Posted by pegasus on February 3, 2010, at 9:50:02
In reply to Re: babsitter with 'mental health diagnosis' » pegasus, posted by fleeting flutterby on January 29, 2010, at 17:36:03
Thanks again, flutterby and everyone else. Your posts really did help me rethink some things. And it reminded me to open those topics for discussion again with my daughter.
Last night we had a super sweet talk, after I reminded her that I'd like to hear about any time that anyone did anything that she didn't like, and I would never be angry if she wanted to tell me anything, no matter what anyone else told her. She told me about a friend at school who had interrupted a game, and about one time that her best friend said some angry words to her. It was a great chance to reconnect, and discuss concerns she had.
When we were feeling really close, I asked her if she could think of anything this babysitter had ever done that she didn't like. I tried to keep it casual. She thought for a minute, then said, "Well, the last time she was here, she didn't suggest any games! She always has games to play, but she didn't have any that time!" She sounded indignant. We talked about the kinds of games the two of them play, and it was all totally innocent stuff. I was so relieved that that was what came to her mind. :)
But as we look for new babysitters, I'm keeping everything you said in mind. I'm checking references, and asking questions, and staying home for the first visit. I'm actually considering some kind of nanny cam. Its scary for sure. I tend to be a trusting person, but when it comes to our kids, I shouldn't just believe in the goodness of humanity. I do know better than that.
Thank you so much again.
Peg
poster:pegasus
thread:935139
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20100128/msgs/935841.html