Baby sitting where have we gone wrong

[Tigger&Belle]

Me again... the one who watched the three kids...

I have 2 things to say...one is that you have no reason to have to defend yourself! I, for one, think you did a great job. Hindsight is wonderful, but you anticipated all you could anticipate and handled it with grace.

And 2, where do you live and when can I drop my kids off???

T&B

 

[Wishing on a star]

Well, I live in the South (your info shows Maryland)

But, Y'all stop by anytime!!!

 

[kasar]

When our nephews were here I laid down my rules firmly and I kept to them and they actually did very well. It was actually nice to have little ones around again, I even got in some snuggle time. I would never say anything to BIL and SIL - we got through it fine and they had a nice vacation. No harm, no foul.

 

[Tigger&Belle]

. I never said anything to BIL and SIL - we got through it fine and they had a nice vacation. No harm, no foul.

That's where I applaud you and Wishing on a star! Unless real harm is done-- vandalism, drugs, etc (I'm not talking little kids with that, I hope!) it's better to keep the details to yourself. If asked again a person can always decline.

T&B

 

[Tigger&Belle]

Well, I live in the South (your info shows Maryland)

But, Y'all stop by anytime!!!

T&B

 

[andromedaslove]

And your children may not have ever been a screamer, difficult, etc, etc. However, it could be that you (partially) have been lucky. If I had of stopped at 3 children I would have thought that I'd done a pretty good job at parenting. Then I had Jake... Jake has been a humbling experience. I now know without a doubt that the personalities of children are very different. My sister had the exact same experience with her 4th child and he is now an astro-physics major at BYU, getting ready to graduate, with plans to go to grad school--the NICEST young man. So there is hope for Jake!

T&B

I have to agree completely. My now 4 year old DS was the perfect baby. No tempter tantrums, just an easy going, laid back child. Never had to deal with the terrible twos or threes, fours are a bit harder but still not too bad. Then I went and decided to have another!! I swear if I had known how hard little Lucas would be, I may have reconsidered!! He screams all the time, has to take his naps at the EXACT same time everyday, and you have to be EXTRA quiet while he is sleeping or else he wakes up. For a 10month old this little boy can give some SERIOUS dirty looks, almost makes me want to run and hide. Seeing your post made me think that there really might be hope!!

Dana

 

[Martha7]

Manning~
Now that you've shared the story about the kid playing with the lighter, a thought came to mind. If the parents ask you to babysit again, just tell them that you can't afford the extra insurance premiums on your house! Let them wonder what that comment means... Also, I agree with the poster who said that she'd never leave her kids with a neighbor or friend. I've only left mine with their grandparents. Much better that way. Oh yeah, and that also meant that we didn't take many "couple trips" since we've never lived anywhere near my in-laws. Regular sitters were fine for an evening out, but never for longer than that! Did they even bring you something nice from Vegas?

 

[Tigger&Belle]

For a 10month old this little boy can give some SERIOUS dirty looks, almost makes me want to run and hide. Seeing your post made me think that there really might be hope!!

Dana

That made me laugh--not at you, but with you!!!

My youngest was the EASIEST baby--so happy-go-lucky a real joy. I almost decided to have #5 right away. OMG, I'm so glad I didn't. When he turned 13 months old he became a terror. He is still very well behaved at school, thank goodness, but with us he can be a handful. Yes, knowing how my nephew was and how he has turned out gives me great hope, too.

T&B

 

[manning]

Manning~
Now that you've shared the story about the kid playing with the lighter, a thought came to mind. If the parents ask you to babysit again, just tell them that you can't afford the extra insurance premiums on your house! Let them wonder what that comment means... Also, I agree with the poster who said that she'd never leave her kids with a neighbor or friend. I've only left mine with their grandparents. Much better that way. Oh yeah, and that also meant that we didn't take many "couple trips" since we've never lived anywhere near my in-laws. Regular sitters were fine for an evening out, but never for longer than that! Did they even bring you something nice from Vegas?

We were at their house. Could you imagine them trying to find somewhere to live while the house was being rebuilt?

One day I went to get some McDonalds for the kids. When I got out of the car in front of the house it sounded like world war 3. The oldest child was with me. I commented what was going on in there. Her answer was yeah we are the loudest house on the block. Come to think about it it's been quiet here at my house for the last two days. I wonder if I should have my hearing tested.