Hubby Doesn't like the Idea of a Sitter

Nicole
Maybe you could ease into by having whomever you want to have sit for you come over and spend some time with you and your husband at home. That way you can observe how she/he acts in your home and interacts with your child. Then maybe your husband will feel more comfortable leaving him/her in your home after getting to know the person first.
And as long as you two are spending quality time with your step daughter while she's there I'd be willing to bet she wouldn't be hurt or upset by you going out for a few hours. It's a shame that there are Mamas on here that feel the need to judge. None of us are perfect and what doesn't work for some works for others.
Anyway, good luck.

I just wanted to mention that my 11-year-old is with her dad every other weekend (and there are no other kids there) and she is always very sad when he chooses to do something without her on those weekends. I'm sure there are things that come up like weddings or office parties or things like that. But if you can re-schedule until your free weekend it might be better for everybody. My daughter would never say anything to her dad, but it does upset her when she has a weekend with him and he has something else to do. When that happens, she just stays home with me or comes home that day early. Why not see if her mom can trade weekends when you have somewhere to be? That always works well for us.

When my husband's son was with us I would never have considered a sitter for anything unless it was a big event like a wedding. I felt he had so little time with his son that I wanted them to enjoy their time together. The few times we did need a sitter we used his grandparents so it would be special for him.
Wow, that does make a difference! We only had my stepson on Saturday. I would say it is more like she is living with you and visiting her mother. Maybe you can try to find a friend who has a daughter or niece who can babysit.

Hi, I just read your post and I know it's older, but wanted to respond. I have a small home day-care out of my home that I've been doing for about 7 yrs. now. A set of twins I care for will be here for only 2 more weeks and then mom is staying home and working nights. I'm currently looking for a way to make up some of the money I will be losing. If you are still looking for a sitter for occasional nights out with your hubby, I may be able to help. I only request that she is brought to my home. I live in Bartlett, near the train station. I have 3 children, 11 month old daughter, 3 yr. old son, and a very active 8 yr. old daughter. My children have been around other children since they were born and are very used to it by now. I'm married to a wonderful husband and just turned 33 (closer to 35! yikes!). Let me know if you'd like to talk. I can send you my #.

R.

Nicole,

I'm wondering if the hesitation is because he only sees his daughter every other weekend and a couple days during the week? I understand that you can't control when things come up for the weekends, but maybe it's best to arrange for adult plans on the weekends that his daughter is with her Mom. Just a thought.

Other than that, check out sittercity.com. I've heard nothing but good things about it. It will show you what the going rate is, too.