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If you have family in the same area where you live, then it may be an option to ask them to babysit your children on occasion. Having family members watch over your children clearly has some advantages, but there you need to consider some of the disadvantages as well before making a decision.

Pros of having a family member as a babysitter.

- The most obvious advantage is that you know your sister or cousin or other member of the family, resulting in a much greater feeling of ease and trust when they are babysitting. Your children also have an already-established relationship with a family member, so they should have no issues with having this person watch them.

- You may not have to pay a family member to babysit, as there is a good chance that you trade favors on a regular basis. As the hourly rates for babysitters are high these days, you can save a lot of money. If the family member is a teenager, though, you may want to consider paying them, as you are less likely to exchange favors with a younger person.

- There is a convenience factor of dealing with family. This may show up in the fact that you can let them know last minute that you need a babysitter. A family member is more likely to be flexible and to make themselves available for you.

- If your family is close, then this provides an opportunity for bonding. What's better for kids than to have their most fun aunt as their babysitter?

Cons of having a family member as a babysitter.

- Resentments can build when you ask favors from family members. For example, let's say you ask your cousin to babysit. She says she would be happy to and that no payment is required. Well, she may mean it at the time. However, if you then rely on her frequently, she may build up a resentment and think you are taking advantage of her.

- Are you part of a family in which everyone is in each other's business? Well, if so, having a family member as your babysitter is no way to create more privacy. In fact, it can provide an opportunity for this person to find out things from the kids you may prefer them, and consequently the rest of the family, not to know.

- Sometimes kids get tired of the same babysitter and want a change. If this happens with a family member, then you risk greatly hurt feelings.

- If you are not happy with the way that your family member handles certain situations, such as disciplining your child, it may be harder to say something as it could lead to family drama. When you are using a hired babysitter that has no family ties, there is a simpler solution. You could just stop calling them. This is not so easy with family.

- Believe it or not, using one family member as a babysitter can cause others in the family to get jealous. Sadly, families are not free of pettiness, and someone may get mad that another person in the family is getting to spend more time with your kids than they are.

These are just a few of the pros and cons of having a family member as your babysitter. Of course, only you can weigh these things against the personalities in your family, so as to make the best decision given your circumstances.

Learn more about this author, Ann E. Smith.
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