So it happened again. I got digits ... from a female ... in a public location. If you're wondering about the "again" part, you should probably start here.
We were at this really fabulous park, and it was a gorgeous evening here in the NW. By we, I mean, hubby, my MIL, NHV, and me. I am super excited to have Mimi here for the week, and Natalie is absolutely over the moon :)
Anyway, there weren't very many other people at the park ... like three other families with kids and a young couple - I was thinking high schoolers. I noticed them, and they reminded me of times when my hubby and I would hang out at a local park just to have something to do together - yes, we dated when I was a senior in HS and he was a freshman in college. At one point, the young couple moved from a picnic table to the playground equipment. They seemed nice enough and even made conversation with my MIL. And then, the girl made her move. She crossed the mulch with determination and approached me with this confident yet somewhat awkward stance. While I am not "into" teenage girls, she was cute - much cuter than I was at that age (or any age for that matter). During her introduction, she explained that was interested in babysitting or nannying (that's such a weird word). Let's see, what all did I find out about her? She's 19 and in school full-time, waits tables at a local restaurant, and she's been babysitting for a few years. And she wondered if I'd like her phone number. We both searched our bags for something to write on and with ... because I left my cell phone at home. Eventually she found a fine tip permanent marker and an envelope scrape. I ended up with her digits in my diaper bag!
Both my husband and my MIL are a little skeptical about finding a babysitter this way. It does seem a little odd, but I just don't know ...
On our way from the park to McDonald's for ice cream cones, my perspective babysitter pulled up beside our car. While I am not even sure she saw us, I must admit, it did make me feel weird - like she was following us or something.
Okay, fellow mommas and those with an opinion about this sort of thing, is it weird that a 19 year old girl - at a park with her boyfriend - approached me about watching my adorable two year old and gave me her phone number? Could I consider using her as a mother's helper and asking for references? It sure would be nice to have a babysitter on my list.
8 comments:
We got digits from our waitress at the restaurant across the street. We have yet to use her. I am not hte best one for advice here as Brandon and I have had only one real date night since moving to Chicago and that was when my parents were here. We did have an escape for 2 hours during T's screamfest period, but a wonderful friend came over and sat with her. The whole babysitter thing freaks me out. I want to get past it, but I just can't seem to do it. I think back to all the babysitting I did and all the much needed money I made, and know that there are plenty of willing and able people out there. I just can't get past that there are a lot of freaks out there too!
I agree with Chi-town...lots of freaks out there. Proceed with caution. Have fun with Mimi!!
for babysitting advice, if you happen to attend a local church, snatch up some teenage girls from there. that's where i get my babysitters. i realize there are plenty of weirdos that profess being 'christian' but most of the girls i have met have been super sweet and ended up being terrific sitters for me.
I would test her out. That's what I did with our Nanny. Have her go to the park with you one day for 2 hours. Have her come hang with your daughter while you clean the house one day. Always times when you are home. Until you feel comfortable. That's how I did it. And I still always say I am going to be home later than I am. That way I feel I surprised her I pop in early. It's weird I know but it's my thing. Lol
That's a little weird. I know the challenge of finding a good sitter. I agree with the idea of girls from church. For me, that works well because I know their families and where they live.
If you do decide to use her, I would get references, and think about doing a background check (this is normal in getting a nanny). Good luck!
I like speaking from the crib ... find one that you've at least met at a formal place, not just a passing at the park. Ok pick one that has some good marketing skills, you know some of those signs with the little, "take my #" flaps on them. Seems little more on the up and up to me.... Of course we're always around too, if you need some help .... at least till early Dec :-)
so weird. like she was scouting out looking for potential jobs. If anything I would use her as a mother's helper first to see how she is with Natalie. Definitely ask for references!!
I say definitely don't do it. Way too risky in my opinion.
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