Let down by the babysitter :-(

[rainydaysarerubbish]

So annoyed meant to be having a night out with dh tomorrow night thought I would text the babysitter to check all was ok only to get a text back this morning saying she had forgotten all about it and can't do it.

I wouldn't have minded so much if she had contacted me at the start of the week saying she couldn't do it but if I hadn't text her I would be all dressed up ready to go on Friday thinking where on earth is she?!

Not sure what to do now I don't really want to use her again as she has babysat for us a couple of times but the first time we were supposed to meet her she just forgot to show up so I am thinking she can't really be relied upon.

Ok Rant over! so WWYD use Sitters.com? Not really sure how I feel about this (the babysitter was got from a friend of friend) don't really know anyone else. There are plenty advertised locally in coffee shops etc but then they are strangers. I am not so bothered for tomorrow night although would like to go out but feel if I don't use sitters then me and dh won't be going out together on our own anymore :(

Check out teenage children of neighbours. I smile and say hello to all the young mums on my street, as my DD has just hit babysitting age.

What area of country do you live?

no i wouldnt use a stranger from t'internet

would ask a neighbours teenager though

I am in London Kate

Ask a neighbour's teenager there's bound to be someone who has a broke teen who would do it for a few quid!

Or ask your neighbour who they use if they don't have a teenager

Try likeminders. They do a babysitting service. I haven't used them (nearly did but made other arrangement) but friends have.

I found a sitter through a local parenting site, checked references properly, paperwork etc, and was very happy with them. Rarely use them, though as I can't afford the 8euro an hour!

No reason not to get a stranger as long as you do due diligence.

Have you tried your local nursery, often the nursery staff advertise themselves for babysitting outside of working hours....they will all have the relevant checks and usually spend a bit of tme with your Dc's beforehand if they are not known to your children....so they are not complete strangers on the night.

I would ask at local pre schools if there are any staff that would be interested.

Or use sitters, but they are more expensive. I looked into signing up with them before I got my new job, and they are very thorough with their checks.

I think if I lived in somewhere like London where there is a decent service, then I would use it (but probably on a recommendation from another mother).

Out here in the sticks we have to actively seek out skint teenage offspring of people we trust. I have a fab 18yr old babysitter, the kids adore her, she's happy to play Wii with them and watch their kind of films, and although we pay minimum wage (or round it up to the nearest tenner) having a vat of Haribo for her use also means she never turns us down. We're very lucky.

But yes rainydaysarerubbish I'd be checking out some sitting companies if I were you, and its not too late either... don't write off your night out JUST yet.

I and lots of my friends use Sitters (i've not been let down by them at all). Both mine were very little when we started using them. Also our local (private) nursery has staff that advertise their babysitting services. I know a lot may be closed now but still worth seeing if they're picking up messages if they have an ansaphone.

I would also check my 'contacts list' for those who have children and send them all a short e-mail. One of them must uses babysitters or have a dn, sil, who would like to do it.

Laquitar - or a teenaged son.

YY

Not too late - Sitters.co.uk have found someone for me before within 24 hours. Get it booked - and then you've got a 'plan B' for childcare when you need it next too. Always good to have the plan B...

North London by any chance ?

Where in London?

Thanks for all the advice. I am in West London. I have booked a sitter with like minders in the end as I don't really know any neighbours teenage children and most of my friends with children don't live that near to me.

I do feel a bit nervous but she is coming early so we will get a chance to chat beforehand.

Hope you have a great time!