibly get upset. They actually, even if already asleep in bed before I arrive accept me far better than if they didn't know I was going to be there. Usually settle back down quickly and are fine.

If your nephew is a deep sleeper and does not normally wake up, your brother and his wife can take their chances I guess.

TBH I think that having someone else babysit from time to time is a good thing as the children can get too dependant and clingy with parents and it often only gets harder to introduce someone else as they get older. The dramas I have seen from older children who don't want their parents to go out and who give them a hard time are to numerous to mention. It lays guilt on the parent then and some find it really hard to then go out and enjoy themselves for a night. Mind you saying that, most of the time once parents have gone, within 5 minutes the child in question has stopped crying and is all smiles and fine

I'd talk it over with your brother and his wife and see what they think they would be comfortable doing this evening. I'd be prepared to tough it out with the children if one of them does wake up and cries. Calling parents back straight away before giving the child a chance to settle usually defeats the purpose and sets a precedent for the future. They know you, so hopefully won't be so shocked. I think have a good simple explanation ready in case you need to use it to reassure the LO's. Something like Daddy decided to treat Mummy to a grown up meal out this evening....they will be back once they have eaten and LO will see them when s/he wakes up in the morning as usual Whatever it is, keep it simple and stick to it

Hopefully they will be able to find a good local babysitter in the future and enjoy an evening or two out from time to time also. I'd encourage it

 

[Strangeness]

The best thing you can do is ask mum and dad what the best way to soothe the kids is. They should have a good idea of what to do if they should wake up. At 3 I think you'd be able to ask what they need e.g a drink etc. Hope it goes well hun

 

[Lou]

I'd get there before bedtime so if little'un does wake up it won't be such a surprise to see you

 

[Becs]

Thanks girls,

He will be told I'll be babysitting before he goes to bed. I was just concerned that being told and it happening in practice may not be so simple if he does wake up and realises his parents really aren't there for the first time. I can't get there any earlier to be there before they go to bed as I will commuting down from London after work and won't get there untill 8pm and his bedtime is 7pm.

Thanks for your suggestions.

Becs

 

[kalia]

If they do wake up, don't look nervous or worried (even if you are ). That would send negative signals to them. Smile and be calm.

 

[Becs]

 

[nickilubs]

If you can get a phone number for his mum and dad then if he does get upset and you get really stuck then he can give them a call....or just smile make him a hot drink and read a story or somthing to take his mind off.

you'll be fine though

 

[Babylicious]

have a story at the ready in case they do wake up, always a winner