My son's classmate's mom and I are pretty good friends (not CLOSE yet, but we have been meeting together often, get along well, and have helped each other out from time to time.)
Periodically she offers to watch my younger kids so that I can get some more 1-on-1 time with my oldest. I love this offer, and would LOVE to take her up on it, but I kinda have control issues. It is one thing if my kids were staying in my home, as it is a familiar environment for them and all of their stuff is here, and my baby can nap in his crib (he SOOO loves to nap.) My 2 yr old is very attached to me, and I have never been successful in leaving him with anyone, except for a sitter who comes to our home.
She has offered to watch my kids at least 4 times before, but I always turn her down because I don't want my 2 yr old to feel stressed out about it. Would it be too much for me to say yes, but ask her to do it in our home? (She has a 5 yr old and 3 yr old who she'd be welcome to bring with.)
i would say yes and allow her to start out at your house. after a few times you should take them over there and see how it works out. let her know your taking baby steps to get step out of your comfort zone. in the end it will be better for you and your kids. good luck momma. .. . it aint easy being mom! :/
I hate taking offers for help but will help anyone. For me the reason is at the time they offer I really don't need help. I don't have a problem asking for help when I need it though and those I have helped in the past tend to be more than happy to help me out. :)
I personally wouldn't ask her to come to my home. I would plan a time when everyone is rested and fed, and keep it short at first, just and hour or two maybe. It will be good for you and your 2yo to adjust to new situations. If you have the chance it would be nice to reciprocate. That always makes accepting help easier for me. My friend and I trade childcare every so often so we can have a date night without having to pay for a sitter. It is a nice arrangement to have. Try to let go a little and take her up on it, I am sure you will be happy you did.
I wish someone would offer to watch my kids!! I haunt been alone with my husband in 4 years :(. Yes, im like you. The only person who has ever offered doesn't speak english and let's her kids run amok! I don't let. My kids do that. Get to know her a little more and let go a little. It willbe good for you. Now if I could just take my own advice!
I would not expect her to come to your house...kids are adaptable....they will be fine at her house.
You know, I had a similar situation just last week! I have a friend, who I used to watch her kids (who are the same age as my kids) for her, and she has offered to watch mine, but I had never agreed. My issue was mostly that my son (16 months) can be quite a hand full and my daughter (3 years old) has a lot of separation anxiety, which stems from when I had to have my son by emergency c-section and didn't come home from a prenatal doctors appointment. Anyway I had an appointment that I couldn't take the kids with me, or it was recommended that they not be there. So I took her up on her offer to watch my kids. Honestly I was so worried they wouldn't do well, and would drive her crazy. When I got back to her house to pick up the kids, they were running around playing and did NOT want to leave.
As worried as I was, everything was completely fine.
I wouldn't worry about your kids feeling stressed. They may cry, for about 30 seconds, when you leave but they will be fine.
