We need a 20/20 investigation into sitting services!!

[D L and K's Mom]

I am getting so many conflicting reports on baby-sitting services . I checked out one service...begins with a F and then a G and was told all have CPR and have backround checks etc. I checked another service and was told the same thing but was told that they were the only ones that were insured (aside from Disney sitting Clubs). I then checked out a third and was given even more conflicting reports!! How can we check?? Besides having an undercover investigation done is there a way to check and see if they are telling the truth or just telling a parent "What they want to hear"? I am very angered by this ANyone have any ideas on how to check the validity on the info we are given???? I am sorry if I am being overly paranoid my son is a special needs child and does not communicate so he can't tell me anything so I am a little.....ok a lot over protective!!!! I thought I was all set with this but now I am even more concerned. I would take him to the Disney CLub sitting service but they will not take him because of diapers, and some of his other special needs. Sorry to babble on and complain, just wondering if anyone has any great ideas as to how to check...Thanks <IMG SRC="/infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif" alt="confused">

 

[Puffy2]

I met an FG sitter at the contemporary one evening - she was taking the child to the play ground and I was taking mine. She seemed nice and was older - said most of their sitters were older. I know this is only one opinion but I hope it helps.

http://www.orlandotripplanner.com

 

[nativetxn]

Hi D and L's mom.

I don't have any experience with sitting services, but this is an excellent question for our disABILITIES Board. There are many knowledgeable special needs persons and parents of special needs children over there and they might be able to give you some advice.

I copied this post over to that board for you. To check that post for any replies CLICK HEREhttp://wdwinfo.infopop.net/OpenTopic/page?q=Y&a=tpc&s=40009993&f=38009194&m=9700923831

Katholyn

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[able]

We were planning an adults night out, leaving the children at camp Dolphin, but thats only available for ages 4-12. I could have someone come to the room, but that's just not acceptable because:
1. I liked the idea of the group/public thing.
2. He won't have all the activities like the camp.
3. I don't want a stranger alone with my child in a hotel room.
Needless to say, I won't be seeing Pleasure Island this trip.

7/27/01-8/1/01 WDW Dolphin

 

[pajamommy]

able, I totally agree with you!!! I would never leave my child in my hotel room with a stranger, and call me overprotective if you want, but better safe than sorry! I agree that I would do one of the clubs, because I feel there is safety in numbers,etc. with many adults around to keep and eye on things. Even then I am a little hesitant, but I do feel a lot more comfortable with the clubs. But, I could never call up a stranger and put her in a room with my kids alone, who don't know her from a hole in the wall. At least in the clubs, there are other kids, games, activities, etc. that my kids will have fun doing.

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[Jenn]

I agree with the last 2 posters. I just cannot see leaving my child with a total stranger in my room. No way, no how. I don't care how sweet she looks. God forbid anything ever happened. A night out just isn't that important to me. I know it's my vacation too, but I will go out to dinner at home, thanks very much.

I wouldn't be concerned about using one of the resort kids clubs, but frankly probably never will use one myself because we tend to go to WDW every other trip with family members and I just wait until then and use them to sit so we can have a night out.

Even at home, the only people my daughter stays with are her grandparents or aunts. I'm lucky, I have both sets of parents living in the same town and 3 adult sisters between me and my husband all nearby and somebody is usually available and willing to babysit to give me and hubby a night out.

Jenn

 

[Balgeman]

It seems to me that you have already made you decision. If you really feel that uncomfortable, then I say forego the night out. As the other posters have said, I would have a hard time leaving my kids with a complete stanger.

Robin

 

[EpcotMom]

He can't communicate, is non ambulatory, and has seizures. We ALWAYS use FG..Why? Because they have the most caring and knowledgable staff. How can I be sure? Well...When we left Peter with her,we felt secure with her questions and knowledge of Peters needs, and, the maids and all the other staff at the hotel kept checking. They told me that she was always focused on him. So, go with them..check to Disabilities board..Talk to the staff at FG...Then book them. You won't be sorry.

 

[kimartyraye@att.net]

I have no previous experience or knowledge about them but, found them just tonight. They rent almost everything imaginable for kids AND have childcare, as well, that's how she says she actually started doing this. Their site claims to handle special needs kids as well. Only requirement, I think, was 24 hr. notice. They will take the child "out", wherever you want but, at your expense. According to the page/site, the provider also brings age-appropriate "toy box".

As for me, w/kids (DS 13 & DD 3) but w/o special needs kids, I, too, would then agree that "night-out" should happen at home with reliable, regular sitters. IMHO I'm actually looking forward to the day DH & I can go w/o ANY kids!

I optimistically think that, if there were ANY problems with any of the places you've checked and/or will check, they'd be out of business REAL FAST! So maybe, look for longevity in this field. Just my 2 cents!

I know you'll all have a wonderful time, no matter what! It can't be helped! LOL

 

[D L and K's Mom]

Thank you all for all the info and opinions! I really wasnt that stressed out until I actually started calling these companies and got all sorts of conflicting reports. Thanks again for the info. I just feel like I need to defend why I need a sitter , it is NOT so Hubby and I can go out without kids for a Grown-ups night out. It is so my other child (Daughter) can have both of us out for one night togeather doing some of the shows etc that my son can 't sit through. Thanks again.

 

[bridegirl]

Everyone should do whatever is right for them, and thats a very personal decision- but just to weigh in-

We have used Disney Fairy Godmother's on three trips now and had only wonderful experiences.

On our last two trips we requested and got the same babysitter from our first trip! She was wonderful, a grandmother who has been with FG's for almost 20 years. Her grandson also works at WDW and she was lovely.

We had an unfortunate food poisoning experience where my husband and I both ended up in the hospital at Celebration (thank goodness our son didnt get it) and our Fairy Godmother was a lifesaver!

Susy

 

[pw2pp]

I just can't see taking a trip to WDW and getting a sitter (stranger) so the adults can have a "night out". Your children are only little ONCE. Disney World is for FAMILIES. Enjoy your children. Someday, they will be older and won't want to go on vacation with you. Go out for a night out when you get home (and Grandma or Grandpa or someone elso who loves them can watch them).

 

[pnelson]

I for one see nothing wrong with going out for an evening at DisneyWorld or at home for that matter and getting a solid, reliable sitter. My son does't always stay with Grandma when we go out, nor would I expect her to always watch him. There are good sitters out there who do it because they love to! When we were at Disneyworld, we had a sitter from Kindercare come to our suite so we could have dinner out. My son slept the whole time and didn't even realize she was there. I think, after careful screening, you could trust either Fairy Godmothers or Kindercare.

 

[Lucky4me]

My sister used FG in December. They have a 2 and 3yo. The kids never really warmed up to the sitter but it wasn't for her lack of trying. It was near bed time anyway and the kids went right to bed.

I'd request someone who specializes in special needs children. It'll be fine!

 

[Katie]

I have jumped on this bandwagon before and got burned..however, I feel I must say what I feel...

Surely, you can miss "one night" out without your children during their "disney-vacation", and wait till you get home in the comfort and security of your children's normal surroundings.

God forbid, something happends...
Is it really worth it?

I think not!

I don't think 20/20 has to come out and figure this one out..it seems rather simple to me!!!

Katie

 

[mssocks]

I think it's really nice that you are trying to give quality time to your daughter. That one on one (or would that be two on one?? ) contact is so important to kids. It's sounds like you've gotten some good advice and some other advice from people who skipped your post about it not being just a night out for you and your husband! I just wanted to wish you well with your choice. My older sister had polio as a child so needed special attention, but my parents made a HUGE effort to make it seem that all attention was equal. So much so, that my sisters and I can't even play "mom loves you best"! Instead we made up new games called "evil daughter" and "i'm younger than you!" Ok- so we never really grew up! Best of luck on your trip!

 

[luvdsny]

Gosh, I have to agree with Katie. Sorry. It's just my .02....you can take it or leave it.

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[lisapooh]

I think before you make a decision you need to talk to Sue on the Disabilities board. She just was a Disney and her kids stayed with a FG.
And for parents who don't have special needs kids, please remember that parents of special needs kids need to be able to spend some time focusing on their non-disabled child as well as themselves. Caring for a special needs child can be very stressful and some down time is a must.
A good child care person can be invaluble.
One question I might ask is if they can give me some local references of parents with similar children that they have cared for. Also if they have any that regularly sit special needs children or do respite care.

Pooh Bear

 

[Linda]

Hi Y'all,

Just posting a please be careful when you answer this thread reminder

This topic is about opinions and past experiences with babysitting services at WDW not parenting/family issues of which there can be many different perspectives, all being a great approach to parenting after all there is no one exact way to raise a family.

Thanks for remembering to 'play nice' and please reread your message before you hit that reply button

Linda

Family Board Host

Coordinator Dis Convention 2001

 

[padams]

I don't when your trip is, but if you have time, call the services and ask them to mail you information about them (a brochure, policy statement, etc.). Also, have you checked to see if the services have websites with information? Additional written information may give you more peace of mind. Also, ask to speak to the caregiver assigned to your family before the sitting event- this way you can ask questions, etc. before this person is actually at your hotel door. I think you and spouse and daughter deserve a night out if you want one. I know lots of people who use babysitting services, myself included. Have a great trip! Pamela

[This message was edited by padams on 04-07-01 at 04:05 PM.]