Fairy Godmothers?

[becka]

OK I am the very definition of a nervous mother especially when it comes to who babysits my DS. So far we have only used one very good friend of mine and my parents which means since DS was born we have been out about 6 times!!!

DH was saying that he might like to go out one evening but since DS will only be 20 months old at the time he will not qualify for the kids' clubs. I have read about FGM but I am very hesitant despite all of the good reviews. I feel like I am being crazy protective but I am afraid I will not have a good time if we leave him with someone whom do not know but at the same time an adult evening out with DH at WDW sounds like so much fun. I feel so guilty for even wanting a night out.

 

[BevS97]

Hi Becka

I know lots of people will tell you to use them, but personally I couldn't do it. My dd has been left in a number of creche situations since she was quite young, but I am not comfortable with leaving her with a strange babysitter, I know they are bonded etc, but they are alone with your child for the evening, if they are loopy, who would know? At least in a creche there are a number of carers, so one person is watching what the other people are doing.

Also, would you be able to relax and enjoy your evening out, while you were worrying about who was watching your son?

As I said, I know many others have used them and are more than happy, but that's my personal view. We did use the kids clubs once dd turned 4 and she had a great time, prior to that we went out in the evenings occassionally, but she came with us, and if she needed to sleep she slept in her stroller. Fortunatly, she was always quite happy to do that.

Bev

 

[Jordan's MOM]

We are another family that has chosen not to use resort sitters on vacation. Even with all the great reports, we just could not bring ourselves to do this. Another thought is, if your child has only been left with anyone 6 times, being in a strange place with a strange person will be twice as hard. There are many who do choose this option and there is nothing wrong with that. Just follow what your heart and head tells you is right for your family. You might enjoy a night out alone more after you return and DS could stay with a friend.


jordan's mom

 

[CamColt]

First off dont feel guilty for wanting a night out. That is completely normal and expected. Who wouldnt?
But, I have to say I agree with the others who couldnt leave the kids with a stranger. I dont think its wrong for other people, just not right for me. You have have to do what you feel is right for you, your DH, and Nathan. Go with your gut instict.

 

[jwsqrdplus2]

Becka-

First off, do NOT feel guilty about wanting a night out with DH. Remember that you and DH had a marriage before kids (hard to remember those days, I know! ), and you still need time to work on that.

Having said that, go with your instincts! I have travelled exstensively with both DDs, especially with oldest since I was still working with her and took her on business trips. I have used sitter services similar to FG in Las Vegas, Atlanta, Dallas and Orlando. I plan to use FG on our upcoming trip for a night out. I am pretty anal, and I did lots of research.

I started by calling the welcome center/community hotline in each city to get some names of services. Then I called the services and "interviewed" them over the phone. Then I randomly called several hotels and said that I was going to be staying there and needed a babysitter while there, and did they have a servce that they normally recommended to clients. In each case, the service recommended by the hotels was also the one that scored highest on my "interview." I did not go with the cheapest service except once (Vegas I think).

I never had a problem with any sitter in any service. They all showed up with their credentials in their hands, and my kids loved them. Like FG, the sitter always had a bag of age-appropriate toys, and DDs had a great time. BUT, as I mentioned earlier, go with you instincts. If they say, don't so it, then don't. You and DH will have time for "dates" later. If you think you can do it without worrying the entire night, then enjoy your nighy out with your DH! Whatever you decide will be the right choice for you.