BellaOnline Forums Relationships Married No Kids advice about babysitting

Hi, I'm new here and I thought you guys might be the perfect people to seek some advice about a potential problem. Quick run down--I'm 24, married and waiting to see if that maternal instinct is going to kick in (my doubt deepens with every passing year). Anyway, I was wondering if any of you had any suggestions for avoiding the babysitting situation in a polite way. You know the story, if you don't have kids, people seem to think you must want theirs so you're offered the chance to babysit for them every opportunity. Well, we're moving into that stage when our friends are beginning to have kids and I want to find a way to let them know that I'm really not comfortable watching their children more than once in a blue moon. To be frank, I do not like taking care of children, which is why I don't have any. Any ideas on how to communicate this without sabatoging friendships?

Tell them you and your husband are busy that night. And keep telling them this until they get the hint.

Advise for babysitting? DON'T! But seriously, I've been in the same situation you are. I repeatedly told friends that I've got plans, my husband has something planned for us, I'm going somewhere with someone, the mother ship is coming for me, whatever works. Along with getting out of babysitting, you will drive home the point that because you are CF, you've got all kinds of disposable time and income to do fun things with, not be held hostage with a kid. I babysat as a kid for extra money and I hated it. Knew back then I would remain CF. Good luck, be strong!

Yeah, I always hated babysitting too as a teenager. That was something that I thought would change over time, but it really hasn't. I don't dislike kids as a rule, but I really just can't relate to them one on one. I had a brother growing up who I just adored, but that hasn't seemed to have prepared me for other people's children. Plus, I know how particular some parents can get when it comes to what their kids watch, eat, play with, etc...I don't want to get in the middle of that mess.
Anyway, thanks for the advice--I guess I could always fall back on the "I don't have much experience with kids" angle, after all, who'd want to leave their infant/toddler with someone who doesn't know what they're doing!

I get this one all the time too. Not really sure how to handle it but I wanted you to know....I feel your pain.
I have 2 friends who are always telling me that their kids miss me and would like to hang out with me for the day/spend a Saturday night. I know damn well the kids never said that...it's just the mother's way of trying to guilt me into babysitting so they can have a free weekend. They both knew I didn't really like being around kids before they had them but it seems they don't think it applies to their kids. My mother is also friends with one of these women (family friend)...she was talking to her the other day and she asked why I don't ever take her daughter for the weekend. My mom told her if I wanted to spend my weekends with children I'd have some of my own!! YAY, Mom!!!

I feel your pain. I HATE babysitting.

Once, I almost had to do the heimlich on the kid when he aspirated a lollipop (which I didn't give him, BTW). Fortunately, the pre-manuever back pounding took care of it.

The next time I babysat, the kids gave me a rip-roaring strep infection and were psycho brats to boot.

NEVER...EVER...AGAIN.

Hold your ground!