In room babysitting (this may get ugly!)

[metivier]

When I meet new caregivers I always mention where I work...

Love this! DH does that, too -- he flashes his Congressional ID "when needed".

As to the OP's question -- if you are comfortable, then do it. We were going to do something similar, then DD said she didn't want to stay "with a babysitter" while we were going to dinner at the California Grill, so we made an early ADR for the four of us. I have a friend near WDW (lives in Celebration) that has offered babysitting services for me, and as our trip date gets closer, we may switch our table for 4 to a table for 2.

 

[CastMemberDWA]

This topic always makes me want to open up my own business.....
(although I already have 3 jobs - 1 . for myself teaching music lessons....2. for a community college teaching voice lessons.....and 3. PT for Disney)

It is too bad that there isn't some sort of bulletin board place where you can find/hire qualified local school teachers (who are qualified and underpaid) to hire for your summer vacations where you need in room babysitting.....(i'm assuming they are too busy during the school year)

By using a qualified educator you know that they were background checked by the school district they work for already.....You can more than likely look them up on their school website to check legitamacy....they enjoy kids and know how to manage etc. etc etc.

Somebody needs to take this idea and run with it..... Wouldn't you rather hire a school teacher instead of just a normal babysitter?

As for my opinion....hiring a sitter so that mom and dad can have some alone time and late night time is fine. The kids benefit too so that they get much needed rest time and don't get run ragged by their parents.

 

[Brina]

we have used babysitting services at disney on both of our trips. first trip our boys were too young for kids clubs, this recent trip our dd was too young. We have had wonderful experiences with the sitters. As someone pointed out, they come with toys and art projects and they are screened and bonded by the agency. I see nothing wrong with taking a night or two of grownup time while on a family vacation - I am a sahm and am with my kids all the time. On vacation we are together constantly, but my kids go to sleep between 8 ad 8:30, even at WDW.

 

[BuzzLightYear3]

We've used Fairy Godmothers a few times at Disney, and it worked out fine. I rarely left my kids with sitters when they were younger. When they were very young, I was always nervous as to whether the sitter would be able to accomodate their routines such that they felt comfortable. I think much of it was that I also felt guilty....although I was able to take a good amount of time off when each was born, they've been in day care a lot as I have a full-time demanding job, and I had my own hang-ups about spending whatever freetime I did have with them. If I had to do it over again though, I would have done it differently. As I've gotten older, I realize, it really is in all of our best interest for DH and I to have some time together, and of course, it gets easier as the kids get older too. I think they like some time away from us as well!

We used Fairy Godmothers and had good experiences....I didn't worry too much about safety issues....I checked out the Org on this chain, and they have very good references.....I never saw anything bad about them. Additionally, my kids are older now.....last time we used them, the kids were 11, 7, and 5. I don't think the kids had as much fun with the Fairy Godmother babysitters as they have with our teenage sitters at home. I got the sense that they didn't really play with the kids that much, but they did have a suitcase of "prizes" that the kids got to choose from for being good. I thought that was kind of funny....I think it's just a basic expectation that kids should be good and it shouldn't be something they are bribed for.....but who cares, it was a few hours.....they were safe, and DH and I had a nice time.

Sometimes I think in an effort to live up to our own high expectation of what a "good mom" is, we neglect other aspects of our lives. Of course, the safety of our children is priority number one, but as long as you're comfortable about that, I'd encourage you to go for it!

 

[Procrastinator]

A bit off topic, but we're hoping to be able to go out and leave our kids with a sitter while we're there. How far in advance do you have to make a reservation? We don't know yet how the vacation will go, and I'd like to wait until we get down there, but if we have to set it up in advance, we'll just have to do that.

 

[jodifla]

For Kids Nite Out, you can probably call more last minute. For Fairy Godmother's, I'd call at least a few weeks out. It's a smaller company, with fewer sitters.

 

[crisi]

I wish we could use the Neverland Club but she'll be 6 months shy of 4. It stinks because she's totally potty trained and talks very well. I'm not quite sure why it's 4 and up. I think it has something to do with insurance or something.

Florida state law licensing requirements. They aren't licensed for kids four and under or kids in diapers.

 

[Mouse House Mama]

I'm glad you asked for both sides and why because I really would like to share why I would never use a babysitting service. Now before I start I would like to say that I in no way judge anyone else for their choices, this is just our choice. That being said - let me explain.

Just because someone is backround checked doesn't mean that they are okay. Maybe they didn't get caught yet? Maybe they falsified information? Sounds far fetched? Watch the news- it happens all the time. Much more than anyone knows. I'm sorry but I don't trust anything when it comes to my kids.
Also- as a previous poster said- references mean nothing. How many times did you have to put a reference down and you put a friend or family member? Now the babysitter may be a nice person, but have these references really let the person watch their kids? You have no way of knowing. I would not take that risk.
Since I would not personally knwo the person caring for my kids I would never feel comfortable. What if the person did turn out to abuse my kids? How would I know for sure? Could I live with that? Absolutely not.
Now this is just the way dh and I feel. I respect what other parents chose as it is none of my business but you did ask how other people felt so I am sorry if this is offensive. It is not meant to be.

P.S. Here's a question- Would you give your pocketbook that is full of all your personal papers/money etc. to some random person at Disney to hold while you went on the rides? That's kind of how I feel about leaving the kids with an unknown babysitter.

 

[Jen D]

We have used the sitters through the Fairy Godmothers. She was wonderful, can't remember her name but was actually an AK employee by day. In many ways in-room is better than the kids clubs because you can have them put to bed on their regular bedtime. The kids clubs make no effort to put them to bed.

I won't go into the possible "cons" except to say while I respect the reluctance of some to leave their kids with a "stranger" I do trust the service I have chosen and feel fine about leaving my children in their care.

 

[LisaInNc]

I have used the Fairy Godmothers three times. On both trips it was a treat to have an adult meal out without having a small person in my lap. I had them come in right at bedtime so I would get her off to sleep and go out the door. We would have a drink at the hotel in case she woke up, she never did and then off we would go.

The only downside is it is very expensive. There is a 4 hour minumum and travel added to it and I was never sure if we needed tp tip. I forget how it was handled my husband took care of it.

Now she is old enough for the Kids Clubs and she begs to go. I usually let her oice during a trip and it's nice to know that she is excited about our big night out as I am!

 

[jodifla]

I'm glad you asked for both sides and why because I really would like to share why I would never use a babysitting service. Now before I start I would like to say that I in no way judge anyone else for their choices, this is just our choice. That being said - let me explain.

Just because someone is backround checked doesn't mean that they are okay. Maybe they didn't get caught yet? Maybe they falsified information? Sounds far fetched? Watch the news- it happens all the time. Much more than anyone knows. I'm sorry but I don't trust anything when it comes to my kids.
Also- as a previous poster said- references mean nothing. How many times did you have to put a reference down and you put a friend or family member? Now the babysitter may be a nice person, but have these references really let the person watch their kids? You have no way of knowing. I would not take that risk.
Since I would not personally knwo the person caring for my kids I would never feel comfortable. What if the person did turn out to abuse my kids? How would I know for sure? Could I live with that? Absolutely not.
Now this is just the way dh and I feel. I respect what other parents chose as it is none of my business but you did ask how other people felt so I am sorry if this is offensive. It is not meant to be.

P.S. Here's a question- Would you give your pocketbook that is full of all your personal papers/money etc. to some random person at Disney to hold while you went on the rides? That's kind of how I feel about leaving the kids with an unknown babysitter.

I find it interesting the only people posting here against sitters are ones who have never actually used them.

Those of us who have have nothing but positive things to say about them.

Note that you are not finding people who've used the sitting services, and then have horror stories to tell.

 

[cara loves the poly]

I find it interesting the only people posting here against sitters are ones who have never actually used them.

Those of us who have have nothing but positive things to say about them.

Note that you are not finding people who've used the sitting services, and then have horror stories to tell.

That is a very interesting point.

 

[BuzzNutt]

I agree, this shouldn't get ugly. My son begs to goto kids clubs when we are there. It is great to have a little break. Do the in-room sitter and enjoy your quiet time with your husband.

 

[caspersmom83]

We used Fairy Godmothers and had Margarite (spelling). My son was 1.5 at the time. She watched him 2 nights. She even brought toys for him.He was sound asleep when we got back. :

 

[Mouse House Mama]

I find it interesting the only people posting here against sitters are ones who have never actually used them.

Those of us who have have nothing but positive things to say about them.

Note that you are not finding people who've used the sitting services, and then have horror stories to tell.

Not to be rude, but I think I acurately stated why I don't use sitters. In all fairness- I don't care if you or anybody else does. That is your choice. The OP asked for both sides and I just stated mine. If you are comfortable with a sitter then by all means enjoy. I am very happy to hear that those who have used them have great things to say. That's great that the sitters were good to their kids. I would never want to hear about anything bad happening to a child, but for us we don't want to end up being the one family who does have something happen so we don't use them. We're not willing to take that risk. That is just what works for us. If you have used them and are happy with the results then so be it. Only you know what is best for your family. As I had previously stated, I wasn't trying to be rude- just giving the OP our reasons as she asked. So if you were somehow offended as I felt your post was somewhat snippy then I apologize. I did not intend to offend- merely state my case.

 

[jodifla]

Not to be rude, but I think I acurately stated why I don't use sitters. In all fairness- I don't care if you or anybody else does. That is your choice. The OP asked for both sides and I just stated mine. If you are comfortable with a sitter then by all means enjoy. I am very happy to hear that those who have used them have great things to say. That's great that the sitters were good to their kids. I would never want to hear about anything bad happening to a child, but for us we don't want to end up being the one family who does have something happen so we don't use them. We're not willing to take that risk. That is just what works for us. If you have used them and are happy with the results then so be it. Only you know what is best for your family. As I had previously stated, I wasn't trying to be rude- just giving the OP our reasons as she asked. So if you were somehow offended as I felt your post was somewhat snippy then I apologize. I did not intend to offend- merely state my case.

I have facts (used FG many times, with great success), you have opinions (sitters are dangerous!). To me, that's the difference.

The cons on this thread aren't from anyone who has had a bad experience with sitters, they are from people who imagine bad things happening.

You are right, the poster asked for pros and cons, but I think cons based on actual experience are more valuable.

 

[jodifla]

We used Fairy Godmothers and had Margarite (spelling). My son was 1.5 at the time. She watched him 2 nights. She even brought toys for him.He was sound asleep when we got back. :

Yes, we use Marguerite also. She's terrific.

 

[justhat]

I guess for me it comes down to whether or not I'd use a sitter service here at home if I had to go out. I know I wouldn't feel comfortable about it cause I'd rather get my sitter through friends/family who I know have firsthand experience with the person, plus I trust their opinions. So for me doing it on vacation wouldn't be any different. I'm the first to say that parents need a vacation on vacation too, but I wouldn't enjoy the break if I were worried about who my daughter was with.

 

[DawnaJean]

I have facts (used FG many times, with great success), you have opinions (sitters are dangerous!). To me, that's the difference.

The cons on this thread aren't from anyone who has had a bad experience with sitters, they are from people who imagine bad things happening.

You are right, the poster asked for pros and cons, but I think cons based on actual experience are more valuable.

One does not have to have negative personal experiences to be able to defend an opinion. One merely has to fear the possibility of the negative experience based on others' negative experiences. We've all seen or heard of bad things on TV where we think that would never happen to our family...but those moms and dads probably felt that way too. It is possible, though highly unlikely, that something could happen, and possibility, even a small one, is enough for some to choose to forego the option. It is all a matter of personal choice and what you feel comfortable with. I have tried the Cub's Den one night when my DDs were 6 and 7, and the girls had a great time. I've never tried the FG but I've heard great things on the DIS from many who have.

If you feel comfortable, and you are the only one who can make that call, then go for it and have a wonderful time!

Dawna

 

[Mouse House Mama]

Thank you DawnaJean. That is exactly what I was trying to say.

I can post various news stories that are "facts", not just my opinion as Jodifla stated is all I'm giving. I don't really know why you keep getting snippy. I had stated a few times that this is what works for us and only you can decide what works for your family. If you had a great experience then that's wonderful. Good for you. If a million people had a great experience I am happy for them too. We personally don't use unknown babysitters and telling why is no reason for you to bash us. I didn't tell you or anyone else not to use them. Just because the reasons I stated did not happen to you or anyone you know does not mean that they don't happen at all. You'd be surprised how many things actually do happen that never make the news. My opinions are based on facts- not just because it was a sunny day and I decided it sounded good. That being said - if you want to use a babysitter and you are comfortable with it then by all means go ahead. I am not telling anyone what to do- just giving the other end of the spectrum. Nothing wrong with hearing both sides. I think it's nice that some people use the same sitter every time and reccomend (sp?) her. As I have said quite a few times- you are the one who makes the decisions for your family- nobody else. We're not comfortable with sitters but many of our friends are. Does that mean we don't talk to them or try to "convert" them? Definetly not!!! They do what's right for them and we do what's right for us. I really am sorry that you seem so annoyed over my choice. I specifically tried to not make it sound "preachy" because I wasn't trying to preach to anyone. Just stating the facts. I hope you can see where I am coming from instead of making snippy posts about me.