Top Tips — Babysitting
The first of our Top Tips is all about Babysitting
In order to spend some time looking after me and not just the kids, it is necessary to have them looked after by someone else. It is so hard leaving your kids with anyone, even sometimes their father! So here are some top tips of where to find that all important and trustworthy babysitter.
Freebie Options
Fathers
Not to put too fine a point on it but they are half theirs, right? So why not take advantage of them a little and get some #mumtime. It is also really nice for the Dad to be in charge once in a while. I know my husband has little (no) say in much of the day to day decisions. So throw it over to them for a day/night/weekend. What’s the worst that can happen?!
If the father isn’t around, there are plenty more options.
Relatives
Some may not have relatives round the corner who can babysit (ours are 2 hours away) but you can still make it work. Don’t feel guilty for asking for them to babysit — they get to spend some quality time with their grandchild/niece/nephew etc. And if you do feel guilty, maybe ask for babysitting as a gift for birthday/Christmas. I got 4 babysitting vouchers from my sister for my birthday — best present I got!
Babysitting Circle
Got friends with kids? They don’t get out much either? Then offer to babysit for them in return for a night of babysitting your kids. I like nothing more than going off to babysit someone’s kids. I take a magazine or my book, chocolate treats and comfy socks. I can then kick back and relax not worrying about the washing, ironing or house work. Bliss!
Paid for care
The Babysitting Club
Run by local Mum Sophie, this is the absolute bees knees of babysitting. All their babysitters have been through a strict interview process, are DBS checked and first aid trained. They come armed with a Club Kit Bag full of fun things to entertain the kids. They also have “Babysitters CVs” containing fun facts about the babysitter that are emailed over to the kids before they meet their babysitter to help forge the bond before they even meet. The Club offers babysitting whenever you need it, daytime, nighttime and overnight too. And when you sign up to the Club you get a discount card for local businesses.
Nursery Staff
If your little ones go to nursery, then ask the staff about babysitting. Most of them offer this privately at really reasonable rates. Its also great peace of mind as they will know your child and have relevant qualifications/experience.
Local babysitters
There are a ton of local babysitters to also take advantage of. Ask friends or put a request on your local Facebook mums group and I am sure there won’t be a shortage of responses.
Whichever option/s you choose, get a babysitter booked, get out there and have some time off #becausemumsworthit