Babysitter.... sick child...?

Question

I start my new job on Monday.... today I was supposed to get together with the sitter for our play date, and last night she sent me a text message that her daughter is sick and was admitted to the hospital. I sent her a message back saying that I hope her daughter is okay, and to keep me informed (the sitter and I are friendly)... today, however, I woke up concerned about my job.... is there a way I can ask the sitter if she'll still be doing daycare for us without coming off as uncaring? I ask because it took a while to find a sitter we could afford, and I need to have a sitter on Monday.... I HAVE to go back to work. Is there anything I can say without seeming callous? Or should I just assume that she would tell me if she couldn't sit for us?

Answer 1

Just say 'Are you alright for Monday?'.

Answer 2

If they are running a real daycare ( not just sitting for a couple of children), then SOMETIMES they have made arrangements and hired back up help to cover this, or at least they have made some alternated connections that they can refer their children and mothers to.  In any event, I would call her again and ask if she is planning on being available as soon as you can.  

If she isn't, then you may be able to ask her if she has any phone numbers of independent sitters that she would trust.

It depends upon the size of your city, but you can also call various places to see if they know of any child care people:

village office (city office), library, WIC, Health and Human Resource office.  I'd start getting on the phone as soon as possible, and then make a note to always have a back up sitter.

Answer 3

i would assume the daycare is closed.  my son was in the hospital several times and i closed my home daycare to be with him.  If I were you I would find a back up to watch your child next week and let the sitter know that given the circumstances your child will start the following week.  Even if her kid gets out of the hospital she is going to want some time to be with her child after the hospitalization.

The daycare is her job but her child is her first priority.

Answer 4

You cant assume anything..Even though it seems like she should call you and notify you that you need to find someone else until her kid gets better that doesnt mean she will..i would call her immediately..and if you are already having problems with her being unreliable you might want to continue looking

and by "unreliable" i mean by not calling you and keeping you updated..not by taking care of her kid..when she agreed to babysit for you that means that she needs to update you just like she would with a regular job

Answer 5

I would say just what you are thinking..."I don't want to seem uncaring, but I need to know if you are going to be available on Monday to watch my child or if I should find a back up."  I would probably ask her how her daughter is doing before you ask.  I am sure as a working mother she understands where you are coming from.

As a mom who has had her child in daycare I recomend finding a reliable backup anyway...things happen and daycares close unexpectedly and it is always handy to have a reliable backup lined up.