not sure whether to risk using agency for babysitting

[yeahbutmum]

hi
i live in glasgow and dont have any family nearby that can babysit and dont want to ask friends as they are all really busy and not really available when we need help.

ive been toying with the idea for literally years of using an agency, employing a nanny etc, but am worried about the safety of using...well strangers. i know that they will be checked but you just never know do you, hence the reason why me and my husband havnt been out together for about two years.

We're starting to feel the effects of not having any "us time" . but wonder if we're being a bit selfish even thinking of going down that line, and just to get on with it and be happy with staying in, had to pass on wedding invites etc and friends are starting to not bother inviting us to anything anymore.

Id be delighted if anyone could give me their views on this or ideally their experiences and if your using an egency etc could you recommend them please.

i've never used one but one of the mums at dd's nursery runs a nannying agency, i'm pretty sure that they offer babysitting too. sometimes one or two of the girls come to pick up her son and they always seem absolutely lovely. i could find out the name of the company if you like?

ps you should swap babysitting with pals, offer to do it for them in return.

I agree with Aitch.

You don't have to set up a formal 70s-stylee babysitting circle (although that's the only reason my mum & dad got out when we were little with no family nearby), but an arangement amongst friends with children to swap babysitting favours takes the stranger element out of it and will be a hell of a lot cheaper.

Are your dcs at nursery? I know the staff at ds's nursery will do babysitting.

oh that's a good idea, shona.

hi everyone thanks for your posts,
aitch- thats a great idea, if you could let me know the name of the agency that would be great.

shona thanks also for your post, ive tryed offering to baby sit for friends tons of times and they say its no probs as they have their mum dad sister etc, but unfortunatley they have never offered back. the childless ones are never ever available and when i hint thy change to subject. so after obvious hints i defo dont want to ask. ive got to laugh i was prob like that once upon a time too. Suppose they will understand when its their turn ha ha and then the offers will fly in then eh. will keep trying though
thanks ladies.

WHat area you in? Am qualified. Have met loads of lovely ladies from this board and was a mothers help for one of them.

Does the mums name begin with J aitch? Shes fabby

agency

Highly reccomend. Got my current job through them. Lovely people.

hh! yes, that's the one. i recognise her son from the photos.

hah! not hh.

and for the record, giraffes, i would absolutely have you look after my children based on what i know of you here.

Where in Glasgow are you? I'll swap a babysitting session with you!

I was just thinking that weegiemum. We should set up a MN Glasgow Babysitting Circle!

(DH would have a fit at the thought of ds being looked after by a hairy handed trucker )

hi giraffe can i get in touch with you for a chat. pm me your contact details.
kind regards

hello all other posters inc weegiemum do all you guys meet up etc, im fairly new to this site. you all sound as if you do, virtual bessy mates. sounds fun!!!

im over the south side. :-)

I'v not been to a meet-up for a long time, but weegiemum, giraffes & some others have been meeting up pretty regularly. There's a thread somewhere on this board for the last one.

Hopefully I'll make the next one. You should come too

Oh an MN Glasgow babysitting circle would be great - count me in, seriously. Our family are all miles away and DP is away all week and I often feel like I haven't been out of the house for blimmin weeks. So many people here seem to have handy mums and sisters who live next door to them. I've been toying with Sitters.co.uk, but haven't done anything about it yet, for the reasons you mention.

FWIW, OP, I used the West of Scotland Nanny Agency to get a p/t temp nanny when I was recovering from my 2nd CS and had a 14 month-old as well, and they were very happy to oblige. The nanny was great too: DS1 adored her. One of my friends also used the same place to get a mother's help.

I'd be up for a MN babysitting circle as well.

Midnight you only have to ask and I'd be more than happy to babysit for you!!! I'm sure DS would be mega excited too.

It must be so tough having no family near by, it's tough enough having my DH away and I do have family support.

yeahbut - I'm Southside - between Shawlands and Maxwell Park!

I don't get to meetups as much as I would like but they are great!

Yeahbut - I have only met Giraffes a couple of times, but would certainly recommend her, and would have no hesitation in leaving my ds with her forever.

Re sitting circle - certainly something I would be interested in - If anyone would mind hiking over to south lanarkshire

I'm in north lanarkshire. Not been to a Glasgow meet up yet- but sitting circle sounds good! (I work different shifts every week so would need a bit of notice though)

Ah sadly I am west end so south side might be a bit hard in evenings as I don't drive (yet!) But if anyone needs a babysitter am happy to help - would do mates rates Qualified (BA), first aid cert, CRB checked and good refs. Ages 0-teenage. Ok advert over eilidh at hotmail dot co dot uk if anyone wants.

Some of you south siders doing a babysitting circle could be a good plan as theres a few of you - means its free too!

Would also highly recommend Giraffes, adn I have only met her once! She's a natural!

If anyone is near me I can also recommend a fabulous 16yo who babysits for me once a week. She's a bit Gothy! But fantastic with our kids and really very sweet.

TheInvisibleManDidIt - I'm in Uddy