Kids Night Out Baby Sitting Service HELP!!!

[heathies2]

Hello all. First post here but I am addicted to reading all of your messages!

So here's the delima, We are going to Disney with 6 adults 2 kids (3 & 4). The other adults have proposed an adult night and hiring Kids night out? This would mean leaving my DD4 and DN3 with the baby sitter in our rooms for dinner and activities. I have never done anything like this. So I am quite nervous leaving my child iwth a COMPLETE STRANGER? (yes a WEEE BIT over protective).
I am nervous about both our children being safe and our belongings.
I want to hear your expiereinces good, bad, or indifferent! I have read all of the reccomendations, but I want to see what others have to say.
I do like the idea of an all adult night out, you know the kind with out "she took my crayon, I have to go potty, she wont share with me..."

Thank you all!

 

[Zeebs]

You will get a lot of differing views on this question. From why would you leave your kids, you shouldn't go on vacation if you don't want to spend time with you kids, bla bla bla etc etc etc. So be prepared You need to go with your gut on any decision you make and make it for you and your family not for a bunch of strangers on a board.

That said, we hired Fairy Godmothers on a recent trip. It was the second time I had ever left the baby (10 months) and the first time with someone the kids didn't know.

Viven showed up on time, brought a nice pack of stuff for the kids to play with and seemed genuinally disappointed that the kids would be in bed when we left.

We had no problems at all. She was a lovely lady.

We had a stunning night out at Californian Grill, my first night out in so long.

My husband and I had a code word worked out, so that if at any time I felt uncomfortable with the situation either of us could say the code and we would both be on the page and send her home.

I wouldn't hesitate to use them again or kids night out, if they are recommended by Disney then clearly there hadn't been serious complaints.

I hope you have a lovely night out and don't stress yourself out with all the ifs and buts.

Kirsten

 

[maidenfairy]

I've never tried them, but I've only heard wonderful things about kids night out. You can read opinions at allears on their rate and revue section.

I wouldn't feel bad about getting a sitter for adults evening. Sometimes it's nice to hang with just adults.

 

[kevschickee]

You will get a lot of differing views on this question. From why would you leave your kids, you shouldn't go on vacation if you don't want to spend time with you kids, bla bla bla etc etc etc. So be prepared You need to go with your gut on any decision you make and make it for you and your family not for a bunch of strangers on a board.


Kirsten

I am going to be one of those people lol I wouldn't go on a family vacation and hire a babysitter esp one I don't know. I just don't trust people enough

 

[hmacmahony]

Wait until you hear what horrible parents me and my husband are.
We went down in november, and while we were there we really wanted to take our oldest two to discovery cove for the day. We have two little ones who weren't old enough to swim with the dolpins. So, after a little bit of talking we decided to hire a service to stay with them.
We ended up with kids nite out, I called fairy godmothers, and maybe the person I talked to was having a bad day, but you couldn't pay me to use them. They asked nothing about my kids, I tried to bring up the fact that my littlest one was epipen allergic to eggs, would they send someone who was knowledgable in that area. They told me to talk to whoever they sent that day, sorry not good enough for me.
Kids nite out, on the other hand had me on the phone for almost 45 mintues going over my two little ones ages, likes and dislikes, the egg allergy, if I wanted them to nap, if they could take my kids out of the room to playgrounds, etc
So, the girl showed up about 15 mintues early (and it was early in the AM too). We hung out for about 15 minutes, talked with her, settled my kids, signed paperwork, exchanged phone numbers etc. Then we left.
When we got back, many hours later, it was a full day. We walked into the hotel room, and my daughter cried, why?? She wasn't done playing with her new best friend, could we please leave and give her a few more minutes with her friend making playdoh cookies.
The lady got both the kids to nap (my kids were 4 and 15 months that we left for the day), she took them down to play on the playground (we were actually at the nick hotel at this point), she did the dance party with them, played in the arcade, and had a whole suitcase full of toys and fun, all age appropriate for both of the kids.
We were THRILLED with the service, and grateful to be able to do something special with my two oldest. They had been begging to go to DC, and I was super happy to be able to have done that with them.
I would do it again in a heartbeat, the service was wonderful. Very trustworthy. (and my husband is a police officer and was thrilled with the checks they do on their workers).
Gasp, we also used the kids club for my 3 older ones on that same trip. Why? They LOVE the neverland club, LOVE IT! And had been begging to go back there to play since our last trip to disney. We ate a fabulous dinner at ohanas with the baby, which was great. Since the 3 older ones would probably not liked a lot of the food.

I know it is scary to think of leaving your child with the unknown. But, Kids nite out is truly a fabulous service, and the people we delt with through them were amazing. I also want to say, that at home, my husband and I might, might go out once a year when my mom is visiting to dinner, we never use a babysitter. So, this was a big deal to us, but I would also not hesitate to do it again.

And yes, I have heard the whole arguement about you are on vacation you should spend every second with your children. But, believe me the 3 hours they were in the kids club, and the day the little ones spent with the sitter will not be the things they complain about later on in life when they are in therapy because they had a wreched childhood!! (joking)

My kids STILL talk about the kids club, and when they can go back. And my 4 year old that stayed with the sitter still talks about her best friend who played barbies with her, and made playdoh cookies and the next time my daughter goes to florida she has all the games she wants to play with her new best friend planned out.

 

[JUJU814]

I am going to be one of those people lol I wouldn't go on a family vacation and hire a babysitter esp one I don't know. I just don't trust people enough

I'm with you. I would not go on a family vacation and hire a stranger for a babysitter. I don't care how good a reputation they have..and I have only ever heard wonderful things about them..but I just could not leave my kids with a total stranger when I've taken them to WDW.

I don't think anyone who does this is a horrible parent. I know lots of people love the services and the kids clubs etc. I just personally would not do it.

I would go with my gut. If you are nervous about it, why do it? There is *nothing* "overprotective" about it..especially when they are only 3 and 4 years old. You can't be too cautious with your children and if you're not comfortable, you should listen to your instinct.

Just my opinion.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

We used them and it was fine.

I believe they are fingerprinted and background checked. So if you were missing your favorite diamond necklace, it would be promptly taken care of.

On our 10th anniversary, my son still need his mommy. We made arrangements for the other kids to stay with friends and we went to the Boardwalk for 2 nights. DS went with us and on the 2nd night, we had them come.

They were great. She brought toys for him to play with (which was good since I left mine---at home!)

She was even good about working with him when he did is wake up and find mommy hour. We had already headed back anyway and she had just settled him down.

I wouldn't hesitate to use them again if I had the need.


Keep in mind that Disney has used them for years and thus far there have been no "publicized" reports of mysterious thefts or incidents with children by this service.

I don't find you overprotective at all. I just wanted to convey my positive experience using the service.

FWIW, I don't find it any different than sending your children to the kid's clubs where you don't know people. I know it isn't an option for your 3yo--but just saying that it is the same. We've left our son in Flounders on DCL as well.

It is really up to what you are comfortable with and what you think your kids can handle.

 

[treehugnmama]

I have read all the reviews and they sound excellent. I toyed with the idea as my husband and I go out for about 2 hrs twice a year while at home. I really wanted to go see la nouba. When we go in a week and a half my son will just turn 3 and dd 5 but I couldn't do it. Nothing against those who do BUT I wouldn't feel comfortable with them leaving the room but I also wouldn't want them stuck in the room for the evening either.

I ended up thinking I don't do it at home so why do it while I am away. Nothing wrong with those who do but as excited as I was for an evening without fighting and bickering I choose not to.

good luck with your choice I am sure the kids will be fine it is just your comfort level that you have to deal with.

 

[jodifla]

I'm with you. I would not go on a family vacation and hire a stranger for a babysitter. I don't care how good a reputation they have..and I have only ever heard wonderful things about them..but I just could not leave my kids with a total stranger when I've taken them to WDW.

I don't think anyone who does this is a horrible parent. I know lots of people love the services and the kids clubs etc. I just personally would not do it.

I would go with my gut. If you are nervous about it, why do it? There is *nothing* "overprotective" about it..especially when they are only 3 and 4 years old. You can't be too cautious with your children and if you're not comfortable, you should listen to your instinct.

Just my opinion.

Uh, so she can have some adult time??? That's why she should do it. I know many people feel that you shouldn't have any time to yourself once you have kids, but that gets old to me pretty quickly.

Parents CAN be too overprotective. Just ask my brother-in-law, the college counselor, who has to tell parents that NO, you shouldn't go on the job inverviews with your kids.

We used Fairy Godmothers starting when DS was 1...the sitters were fantastic. I've used them maybe....10 times?

We switched now to the kids' clubs because DS is now 7. My son begs to go there almost every night we are at WDW. (We limit him to two or so during the week.)

OP, we had a code word as well. But we almost ended up missing our first reservation time because the sitter was so interesting we wanted to stay and visit with her!

 

[jodifla]

I have read all the reviews and they sound excellent. I toyed with the idea as my husband and I go out for about 2 hrs twice a year while at home. I really wanted to go see la nouba. When we go in a week and a half my son will just turn 3 and dd 5 but I couldn't do it. Nothing against those who do BUT I wouldn't feel comfortable with them leaving the room but I also wouldn't want them stuck in the room for the evening either.

I ended up thinking I don't do it at home so why do it while I am away. Nothing wrong with those who do but as excited as I was for an evening without fighting and bickering I choose not to.

good luck with your choice I am sure the kids will be fine it is just your comfort level that you have to deal with.

And you call this a desireable family dynamic? Sounds like you should get out more!

Really...for your sake, and your kids.

 

[ireland_nicole]

I've used kids night out 2 times and have had a similar experience to the pp who raved about them. They sent the same individual both times, and the kids were really excited about her, and really sad when she left. And they didn't stay in the room. With our permission, they went out to the beach to build sand castles, went to the food court to get dinner, and played on the playground, as well as play with all the good stuff she brought. I have two kids with special needs, and counting those two nights and a night at Neverland club, I have left my kids with a babysitter less than 10 times in their lives. But they had a great time, and so did DH and I. i would totally trust them again, they're fantastic!

 

[JUJU814]

Uh, so she can have some adult time??? That's why she should do it. I know many people feel that you shouldn't have any time to yourself once you have kids, but that gets old to me pretty quickly.

Parents CAN be too overprotective. Just ask my brother-in-law, the college counselor, who has to tell parents that NO, you shouldn't go on the job inverviews with your kids.

We used Fairy Godmothers starting when DS was 1...the sitters were fantastic. I've used them maybe....10 times?

We switched now to the kids' clubs because DS is now 7. My son begs to go there almost every night we are at WDW. (We limit him to two or so during the week.)

OP, we had a code word as well. But we almost ended up missing our first reservation time because the sitter was so interesting we wanted to stay and visit with her!

Uh, sorry..but I never said you shouldn't have time to yourself once you have kids. I have small kids and get lots of adult time..I just don't leave them with complete strangers to do it! I'm a firm believer in adult time.

Of course parents can be overprotective. But there's NOTHING at all overprotective about feeling ambivelant about leaving your children with someone you've never met before...especially preschoolers. Good grief.

My husband and I go out regularly and even have travelled without our children, but we always leave them with someone we know and trust.

I'll keep my strong opinions about the whole kids club stuff to myself as I don't have my flame retardant suit on!

Every family has to do what they are comfortable with. OP clearly stated being nervous about leaving her kids with a complete stranger. I don't blame her.

I teach my young children not to talk to strangers, so why would I leave them with one that we've known for 15 minutes?

 

[JUJU814]

And you call this a desireable family dynamic? Sounds like you should get out more!

Really...for your sake, and your kids.

 

[Zeebs]

I am going to be one of those people lol I wouldn't go on a family vacation and hire a babysitter esp one I don't know. I just don't trust people enough

And that is totally up to you, I certainly wouldn't want to make you feel bad for doing that, but (and this isn't directed at you) as soon as you mention you want to go out for a night out without the kids some people act as if you you should be arrested.

Not everyone has the benefit of family close by, 1 set of mine live in Scotland the other in New Zealand, if I go out I need to hire a sitter. I make my choices based on research, exactly what the OP is trying to do.

She has asked for experiences good or bad - research. What she hasn't asked for is people opinions on raising her kids (again not directed at you)

The problem is that these threads always turn so heated that they get shut down and the questions the OP ask get lost in the slanging match between those that are for and those that are against.

Kirsten

 

[Mouse House Mama]

OP- I am sure you will get mostly fantastic reviews of this service. However, it is neither here nor there. It doesn't matter what any of us chose to do or not to do. It only matters if you are comfortable with the situation. If you are going to spend the night with your mind on the babysitter and kids then no, I do not think it is something you should do. If you are fine with it and can enjoy yourself then go for it. Only you can make that determination. Good luck in making your decision.


FTR- I don't think that someone has an undesirable family dynamic because they won't use a babysitting service. I think that is a ridiculous statement to make. I don't know anyone who has used a service including myself and we all have awesome families.

ETA- OP I also do not think you are overprotective at all. They are your kids. People worry endlessly over who they are leaving their goldfish with. These are your kids. Don't ignore how you feel or be ashamed of it. Good luck.

 

[kevschickee]

Uh, so she can have some adult time??? That's why she should do it. I know many people feel that you shouldn't have any time to yourself once you have kids, but that gets old to me pretty quickly.

Parents CAN be too overprotective. Just ask my brother-in-law, the college counselor, who has to tell parents that NO, you shouldn't go on the job inverviews with your kids.

We used Fairy Godmothers starting when DS was 1...the sitters were fantastic. I've used them maybe....10 times?

We switched now to the kids' clubs because DS is now 7. My son begs to go there almost every night we are at WDW. (We limit him to two or so during the week.)

OP, we had a code word as well. But we almost ended up missing our first reservation time because the sitter was so interesting we wanted to stay and visit with her!

Noone ever said once you have kids you shouldn't have alone time. DH and I go out by ourselves 2-3 times a month on date nights but that doesn't mean I am willing to leave my children with strangers. Yes they are finger printed and such but so aren't daycare providers who shake babies so that doesn't mean a whole lot to me. I work in the daycare industry and I have seen what can go wrong. BTW my kids go to daycare so I am not against it but I have to know the person,

 

[LIBLULA]

We used Kids Night Out on our last vacation. My DD9, DN9, DN4 have never really had a babysitter besides family members. They had a great time!! The sitter had lots of things for them to do. She was a intern at Disney and was doing this on the side for money. I would definately use their services again.

 

[heathies2]

Thank you Everyone for your oppinions and reviews. I am sorry that this turned into a parenting debate. We are all so different and that is what makes our country great! We can all hav totally different views on the same issue and are FREE to express it with out being censored by our government.

My interest in this post was to see what people had expierenced with the services and that was successful. As for the parenting advice I will quote my grandmother "you can do with this, what you paid for it, NOTHING"

Thank you all again and I can't wait to see Mickey!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[sdoll]

We have used Kids Nite out numerous times over the years. We normally travel with my sisters family and we have left any where from 1 baby to 4 kids ages 9mos to 6 years and we have NEVER HAD A PROBLEM. We loved it. I felt very comfortable leaving my kids. Was I nervous yes. But we gave ourselves some time to talk to the sitter before we left all the kids we settled in and had a blast. SO did we. I will admit I felt a little guilty but in the end I was very glad we did it. I would never hesitate to use them again.

 

[jodifla]

And that is totally up to you, I certainly wouldn't want to make you feel bad for doing that, but (and this isn't directed at you) as soon as you mention you want to go out for a night out without the kids some people act as if you you should be arrested.

Not everyone has the benefit of family close by, 1 set of mine live in Scotland the other in New Zealand, if I go out I need to hire a sitter. I make my choices based on research, exactly what the OP is trying to do.

She has asked for experiences good or bad - research. What she hasn't asked for is people opinions on raising her kids (again not directed at you)

The problem is that these threads always turn so heated that they get shut down and the questions the OP ask get lost in the slanging match between those that are for and those that are against.

Kirsten

Exactly!

And these threads always come down to these posts:

People who have used the thread and loved them. Seriously, this question gets asked all the time, and the only negative reviews I can recall is the phone answerer and Fairy Godmothers, that once someone didn't bring a suitcase of toys and forgot to wear her KNO shirt, and that another parent of like 5 boys who didn't feel they were entertained enough.

Then, we have people who have NOT used the services, and really don't have anything constructive to add, other than their vague fears that they hope they can undermine the OP with.

People leave their kids with "strangers" all the time as soon as their child enters school. And the fact that study after study after study after study proves that it's the people THEY KNOW who are most likely to abuse children doesn't seem to register as reality to people.