Seeking Advice About Watching a Friends Child

i would strongly advise NOT to do it. I am in a battle with my sister in law. I was trying to help them as much as i could and it ended up being too much. she never brought food or drinks for her 3 yr old twins, and never offered money for me to buy it. (i helped her for free until she found daycare- she was on a waiting list). She got mad when i told her i had to cut back, so i just totally quit. no we are in a dispute. i got taken advantage of and was not appreciated and will NEVER EVER EVER watch any family or friends children unless it is a here or there night out.

I have a 5 yr old son, a 4 yr old daughter and 8 mo old boy twins. I also watch my girlfriends 5 yr old daughter and 3 yr old son. I do not have any issues with watching my friends kids. The ages is all in what your patience level is. Obviously I am glutting for punishment with have 6 kids in my house all under the age of 6! But the kids all play together well and it isn't that difficult for me.

Hope this helps you out!!!

I have a 3 & 4 yo's & watch my sister's 4 kids 6-7 days a week, ages 4, 5, 6, & 7. believe it or not the ages won't overwhelm you as bad as you'd think. my advice would be to make sure to spell out everything from both ends clearly before yall begin.

My son was 2 1/2 months when I placed him in an in-home daycare run by a relative of my husbands. Her daycare was fairly new and my son was her first and only baby. At first things went pretty well. Since he was on a mixture of breast milk and formula it was pretty easy. Once I switched my son to solids however (on Doctors recommendation) our opinions conflicted. Instead of following my instructions, she had me switch him back to baby food because it was easier for her to feed him that while watching the other children. She often complained that he was being "clingy" and once winter hit that his nose was running "constantly". He had several ear infections that winter as well. Each time one would hit, she would let me know that she wasn't pleased that the Dr's weren't doing something more permanent for him.

So anyway, I guess what I am saying is to make sure you and your friend are on the same page when it comes to parenting styles. (Or make certain you are willing to listen to her when it comes to her baby) And as someone else had mentioned, come up with a contract. List your fee and your policies regarding watching the child when their sick, your sick etc.

i guess it really depends on how good of friends you are.since it sounds like she asked you it would seem that she trusts you and your decisions even with her own child.
i would trust my best friend with my kids any day and she would feel the same way with me.BUT if they are in my house,they obey my rules.this must be clear from the beginning.even if the parents do not always agree with the care-givers way of handeling a situation.kids usually learn fast how far they can go with a specific person and i don't think the different ways of "parenting "between a care-giver and a parent is confusing to the child;i think it teaches them diversity.our little one is 11 months old and she knows exactly how far she can go with daddy and how far with mommy.
the only thing that i would definately put on paper is the money and time aspect.that is the one thing that could ruin a could friendship.
good luck , M.

I have a 16 month old girl of my own and I watch a little girl who is 15 months old. You get their schedules so that they coincide and its easy easy. They now play so well together its like having only one-sometimes easier.

THEY BABIES ARE GOING TO ME LIKE A SET OF TWINS. I HELP WITH MY NIECE SO WHEN SHE IS HERE, THE BABIES ARE 15 MONTHS ANS 13 MONTHS. SO IT IS LIKE TWINS. ALSO I HAVE 3 OTHER CHILDERN OF MY OWN. AGES 10,8,6. SO THEY END UP HELPING OUT WHEN BOTH ARE CRYING. SO UNLESS YOU CAN DO YOUR WORK AT NIGHT, OR THE DAYS HER PARENTS HAVE THE BABY YOU AREN'T GOING TO BE ABLE TO DO IT UNLESS YOU CAN GET YOURS AND HERS ON THE SAME SCEHDULE SO THEY BOTH SLEEP AND EAT AT THE SAME TIME. PLUS YOU HAVE TO BE ABLE TO FACTOR IN YOUR OLDEST. GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR DECISION.

My advice, have a contract that outlines what you will do, and what she will do. Things such as hours, notification if the child isn't coming, what should happen if the child was ill, how much she pays you, how she wants her child disicplined (I know the baby will be too young, but not forever)
This way if you set the guidelines you will be able to perserve the friendship.

S.

Best advice is to get EVERYTHING in writing.. I watch a good friend's children and did not do this and now we are having issues with hours and money...something I never wanted to come between us...

One thing I didnt think much about before watching her children was how different our discipline styles are and how to approach these issues with her without her getting defensive..that is hard!!

With open communication and all expectations out in the open, it can be a really great and rewarding situation for everyone involved!!

Good luck... M.

it will be ok just clam down and think. its really not that hard just make sure you have a walker and a swing is what i have learned i have a 2 month old and i wacth my sisters 9 month old and 2 year old. when ones in the walker and the other is in the swing it is so mucher easier to take care of the one that is crying at the time.