Is it me??

I am now babysitting for the son of a man who works for my FI. I have met this man, very casually, once and have never met his wife. Their babysitter is on vacation this week, and they both work Saturday nights.
I just think it is SO strange that these parents would want me, who they don't even KNOW to watch their child! I would NEVER! But then, maybe it's just me? This man also said I could take his son in the car!!!!!!!
Just wanted to get some feedback. Am I more neurotic than I thought, or does this seem really strange to you??

(The child is 1, and absolutely adorable )

Wow
I would never...
Thats very nice of you to do though

I agree w/you...I think One is a little too young to trust 'just anyone' with your child. My son has been with his grandparents all weekend, and my Mom told me tonight that he gets a little anxious if she leaves the room for too long, or he can't see her.

I think it's great for kids to learn that they don't always have to be w/Mommy or Daddy to be loved and well-cared for, but I think it's less stressful on the child if the caregiver is not a complete stranger to them.

I agree it is strange but some people are just like that On more than one occasion parents have called my day care and as soon as they heard we had an opening they want to sign right up. They come down fill out the forms and start the kid right away no questions asked.

That is a bit odd! I wouldn't just leave Patrick w/ anyone!! We have friends that constantly say if you ever want a night out tell me I'll mind him. We have never taken them up on the offer. Only my family or his & a REALLY close friend!!

This thread makes me feel so sad.

As a mom-to-be who is returning to work, I have no choice but to leave my baby with a less than extremely close friend, and if this person hadn't so graciously offered, I would be leaving him/her with a well recommended stranger, who's references I would have checked (and it helps to have a DH with access to police computers and files ).

I don't doubt for one second that I am making the right decision for my family, but it makes me so sad to realize that there are people who will view me as a bad parent for my choices.

Jenn- you are not leaving your child with a complete stranger. You have met this person, spoken to the them, had them check out. That is very different than this thread. This is a one time babysitting gig where no references have been check. You shouldn't feel guilty at all about your childcare decision. And you will also spend time with this person before you go back to work.

I would not leave my child with someone that I met once.

Jenn I agree with Michele don't feel bad for a second

Jenn, dont feel bad for your choices. I think that maybe me too. I think my mom is going to watch the baby. I hate the idea, but it is tough living on one salary. You do what you have to do, dont let anyone here make you feel bad

I know you will make a GREAT MOM, so dont feel like you are not because of your choices

Jenn, that is totally different! Not only have they not checked any references on me, but they've never met me!
My son goes to daycare 3 days a week, and has since he was 2 1/2. Yes, of course I checked out the school (just like you've checked out your babysitter), but I didn't KNOW these people who he was going to be with, so don't make yourself feel bad. I think this situation is totally different. These people know NOTHING about me (other than my FI). I could be a psychotic child abuser.
Please do NOT make yourself feel bad. All moms have to find someone when they go back to work, BUT on your first day back to work, would you drop your baby off at someone's house that you don't know, tell them they could take your child in the car, AND give them the key to your house so they could drop the child off around the time you get home from work?? I seriously doubt it!
Lucky for them, I'm a nice, normal person

I don't think its just you. Especially if you've never met the wife! That is a very nice thing of you to do though.

Jenn I think you are in a completely different situation - not to worry

Whew! I thought I was already branded as a sukky mom, before I even got started!

Thanks for the support, AS USUAL!

Hmmm, it doesnt seem TOO odd that they would not only leave the child with you (depending on how long they know your fiance and how close of a friendship outside of work they have) but I think they keys and car and driving home thing is WAYY trusting of them.. I think I have to look at it this way, there are people in this world who ARE so trusting, that they are sometimes oblivious to what MAY be possible, and they just assume (stupidly) that everyone is as trusting and as good as they are. Am I crazy for thinking this way ??
Maybe they really respect your FI and they felt that comfortable? I have had very close coworkers who I probably WOULD have left my son with, (but cars and keys NO WAY!)...



Jenn, dont you DARE beat yourself up like that

That heart of gold that's bigger than YOU, and that BIG kid who sits on the floor with kindergarteners and fingerpaints, and that AWESOME MOMMY who's gonna kootchy-koo this baby to pieces, has NO COMPARISON to this story. .

Youre already an awesome MOMMY, planning so far ahead, making sure everything is organized and mapped out perfectly, and making sure this little one gets the best care possible.

Nuff said???

Anna ~

Nuff said!

yes I think it is weird that they are so trusting..but it mjust may be that they are naive. I would want to meet the mommy and talk to her.

Jenn DONT YOU DARE beat yourself up. us mommies are SOOOOOO good at that- including MYSELF. you are checking out the daycare, getting references, scoping out the situation...and if your gut tells u somethings not Kosher, you pull that child out of there.

dont worry....