Asking another Mum to look after ds for an hour tomorrow - how would you react?

[PuffTheMagicDragon]

This is really silly and I know I should just go ahead and ask!

I have a hospital appointment tomorrow afternoon and really need to go without children.

Dh has had a meeting changed so can't now look after ds2 (ds1 will be in nursery, so no probs there).

There's a Mum I've got to know who has a dd in ds1's nursery. We've met up once, often chat to and from nursery, and have vaguely talked about helping each out with babysitting etc occasionally.

I'm thinking of asking her whether she'd look after ds2 while I go to my appointment, but I'm a bit shy .

What do you think? She can only say yes or no I suppose!

I'd ask her - she can only say no, and you'll be no worse off than you are now.

I'd be happy to help you out, it's only an hour. I'm sure she'll say yes, good luck

yes, defo, not as if you're going to be out having tons of fun, is it.

I would be happy to do it for two reasons:

1. because my own child would enjoy the company and I would enjoy having another to play.
2. because it would feel more able to ask for a return favour as/when I needed it.

I'd ask too - it's not like you're wanting help for the whole afternooon - and I'm sure if she asked you you'd say yes if you're avaiable.

Ask her. I know what you mean though as I need to ask someone to look after DS for an hour or so in a couple of weeks time while I have a doctor's appointment and feel shy about asking anyone.

Definately ask. That is how I started making closer freinds at palygroup and nursery. Means you can reciprocate another time and you both are able to jelp each other. Ask

Yes, ask. If she can help you, make sure you write down your and dh's names and contact nos and give it to her. Also tell her if your ds is allergic to anything especially something she might well feed him, like fruit. Sorry if this is obvious and you'd do this anyway! I hope your appointment goes well.

Thanks everyone , I'll stop being shy about it!

I'd ask her, it's only for an hour or so.

I can understand why you are deliberating because I was exactly the same a few weeks ago. I was suffering from 24 hour morning sickness and it hit a peak around week 9. I took the bull by the horns and enlisted some help to look after my dd - aged 2, for an afternoon.

I asked family first and then asked a friend. She was more than happy. I was so grateful to her but I know I would have done the same if asked. Most people are happy to help out once in a while.

If it was me I wouldn't bat an eyelid at being asked. Would also think it would make a nice play date for my child.

I would only be too pleased to look after someone elses child now and again.

I'd ask too.

I would ask and I would also be flattered if somebody asked me to watch their child.

She said yes . I said I'd be happy to return the favour anytime, which I would.

Oh, good!

a mum and I at pre-school often help each other out with appointments etc. in fact, my dad is going in for major op tomorrow in Nottingham and as I am away, DS will be going to hers for tea tomorrow...he's excited, I swap and have her DS when she needs to and it works out just fine......really appreciative of it too as I have no family nearby to help out with childcare

I would also be flattered if somebody asked me to watch their child.

That's a good point - it shows a level of trust and 'respect' for you/them - which is alwasy nice to feel that someone trusts you enough to look after your kids