https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Thu, 07 May 2026 18:40:54 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-babysit-your-friends-kid-in-this-situation/page/2#post-2012948 Tue, 06 Jan 2015 22:14:21 +0000 Mrs. Jump Rope 2012948@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@wonderstruck: that's a good point. When I was a senior and commuted (all of two minutes!) I set up my classes to be Tuesday and Thursday only. More time to party! Kidding.</p> <p>But for real. She's 2.5 hours away, and has to be there at 7am? Classes usually don't even start until 8. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-babysit-your-friends-kid-in-this-situation/page/2#post-2012942 Tue, 06 Jan 2015 22:07:54 +0000 wonderstruck 2012942@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@californiadreams: Yeah, something is definitely fishy with that. </p> <p>Most schools won't even let you take more than 16 credit hours (which means she spends 16 hours a week in class, for anyone not familiar with how that works.) It would be difficult to impossible for her to manage to make those 16 hours take up every single day Monday through Friday, they would be incredibly spaced apart. Setting up your schedule so terribly when you have a child that your friends and family are watching for free seems pretty shitty. I suspect she is taking advantage, particularly since OP's friendship with her is new and yet she's hinting for her to help with this and posting about her dilemma on FB and whatnot. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-babysit-your-friends-kid-in-this-situation/page/2#post-2012910 Tue, 06 Jan 2015 21:42:55 +0000 californiadreams 2012910@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@wonderstruck: I was thinking the same thing about the school schedule! 5 days full time of just classes? Not likely. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-babysit-your-friends-kid-in-this-situation/page/2#post-2011546 Tue, 06 Jan 2015 10:25:30 +0000 LuLu Mom 2011546@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would offer one day of time, but not the whole week that's too much of a commitment. Maybe 2 if I was feeling nice, since you've only known her for a short time it seems like a lot to ask (or well not ask but hint) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-babysit-your-friends-kid-in-this-situation/page/2#post-2011507 Tue, 06 Jan 2015 10:04:57 +0000 wonderstruck 2011507@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Maybe also being a full time college student has me jaded, but this sounds pretty ridiculous to me. School didn't change the start date, she's either lying about 'suddenly finding out' or she paid no attention to the actual start date when she enrolled. And it's really not hard to arrange your classes to only be there 2 or 3 days a week, especially when you have a crazy commute and are depending on others for FREE childcare! </p> <p>But as others have said, Putting your child in daycare for a week is not an easy thing. And it has nothing to do with money - most day cares won't take a child for just one week. But it sounds like she needs to hire a sitter. If she can pay for college while saving up for other things, she can hire a babysitter for a week. Don't feel pressured to help while really sick because she planned poorly and doesn't want to pay for child care. Child care is a stretch for us on top of tuition, but we budget hard and make it work because I don't want to pressure or take advantage of friends/family like this. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-babysit-your-friends-kid-in-this-situation/page/2#post-2011497 Tue, 06 Jan 2015 09:57:58 +0000 Mamaof2 2011497@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Can you offer to do half days? Like 12-6pm? Maybe she can go in late for the 1st week? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-babysit-your-friends-kid-in-this-situation/page/2#post-2011490 Tue, 06 Jan 2015 09:54:58 +0000 MOMTOLITTLEB 2011490@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>If you'd be comfortable with a day or two you would be generous to offer that. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-babysit-your-friends-kid-in-this-situation/page/2#post-2011470 Tue, 06 Jan 2015 09:48:37 +0000 babynumber1 2011470@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I definitely would. She is trying to go to school and it would jeopardize her whole semester. Just think about how your son would have a playmate. That always makes time fly by and they take great naps when entertained. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-babysit-your-friends-kid-in-this-situation/page/2#post-2011362 Tue, 06 Jan 2015 08:24:37 +0000 Mrs. Lion 2011362@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@looch: @Greentea: I am in a similar situation now (bed rest, not school), and need full time childcare for LO, and it has meant the world that so many friends have reached out and volunteered to help with LO. I think any offer, no matter how small, would be much appreciated. &lt;3 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-babysit-your-friends-kid-in-this-situation/page/2#post-2011348 Tue, 06 Jan 2015 08:12:11 +0000 illumina 2011348@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've been in this situation before, when I felt like one of my friends were pressuring me to offer to take their LO for the day, but I had to come straight out and say I didn't feel confident having 2 LO's in my care all day....because that is the truth. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-babysit-your-friends-kid-in-this-situation/page/2#post-2011346 Tue, 06 Jan 2015 08:09:21 +0000 Greentea 2011346@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@looch: I completely agree. First of all, I couldn't afford to hire someone. If I could, it would be way too much stress for my kid who has never been with anyone aside from us and family. So, if I couldn't find someone LO already knew, I would skip classes too and be honest with my Profs. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-babysit-your-friends-kid-in-this-situation/page/2#post-2011312 Tue, 06 Jan 2015 07:26:16 +0000 looch 2011312@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The problem, as I see it, is finding a short term option. I know we've discussed it before, but speaking from experience here, my son at that age, or even now, for that matter, wouldn't do so well being dropped off in a totally new place for a week, it would probably cause more trouble than it is worth. So, I would miss the first week of classes if I couldn't figure something out.</p> <p>Because of this, I would try to help out my friend. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-babysit-your-friends-kid-in-this-situation/page/2#post-2011252 Tue, 06 Jan 2015 02:52:38 +0000 littleblessings 2011252@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wouldn't do it. There are daycares and young adults needing babysitting jobs. Don't stress yourself out over it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-babysit-your-friends-kid-in-this-situation/page/2#post-2011244 Tue, 06 Jan 2015 02:31:43 +0000 Boogs 2011244@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>No one else in her family seems to want to step up, so there's no way I would. It almost seems like a red flag that maybe she takes advantage and they've all had enough. You don't want to end up in the same boat. Her DH should rearrange his plans, she should work something out with her professors (don't most colleges have child development centers??), she should work something out with family, or look into hiring someone just for the week. I was super sick with m/s just a year ago and I haven't forgotten how hard it is to survive with just one kid, I wouldn't add someone else's into the mix. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-babysit-your-friends-kid-in-this-situation/page/2#post-2011203 Tue, 06 Jan 2015 00:54:22 +0000 daniellemybelle 2011203@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would offer one day. Hopefully she has other friends who can help out too but she may have to hire a babysitter.</p> <p>Even if she wanted to do one week of daycare, anyone who has LOs in daycare knows it does not work that way most of the time. There are wait lists and I doubt you could enroll for just one week. There are drop-in centers but I know I researched the ones in my area when I was in a childcare bind and I didn't feel great about them. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-babysit-your-friends-kid-in-this-situation/page/2#post-2011173 Mon, 05 Jan 2015 23:56:48 +0000 78h2o 2011173@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>First I wrote that I would do it for a day or two, but after reading that she could probably afford another option, I wouldn't offer. She's not your best bud and you feel like crap. I'd suggest care.com. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-babysit-your-friends-kid-in-this-situation/page/2#post-2011167 Mon, 05 Jan 2015 23:35:26 +0000 stiletto_mom 2011167@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>1) Depends on how close you are. Also if she's just dropping hints and not asking, I wouldn't address it. That's really passive-aggressive way to get what you want.</p> <p>2) If you were close, I would offer a day or two. Not the whole week, especially without pay. No way. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-babysit-your-friends-kid-in-this-situation/page/2#post-2011119 Mon, 05 Jan 2015 22:27:20 +0000 Skadi 2011119@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@aprild: Most universities these days have childcare available. Sometimes it's easy to get in, sometimes there's a waiting list. Some do it on a limited time basis (e.g. a week) while others require your kid to be enrolled the entire semester. But she should definitely look into that as a possibility.</p> <p>There's no way I would take care of someone else's kid for 13 hours for free unless we had the kind of relationship where I knew that kind of devotion would be reciprocated. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-babysit-your-friends-kid-in-this-situation/page/2#post-2011117 Mon, 05 Jan 2015 22:25:39 +0000 Raindrop 2011117@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I want to say I'm a pretty nice person... but I wouldn't voluenteer for even a day. Reading through most of this thread.... she should just shell out money for a baby sitter / nanny for a week (care dot com).</p> <p>Like you said... if it was for a few hours (3 max - maybe a bit more if it was a super close friend)... no problem but 13 hours... no way... even if I wasn't pregnant. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-babysit-your-friends-kid-in-this-situation/page/2#post-2011114 Mon, 05 Jan 2015 22:22:42 +0000 cat620 2011114@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@jedeve: I'm pretty sure she was hinting. A couple days ago she posted the situation on her facebook wall and got a few posts from people saying they wish they could help, but they are too far away, etc. I think she wants someone to offer. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-babysit-your-friends-kid-in-this-situation/page/2#post-2011109 Mon, 05 Jan 2015 22:20:20 +0000 cat620 2011109@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@PrincessBaby: That could be an option for her. I'm sure she can figure something out. She's probably hinting at me, because she figures I'm the easiest solution. But I think she's underestimating how much work it would be. And like you said, friends aren't the same as family. Just because her mom or MIL like to spend all day watching her son doesn't mean I do.</p> <p>@yoursilverlining: I agree. I think for her it's just about the convenience of bringing him to someone she knows and trusts versus having to find a daycare at the last minute.</p> <p>@jedeve: Our toddlers are about 18 months old, so still very needy! Her husband is out of town that week, so he can't drop him off. That 5am drop off is much earlier than I would like. My own son doesn't wake up until close to 7. We have a few mutual friends, but I'm not sure if they would be willing to help out. I don't want to suggest names and put anyone on the spot. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-babysit-your-friends-kid-in-this-situation/page/2#post-2011108 Mon, 05 Jan 2015 22:20:00 +0000 jedeve 2011108@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Also maybe she wasn't really hinting and just wanted to vent. Like today I had to take both kids to a five hour doctor appointment and there wasn't anyone who could help me out, friends or DH or family. So I didn't mention it to anyone because I didn't want them to think I was hinting. Maybe she just wanted to talk about it? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-babysit-your-friends-kid-in-this-situation#post-2011106 Mon, 05 Jan 2015 22:15:56 +0000 Ginabean3 2011106@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wouldn't.......I'm happy to help out a friend for a couple of hours but 13 hrs a day for a week is a huge commitment.....I would just ge honest and say outright that unfortunately you can't help her out this time. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-babysit-your-friends-kid-in-this-situation#post-2011104 Mon, 05 Jan 2015 22:13:42 +0000 jedeve 2011104@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>How old are your toddlers? Two one year olds would be a lot but two three year olds might be able to entertain each other a bit! I would offer to help for a day or two. Maybe Monday and Tuesday so she could at least go to the first day for each of her classes. Could her DH do drop off so it wouldn't be so early. Do you have any mutual friends who could help out? </p> <p>I do think you would be an amazing friend for doing it! It sounds exhausting but generous. </p> <p>Does she know you are having morning sickness? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-babysit-your-friends-kid-in-this-situation#post-2011100 Mon, 05 Jan 2015 22:11:22 +0000 yoursilverlining 2011100@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@aprild: with that new info that they are saving for a house (luxury) and a new car (luxury), I change my answer - I wouldn't feel an obligation to help in this case. From the first post it sounded like they were really struggling and couldn't afford any daycare; hence depending on the generosity of family, which is why I might offer to help. But if they can save for items that are more luxury than necessity, that's another story IMO. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-babysit-your-friends-kid-in-this-situation#post-2011095 Mon, 05 Jan 2015 22:06:40 +0000 PrincessBaby 2011095@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@aprild: Another thing I've had to do before is fly a family member in - my mom. I had to go to a training for a week and DH was gone offshore for work. There was no one to keep DD so I flew my mom in to stay with her. Her plane ticket was about $300. So if your friend came to you to troubleshoot, that is not a completely crazy suggestion to offer either. I've definitely had to jump through hoops for child care! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-babysit-your-friends-kid-in-this-situation#post-2011082 Mon, 05 Jan 2015 22:02:27 +0000 PrincessBaby 2011082@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@aprild: I honestly think that's too much. It just is, no matter how much she is hoping it isn't. It's really not fair to you that she even dropped hints, hoping you'll save the day. She's the mom. She needs to save the day. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-babysit-your-friends-kid-in-this-situation#post-2011074 Mon, 05 Jan 2015 21:59:21 +0000 cat620 2011074@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@PrincessBaby: That's how I feel too. I've never asked a friend to watch my son, and if I were in an emergency situation where I needed help, I would exhaust all other options before asking. Like I said, it's not just a couple hours, but from 5am to 6pm, which is a very long day! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-babysit-your-friends-kid-in-this-situation#post-2011067 Mon, 05 Jan 2015 21:56:08 +0000 PrincessBaby 2011067@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@aprild: Oh good! Then if you know that, I would not offer to keep her child. This may sound controversial, but I personally don't feel comfortable pawning my kid off on friends. It's just different than family. And being in a situation where I CAN afford a sitter in a bind, I just don't think it's right to put that on my friends. My LO is my responsibility. I actually do have a neighbor friend with 2 toddler boys that offered to let my LO hang out with them on Saturday, but she didn't know how long the hours are (I'd have to leave my house and LO by 730am), and I think that's too much to put on a friend and I wouldn't want to do it. My bind is my problem to work out for my LO's sake. If it's family, I wouldn't mind bc honestly I know at the end of the day, they wouldn't mind. It's fine to ask too much of family and to get asked too much by family, not okay for friends....So I would not put a friend in that position unless we were talking an hour or two and it could almost be a play date. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-babysit-your-friends-kid-in-this-situation#post-2011064 Mon, 05 Jan 2015 21:54:55 +0000 californiadreams 2011064@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was in a situation once where I was possibly desperate for child care for a few days to a week. I straight up asked my friends if they could help (friends I met on mat leave because I knew they might be the only ones available). I think she must have other back up options or she wouldn't just be dropping hints. It's not something you can leave for last minute to plan. So unless you are truly eager and able to help, I wouldn't necessarily offer unless she asks. </p> <p>@PrincessBaby: my daycare is $275/week and it is not the most expensive around here. Depends where you live I guess. </p> <p>I also personally would not be comfortable dropping LO full time in a new environment for a whole week. I'd miss the classes for a week over that. </p>