When deciding on a babysitter, many parents have a list of options to call, usually with their favorite being at the top of the list. For many, this go-to babysitter is a grandparent, aunt, uncle, or cousin. For others, it is preferable to enlist the services of a non-relative for an evening out. Deciding upon the best person to watch your children while you are out is a personal choice that can be influenced by many factors. While there are many positive reasons to ask a relative to babysit, there can also be some detractors that may influence your decision.
The Upside
The first time you leave your infant in the care of another person can be difficult. You may be familiar with your neighbor's 17 year old daughter, Kaitlyn, and you know that she is a very capable and bright young lady that has been babysitting your friend's children successfully for a few years. However, it can be easy to let doubts creep into your particularly sensitive new-parent mind. Asking your parent or sibling to babysit on your first venture away from home sans baby may placate some of the fears that you have. This can also be seen as a vast compliment to the person you trust with this honor and bonus points with the family are very valuable.
Beyond the peace of mind that comes with having a family member babysitting your child, is the monetary value. Hiring a sitter can cost anywhere from $6 - $15 dollars an hour, with the most experienced babysitters being near the higher end of the spectrum. Often, Grandma or Aunt Shelley's services come with the most desirable price tag: free. An evening of dinner and a movie with your spouse has become increasingly expensive and being able to save money on a babysitter can be a relief to your wallet.
An added benefit to asking a relative to babysit is the increased bond your children are able to develop with their family member. The alone time they spend together can create some special memories for years to come.
The Downside
While you may not be expected to pay your mother, sister, brother, or cousin for babysitting your charges, "free" doesn't always mean free. Your sister may think that because she is helping you by watching your children she is entitled to lecture you on your potty training techniques. Your mother may take the free range of your home to mean she can rearrange your kitchen to the "way it should be." The benefit to paying someone to watch your children is the ability to avoid some of your family member's more annoying habits.
Another reason to pass up asking family members to babysit can be to avoid hurt feelings. If you aren't completely comfortable asking your spouse's parents to babysit often, they may feel insulted if they hear that your parents get to babysit regularly. Your zany younger sister may not understand why you prefer to let your more responsible older sister watch your children. You may choose to employ a paid babysitter in an attempt to evade derision between family members.
Your children may enjoy having Kaitlyn from down the street as a babysitter and may think of it as a treat to spend time with the "cool" teenager who has fun new games to play and who can run around the yard playing tag or lift them up for a slam dunk on the basketball goal. Sometimes grandparents and even aunts and uncles can't compete with the energy level of a hired babysitter. When you leave your children you want to know that they are having a good time and don't want them to resent you for going out. Employing a babysitter that the kids enjoy and who can wear out the children with a day full of excitement can be preferable to some family members.
Each family differs and one set of parents may have an incredible line up of family members from which to request child watching services, while another family may not be quite as lucky with the quality of selection. No matter who you choose, you should feel comfortable with your decision; your children are your greatest responsibility and you have the ultimate say in who gets to have an impact on their lives. If you don't have a family member you trust living near you to serve as a babysitter, you may just be lucky enough to have Kaitlyn from down the street, and she can be an equally viable option.