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Original poster

Help me babysit!

6 replies

RavenLG · 20/02/2019 10:51

I'm asking for your top babysitting tips for someone with zero knowledge of children and how they work!

I'm 31, DP 32 and tonight we are looking after our friends 3 year old so they can go out for a few hours for a birthday celebration. We offered as they had no one else, and we love them dearly, but we've never looked after kids before at all. Their little one is lovely and will be asleep most of the time (we're getting there just before they put her to bed so she knows we will be there, but we don't have to try and wrangle her into bed). Now I am having a very strong "Oh my god, what are we doing, I can't even look after myself, I smashed my phone screen this morning, how can I look after a child" panic!

Both myself and DP have absolutely no knowledge of looking after kids, babysitting or anything. Only until recently I've always thought kids weren't for me. I'm the youngest family child, and an only child. DP, while his mum was a childminder he was 18 and out of the house through the day when she started, and again no experience with kids. I really do want to build my own comfort with children, as I would like to have a family in the next few years, but they do terrify me.

So lovely parents of Mumsnet, I'm asking what the hell do we do?! She will be asleep so I'm guessing we just stare at the baby monitor (do 3 year olds have baby monitors?) and if she makes a noise panic check on her?

Please hold a very incapable hand!!

OP posts:

Nnnnnineteen · 20/02/2019 11:06

You are massively over thinking it, it will be fine. If she wakes up, she will be able to tell you what she wants. She may need a story or the loo if she wakes (or an attempt at an hour of tv) but if she is normally a good sleeper she will sleep through and you get to eat the nice things your friends have left for you.

Twickerhun · 20/02/2019 11:09

Ask the parents what to do! Would she normally wake up and get a drink for example - if so what do you give her (water? In what cup?). If she needs the loo will she need help - if so what hell. If she needs resettlingbwould they reccomend you reading or singing to her - if so what book/song etc etc? If she wants to get out of bed can you let her? She will tell you mostly what she needs though.

AuntMarch · 20/02/2019 11:09

You'll be fine! 3 year olds are quite hard to break. Be prepared to give a cuddle and story if she does wake up and is a bit wobbly that parents aren't there, but I doubt it'll happen.

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AuntMarch · 20/02/2019 11:10

If she needs the loo will she need help - if so what hell

Original poster

RavenLG · 20/02/2019 11:18

If she needs the loo will she need help - if so what hell

I know I am massively over thinking it, yes we will ask parents. I just wanted a pathetic hand hold lol. Thank you all.

OP posts:

underneaththeash · 20/02/2019 12:10

You'll be absolutely fine.
If she wakes, give it a couple of minutes first as she may just go back to sleep. If not, keep the lights on low, go and remind her softly who it is. Then check she's okay,- few soothing words will hopefully be okay.
I'd also ask her parents what they do it she wakes.
The worst that could happen is that she won't settle back down and if that happens, either lie next to her on the floor for a bit or bring her downstairs and put Peppa Pig on the TV.

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