I can so relate! We had a similar situation and I remember the day I broke down (day before her last day). Like huge fat tears and actual sobs. What a mess! I was embarrassed by myself. But I got it out and that was the only day I cried. I was a little sad for about a month though. Emotions are weird. (My husband thought I was nuts.)

I’m sorry, OP. It’s a loss to lose a true family friend. She was clearly more than just a sitter to you. I hope you stay in touch and reunite when she moves back.

^I meant she got pregnant. Ha, misread the other posts above.

That happened to us too, and yes it was due to pregnancy. When you care about a person who works in your home, it's a real bond. Good luck finding a replacement (you will, hang in there), and be glad you had the time with her while you did, as good help is hard to find.

I get it ... good reliable childcare is worth more than gold.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are you super hormonal or something? This sounds completely odd.

This person was a primary caregiver for her child. I don't think it's odd at all!

No she wasn't--she was part time 2x a week.

Ye, must be pregnant. Get a test.

Are you pregnant? Just sayin'

OP, Yes it is hard to loose a sitter, but you need to get a handle on this. You are lucky enough to have another sitter lined up and your work life seemingly will not be disrupted. Make sure that you do not cry in front of your kids. They pick up on everything and you are setting up your new sitter to fail. Take a breath and be the mom.

Anonymous wrote:Are you super hormonal or something? This sounds completely odd.

This person was a primary caregiver for her child. I don't think it's odd at all!

Soooo, when is the baby due?

Seriously though, I think you're crying partially because you will miss the person and partially because you are sad to lose what this person means to you right now - someone who you trusted with your children enough to enjoy time away guilt free. You will find another one, but you will have to rebuild that trust level and that's a pain.

Are you super hormonal or something? This sounds completely odd.

This happened to us too. We had an after daycare sitter who watched my daughter from 8 months - 2 years every day. She graduated college and had to move back home. We LOVED her. I cried uncontrollably when she left! But her replacement (who she helped find) has been incredible too and 6 months later I don't really thin of her very much anymore.

Changes are hard and changes to our kids' routines are even harder. Hopefully you find someone just as wonderful to replace her!

Deep breaths. Childcare changes happen more frequently than any of us parents would like. But it's part of life. Learning to adapt to new and different situations and people - it's a critical life skill for your children (and one that it seems like you may want to also embrace!)

Our baby sitter of one year is leaving this week - moving out of the country for a year with her husband. I knew it was coming yet I have been sobbing uncontrollably all morning. Seriously, I have shed more tears for her than I did when my uncle died last year. What is wrong with me?

She only worked part-time - two days a week - but we all absolutely loved her. She is a very warm, caring person. Obviously, I want her to be happy and move on with her life, but I cannot stop crying.

We even have a new sitter lined up who we love (so far) and I know in my head we will see her again. She will likely move back to DC in a year. I'm a mess.