Babysitter etiquette
Categories: Just for dads, Childcare
You might remember that I was faced with the dilemma of choosing between taking the kids to the Railroad museum and going to a dinner party with some folks I used to work with. Well, Rachel pointed out that Monday the 31st of March is Cesar Chavez day and both she and the kids have a day off from school. So we decided to take the three-day weekend to go to the museum and go to the dinner party this weekend. That, of course, meant a babysitter.Unfortunately, of our two regular babysitters, one was busy and the other was in Paris -- as in Paris, France. By the time we'd heard from them both, those on our fall-back list of friends and family members we would feel comfortable asking to watch the kids were already booked up. Since Rachel was coming off a stomach bug anyway, she decided to stay home with the kids so I could still go.
I had a grand time, of course, and Rachel was sorely missed, but that's not my point here. How would others have handled this? I called the babysitters sequentially -- one after the other -- because I didn't want them both to say yes and then have to tell one we didn't need her. Should I have called them both right away? And do you have more than two babysitters on call, or is that generally enough? Or does it depend on whether or not they're globe-trotting honor students?
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Sabrina 3-24-2008 @ 3:48PM
We almost never use a babysitter to go out together (maybe twice a year), but on New Year's while my husband was deployed I called two because I really wanted to go hang out with my best friend who had traveled across the country to see me. I first asked a close friend, who said she wasn't sure. I then advertised and found a very responsible young woman that I liked a lot. I told the young woman I'd call her to let her know my friend's decision (I was honest about the situation), but then I lost her phone number, and they BOTH showed up at the same time that night. I was mortified, but luckily my friend told me she didn't mind going hom eand soaking in a nice hot bath since she had sent her infant son to her mother's house for the weekend. It all worked out well, but I learned my lesson about booking two sitters at one time. I did the right thing by being open about the fact that I had a backup, but I sure didn't do the right thing by losing her phone number. I think it's a good idea to have at least two on call, if you use them frequently, and especially if one is prone to flying off to Paris. :)
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Meagan 3-24-2008 @ 4:31PM
I can't help you with etiquette issues, I just wanted to say... Cesar Chavez day? What the heck is that and why don't we celebrate it in Ohio? I was just complaining about how there are no three day weekends between Spring break (yes, still a student) and the end of semester, so I think I'll have to bring this Cesar Chavez day (whatever it is) to the attention of student life. Of course I think we should add another one towards the end of April.
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isisaquaria 3-24-2008 @ 5:06PM
CC was a MEXICAN American who fought for the migrant farm workers, most of whom were illegal (my understanding)--and the kids are getting out of school- but most schools now go to school on George Washington's b-day or Columbus Day. Why?
Mel 3-24-2008 @ 6:07PM
My thoughts exactly Isis. Oh, and kids go to school on Veteran's Day as well, at least in my area. Apparently Mr. Chavez left more of a legacy than men like your husband. Well, I guess the good news is that there is only one state delusional enough to implement such a "holiday."
Interestingly, my middle school taught that Cesar Chavez was a scofflaw. After just refreshing my Chavez knowledge via google, I'd say my middle school was right and California is dead wrong.
Meagan 3-24-2008 @ 6:12PM
Normally I'm all for any day that gets a day off school... but why should we celebrate Columbus day? Aside from the fact that he was a morally reprehensible person in general, he only accidentally "discovered" a "new" continent by trying to get to India. He even believed he WAS in India. I've got mixed feelings about illegal immigration but I'd much rather take a day for a guy who spent his life fighting for other people than Columbus. Got nothing against Washington though. (Thanks for the info, in spite of my argumentative tone I DO appreciate your answer!)
Jill in Atlanta 3-24-2008 @ 9:53PM
I have a list of 'A', 'B' and 'C' babysitters- at least three names in each category. The 'A' sitters are usually free, charge a reasonable amount whereas the 'C' sitters might be away at college and only free on vacations, etc. 'B' is for those who I can call if needed, but they're pricey.
In any case, I gave up calling sequentially. Too time consuming. I call, leave messages if needed, and go on to the next. If one calls me back when I've already found a sitter, I simply say so. "I've already found someone, but I'll call you again soon." We use two to three sitters a month (no local family) and I do try to call them first if I remember.
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