How do you get people to stop asking you to babysit?

Question

I am a stay at home mom, I just had my 3rd baby 2 weeks ago. I have someone that always asks me to babysit, its not that her kids are bad, I'm just sick of babysitting other peoples kids. And now, I just made friends with the neighbor, I've known her for about a week, and she is already asking me to watch her daughter too. For some reason I can't say no. In my head when I know they are going to ask I have a reason that I will tell them no, but when they ask, I automatically say yes. And what kills me, is when they ask and I tell them I have plans, they say, well so and so can just tag along, can't they? How can I grow some balls and tell people no?

Answer 1

Start charging for your services...and charge A LOT.  Say, "I'd love to watch your little angel[s]!  I've actually decided to become a child care provider to earn a little extra money here and there.  Let me grab my price list for you!"  Then hand her a little sheet of paper you typed up that has exorbitant child care costs per hour per day...charge extra for evenings, Fridays and weekends.  Make it look legit.  They're taking advantage of you.  If you really can't tell them "no", then make your "yes" less desirable.

Answer 2

You grow balls by deciding to grow balls.

Tell them you have three of your own and when you watch THEIR kids that are THEIR responsibility, you are shortchanging your own and you can no longer do it. Stop trying to lie, you can't do it apparently.

If some lady that's known you ONE WEEK is asking you, a practical stranger to be in charge of the life and well being of her child, she is a terrible mom and obviously using you.

Answer 3

if you let people tell you what you are going to do, then they will continue to do so....Next time someone asks you to babysit, say sorry, cant do it, too busy with my own kids these days...Or get a t-shirt made that says " i dont run a daycare, and i dont want to watch your kids"

Answer 4

they probably keep asking because you keep saying yes.. there is a girl in my church who everyone thinks to ask because she's always baby sitting.

just tell them no.. and a good reason is called a 2 week old.. you don't want your baby sick..

if they can't respect that.. then they have issues..

you're a busy woman and you need time for your kids.. it's ok to tell them that you have been babysitting for too long and need time with your kids..

Answer 5

Get mean! In your head at least. DON'T let them walk all over you, that is what they are doing, especially if you say you have plans and they still insist and basically invite their kids over. You need to worry about you, there problems are not your problems. From now on just say "No, I don't want to babysit anymore, sorry but I'm stressed out with my three kids and don't want to look after any more." They say "come on...blah blah... Cut them off, don't even let them finish, say "I'm sorry, but No, ...I'll see to you later" and walk away if you have to, all they'll try to do is make you feel bad by making something up if you keep talking to them. When you stand up and show them you aren't interested in anything to do with babysitting then they will come up with other options and stop asking because they see how serious you are about the subject. You should be in the clear if you let them know three times, after that I would get pissed and stop talking to them if they kept asking because they obviously don't care, not that that is the best way to deal with it but I'm not big on having a lot of friends either. Good Luck, you can do it.

Answer 6

just say you cant!!! better yet tell them youre busy or you have enough on youre hands,,

da only way i would do it if they pay me!!!

unless i see some $$$ go 2 h3ll lol

Answer 7

just do it.  the first time will be the hardest. after a while it will be easy.  

Answer 8

Just go for it, u'll be glad once you have, I mean your busy enough with 3 children as it is.

Good luck =)

Answer 9

Just tell them that you just had a baby and need some time to adjust.  Being a stay-at-home mom with three kids is enough.  You should not feel obligated to these people.  Do they babysit your kids?  I would just politely say, "I really can't babysit, I'm too overstressed with the new baby and my kids right now."

Answer 10

Say:

I have a lot on my plate right now, so I can't babysit right now.

I'm going shopping today, so I can't.  

Can she tag along?

No, I do my shopping better alone, or

It's hard enough managing my 3 kids while shopping.

If they insist: Oh, please I really need someone today to watch her.  It's an emergency.  Say: I'm sorry, but today is just not a good day for me.  Why you try such and such down the street? Or why don't you take her with you?

My newborn is taking up alot of my time right now, so it's not a good time for me to babysit.  Maybe when she gets a little bit older, ok?

Just be assertive!  It's your life and you control your own time!

Answer 11

Just say "NO! NO! NO!"  How inconsiderate they all are anyway, especially your new 'friend' of a week from next door.  You just had a new baby, and that baby, plus your other two, should be your priority!!!  Just because some people don't want to spend time with their own children, doesn't mean that you don't.  This time now, with your new baby, is precious.  This should be your 'bonding' time with new baby, as well as the rest of your family, without outside interference, especially virtual strangers!!!  Besides, you need to get your proper rest and relaxation.  You can't properly do that with others in & out, no matter what your family schedule is.  Don't answer the door or phone!!!  Enjoy this time!!!  All to soon, it is gone!!!