Re: It's stupid, but I'm scared...

Babysitting Children

It's stupid, but I'm scared...

gemini_4535 09-04-2007, 1:35 PM
My sister wants me to babysit her 8 week old baby, I've watched the baby once before and was a little nervous but did okay, now she wants me to babysit again (for about 2 hours) but I have that nervous feeling again, it almost feels like I'm scared to babysit because i'm afraid something bad might happen while I'm watching the baby (like the baby might get hurt). I want my sister to be able to get out and have some fun but I'm also scared. Should I watch the baby or say no and just hang out with my sister that night? Please help. Also I have babysat before, and I am 15.

Re: It's stupid, but I'm scared...

justme! 09-04-2007, 1:50 PM
A lot of the time, I'm scared too, to watch any children because I'm afraid they'll get hurt. But I think in your case, you should agree, since its your sister. Also, if it's at night, jsut put the baby into bed. Bring some toys (ball, doll for a girl,), and learn some nursery rhymes, like insy winsy spider, lollipop, and three little monkeys.

Re: It's stupid, but I'm scared...

Miss Jiminy Cricket 09-04-2007, 2:40 PM
no, never say yes to a job unless you feel comfortable...

'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself. LUKE 10:27

An Eye For An Eye Only Ends Up Making The Whole World Blind.

Re: It's stupid, but I'm scared...

gemini_4535 09-04-2007, 2:45 PM
Oh well now I'm confused because one person says to say yes and another says no. What should I do? I really am thinking of watching the baby, maybe my fears are nothing, I don't know!

Re: It's stupid, but I'm scared...

gegege 09-05-2007, 10:10 AM

I say just watch the baby! Because its your sisters child!

IM ALWAYS NERVOUS before!!

But then after im babysitting everything is good!! so i think you should go for it!

Re: It's stupid, but I'm scared...

Miss Jiminy Cricket 09-05-2007, 2:09 PM
you can't just count off your fears as nothing because they very well not be nothing and this would jeapordise the safety of the child, also, you can't just do it because it is your sister's child as that doesn't make it any less important. However because it is your sister, what you could do is look after the baby while your sister is there to get used to it before growing more comfortable to watch the child yourself. that way it won't matter if you panic because your sister will be to hand..but if you are worried then no way should you agree to watching the child on your own without your sister being there at first. there's a difference between being nervous and having these fears, the only time i am ever nervous is coz im meeting new people, and you are not meeting anyone new so it isn't that...i understand you're worried but if you are worried, then you have to talk to your sister...if it was someone else, do you think a parent would be really happy leaving their child with someone who was as scared of this?

Re: It's stupid, but I'm scared...

Mommy2Lots 09-05-2007, 3:50 PM

I agree with Miss Jiminy.

Just let your sis know that you aren't yet comfortable being alone with the baby.

Let her know that you will help her care for the baby whenever she is there and when you feel comfortable, you can sit for her - just not yet.

I think your sis will respect you more if you're honest than if you decide to sit anyway and something does happen.

I would offer to have a fun night with her that night at her house. Watch movies and stuff and you can tend to the baby for her then.

Once the baby goes to sleep, you two will be able to enjoy yourselves still.

If the baby wakes, you can tend to the baby's needs. This way, your sis will know you are genuine and you really do want to help.

Hope this helps. Smile [:)]

Parenting/Sitting Articles - If you view these, kindly return back to Babysitting Forums. ;-)

Re: It's stupid, but I'm scared...

ggfan 09-05-2007, 6:16 PM
Don't babysit unless you're absolutely confident in your abilities. Mistakes do happen but being nervous can cause even more that could potentially be dangerous.

Sit for the baby while your sister or another adult is home a few times and then if you're confident watch the baby alone.

Re: It's stupid, but I'm scared...

steph888 09-15-2007, 11:31 AM

Don't do it unlesss you are 110% confident.

I don't get how anyone can give the advice "just do it" thats not a responsible answer. Maybe if you are giving the advice to "just do it" you should re-think your positions too. You should never be afraid or really nervous about a job. There is a difference between being nervous to meet a new family & make a good impression (normal) and being nervous about if you should be babysitting the kids.

If you are nervous about your sitting abilities don't take the risk- sure many times nothing will go wrong, but what if something does and you are not prepaired to handle the situation? Perhaps some jobs it's okay to just be "thrown in & you'll figure it out" but caring for a child especially an infant ( 8 weeks = 2 months) old. is NOT one of those situations.

Take the others advice and spend time getting comfortable with the baby. learn the routines your sister has, bedtime, how she calms the baby, diaper changes etc. as knowing what the parents do will make your job easier. I'm pretty positive that she won't object to you being more comfortable with her child, if anything she will appreciate it. In the long run it will make you a better sitter & you will be able to relax and have a nice time with your neice/nephew.

A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous
-Coco Chanel

Re: It's stupid, but I'm scared...

gemini_4535 09-15-2007, 8:55 PM
Thanks to everyone for your advice! I went ahead and babysat my neice, and everything went fine! I didn't feel to nervous about babysitting after asking this question, so thanks again for all your help!

Re: It's stupid, but I'm scared...

iluv2babysit 11-07-2007, 7:25 PM
Watch the baby! Like you said, let your sister get out and have fun. You can always call her if you need her.