A Tough Choice To Make

[blueeyedmanda]

So our downstairs neighbor has a 5 month old son who is wonderful, his name is Landen. She works weekends 3rd shift as a nurse at our hospital. She works 7pm-7am. We have watched her son a few times when the regular babysitter canceled last minute. It was great for us, since it gave us the practice for when we have a child. She has told me on occasion that the babysitter doesn't play with him just sticks him in a swing, and the baby always cries when Jen drops him off. So I told my husband John that I think the babysitter is looking for a way to get out of this. This evening Jen told me she is getting vibes that the babysitter is not wanting to do it anymore. (turns out she is newly single and wants to go out and party)

So John has already said maybe we should watch him on the weekends. The baby was very comfortable with us last weekend, there were no cries when he was dropped off and he was happy in the morning when she came home. She even commented on that. John enjoyed spending time with him and even offered to wake-up with him overnight. Jen forgot to leave his carseat last week but she said she didn't mind if we ran out and took him to the store. We would be able to take him and run to the grocery store or down to John's parents to visit if we needed. He is very well-behaved and didn't seem to mind the change of scenery.

He wouldn't cramp our weekend style, we are usually homebodies. Occasionally we take a trip to my families, 2 hrs away but with the rising gas prices that wouldn't happen as often. We usually do some grocery shopping and come home and watch a movie. We just are not one of those couples who is out all the time....we just want to save up for our first home. As mentioned above we could always take him out too.

She pays decent money to her current babysitter who has not been dependable lately. I think it would give her some piece of mind to know he is happy and he is with people that want him too. She would only have to bring him upstairs so she would not have to leave over an hour early for work to drop him off and then turn and go to work.

Jen has not asked us yet....I am not sure she will as to not put us on the spot. We are going to think it through another day and then talk to her.

What all do you guys think?

[psawyer]

I'm old enough to be a grandfather, but we have no children, so take this with a grain of salt, Manda.

Landen seems to be happy spending time with you and John. Both of you enjoy having Landen around. Jen needs a minder for her son and would pay something for it. You and John are saving for a home.

Unless I am missing something, the answer is clear: everybody wins if you do this.

[Mom23boys]

Unless I am missing something, the answer is clear: everybody wins if you do this.

My thoughts too.

You sound like a way better match for the baby then the current sitter. It will give her peace of mind with him being with you. It is so stressful when the kids don't want to be with someone. You are in a dream location too!

[ravenwoodglass]

I would come right out and offer. You should get any monetary agreement in writing if possible but I would do it even if she is reluctant to do so. It sounds like you guys enjoy the baby and he enjoys you. Just be sure that she leaves that car seat every weekend, do NOT get in the car unless the baby is in one. In the event of an accident the baby will be a flying missle, and you will run the risk of being charged with negligent homicide if the worst should occur. This happened recently in my town, the Mom was even in the car at the time of the accident. There was an accident and the baby was thrown from the car and died. The 17 year old who was driving is facing years in prison. The Mom has run from the police, leaving her remaining live child to be raised by other family members.

[blueeyedmanda]

Thanks Everyone. I think we are going to offer. We love children! :)

[Judyin Philly]

Thanks Everyone. I think we are going to offer. We love children! :)

Sounds like a win win to me.

I'd go for it.

Hugs

Judy

[jkmunchkin]

I'm old enough to be a grandfather, but we have no children, so take this with a grain of salt, Manda.

Landen seems to be happy spending time with you and John. Both of you enjoy having Landen around. Jen needs a minder for her son and would pay something for it. You and John are saving for a home.

Unless I am missing something, the answer is clear: everybody wins if you do this.

I was going to say something similar. Sounds like you already know what you want to do

[Ridgewalker]

I really like this idea for you, Amanda. And good for you two, for thinking it out so thoroughly before offering!!!

[home-based-mom]

Just wanted to add my "thumbs up" that you should offer, but echo what ravenwoodglass said about the car seat. Option "B" could be for you to pick one up at a yard sale or resale shop. If you do that, be sure to check the recall list before you buy.

It definitely sounds like Landen would be better off with you than where he is now.

[blueeyedmanda]

Just wanted to add my "thumbs up" that you should offer, but echo what ravenwoodglass said about the car seat. Option "B" could be for you to pick one up at a yard sale or resale shop. If you do that, be sure to check the recall list before you buy.

It definitely sounds like Landen would be better off with you than where he is now.

I actually have a spare one.

[jerseyangel]

Hi Amanda--

I vote "yes', too. Sounds like it would work beautifully for everyone

[Phyllis28]

Sounds like a good idea. One other thing, in my opinion, you need to check your states laws and determine if you need to become a "licensed child care" provider.

[Ursa Major]

Sounds like a good idea. One other thing, in my opinion, you need to check your states laws and determine if you need to become a "licensed child care" provider.

I think (at least here in Canada that is the case) that you only need to do that if you actually run a real daycare and have several kids from different families every day.

Amanda, I say, 'go for it'! You enjoy the little guy, he is happy with you, and you will get some extra money to safe for your house.

[blueeyedmanda]

I think (at least here in Canada that is the case) that you only need to do that if you actually run a real daycare and have several kids from different families every day.

I think in the US, for us it would not apply since we are just a babysitter of one child.

[Judyin Philly]

I think in the US, for us it would not apply since we are just a babysitter of one child.

I agree. People in PA do it all the time.

What a wonderful time saver for the mom and you getting more $$ for your home.

Thrilled for you. Bet the Mom will be thrilled too.

Judy

[blueeyedmanda]

I agree. People in PA do it all the time.

What a wonderful time saver for the mom and you getting more $$ for your home.

Thrilled for you. Bet the Mom will be thrilled too.

Judy

I am really glad she is our below neighbor, we get a long so well. Our last below neighbors were a bit difficult and not respectful at all.

[Judyin Philly]

I am really glad she is our below neighbor, we get a long so well. Our last below neighbors were a bit difficult and not respectful at all.

Hi Amanda.

I did this for my neighbor next door. People help neighbors all the time.

We got the $$ out of the way first............and then it was separate from our 'neighborly --do for free casue we're neighbors' kinda thing. We have each other house keys, get mail when on vacation etc.

Also it would just be SO east for everyone. I hope she wants to do it.

love judy

[Cheri A]

Sounds like a great situation for both of you. I used to babysit for a family in my home.

[debmidge]

Amanda

One word of advice: you many have to declare the pay as "income" and pay federal and state taxes on it.

Reason: as a nurse, the Mom may have a Flexible Spending Plan at her work and this plan actually reimburses her for a portion (if not all of her daycare expenses). However, she will have to name you as the receipient of the funds and may have to supply them with your social security number. This will force you to have to delcare this pay as income.

[Fiddle-Faddle]

Not only do I agree with everyone that it's a win-win situation, but if I were your neighbor, I wouldn't DREAM of leaving my baby with a sitter like the one she has!!! That "sitter" sounds like she can't be trusted to keep the baby safe, let alone well-cared for.

The sooner you offer, the better. I just have a VERY creepy feeling about that "sitter."

Your neighbor is so lucky she has you as a friend and neighbor!

[Cheri A]

Not only do I agree with everyone that it's a win-win situation, but if I were your neighbor, I wouldn't DREAM of leaving my baby with a sitter like the one she has!!! That "sitter" sounds like she can't be trusted to keep the baby safe, let alone well-cared for.

The sooner you offer, the better. I just have a VERY creepy feeling about that "sitter."

Your neighbor is so lucky she has you as a friend and neighbor!

ITA!!

[blueeyedmanda]

Not only do I agree with everyone that it's a win-win situation, but if I were your neighbor, I wouldn't DREAM of leaving my baby with a sitter like the one she has!!! That "sitter" sounds like she can't be trusted to keep the baby safe, let alone well-cared for.

The sooner you offer, the better. I just have a VERY creepy feeling about that "sitter."

Your neighbor is so lucky she has you as a friend and neighbor!

I couldn't agree more. Thanks

[elye]

It's all good, Amanda! Can't think of a single negative in all of this.....Everyone benefits, particularly Landen, as he'll have you two great caregivers!

[Guhlia]

I too think it sounds like a real win win situation. Have you talked to her yet?