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Original poster

Babysitter problems

9 replies

fleabitten · 26/02/2010 07:36

Just canvassing MN wisdom, me and DH are having a dispute.

It's our anniversary tomorrow, we have a table booked at a lovely restaurant in our village - 2 minute drive from home and I don't drink.

Babysitter has let us down and we can't find anyone else. DD is a mature 12, DS is a slightly silly 8.

I'm sure you can guess the question, would you go out for 2-3 hours in the evening? All opinions welcome !

OP posts:
ilove · 26/02/2010 07:42

Yes I would...get them a DVD they are desperate to watch and some popcorn and bribe the 8yo to be good!

malovitt · 26/02/2010 07:42

Yes, I'd definitely go out.

Offer 8 year old something nice as a bribe for behaving.

Original poster
fleabitten · 26/02/2010 08:08

Thanks for that, bumping for more thoughts.

OP posts:

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Veritythebrave · 26/02/2010 08:11

This reply has been deleted

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smirnie · 26/02/2010 08:11

I would, bribe ds and remind him you're only a phone call away!

Do you have a neighbour your dd could call on if she needed to or was worried about something?

thehillsarealive · 26/02/2010 08:14

if this is the first time you have left them alone then i would say 2-3 hours is too long.

We have just started to leave my 10yr old while I pop to the shop or to collect something in our village, dont leave him any longer than 1hr he knows how to contact me on the mobile phone if he wants and my neighbours both sides are aware that he is there. I would NEVER leave him in charge of my DD6, she is an accident waiting to happen and thinks she knows better than anyone else, so no way, she comes with me or her Dad. lol

If they are used to being left for a little while then go for it - make sure you all know how to contact each other and what to do in an emergency. I doubt you and your DH would enjoy yourself very much though.

Original poster
fleabitten · 26/02/2010 10:38

Well I do occasionally leave them for about an hour while I do the supermarket run, and yes they know all our neighbours quite well, no problems there.

Hmm. I know DD can cope, but I'm not sure it's fair to ask her to cope. Then again, she might love the responsibility.

Sorry, thinking aloud here! It just seems like one of those Big Decisions and I don't want to get it wrong!

OP posts:
NotQuiteCockney · 26/02/2010 10:39

I would maybe ask a neighbour to have a look in on them, an hour or so after you left? Something like that?

thehillsarealive · 26/02/2010 10:54

maybe we should start some sort of baby sitting circle on MN for those in their local area... (if it isnt already done)

When I was 12 I used to babysit - back in the old days, lol, i was responsible and i think if you are not far away then it is ok ish.

Maybe you should speak to your daughter and ask how she feels about it?

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