Anonymous wrote:Just MYOB. Giving him advice on what his wife may want or not want regarding a gift or trip is just too pretentious for an employee to attempt.

And when he cancels after she reserved 24 hours? Nope, I agree that she has the right to be paid half ahead as a reserve, or he pays x for cancellation.

Just MYOB. Giving him advice on what his wife may want or not want regarding a gift or trip is just too pretentious for an employee to attempt.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:She's never had a sitter overnight? Wow, does she have relatives watching the kids or have they never had a night alone since the kids were born?

We've never had one either. I wouldn't want to do it before the kid is at least one year old and sleeping well. I would jump at the opportunity now, but the grandparents haven't ever offered and while we did put some effort into growing our roster of sitters, no one has been long-term or frequent enough to have that level of familiarity in which my kids wouldn't think it's weird. People move a lot in our area - college town, and all, so yep, we're in the same boat, not exactly by choice.

Yes, but the older kid is 6 so they've never had a night alone in over six years!

But it's not unreasonable if the youngest is still under 3.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:She's never had a sitter overnight? Wow, does she have relatives watching the kids or have they never had a night alone since the kids were born?

We've never had one either. I wouldn't want to do it before the kid is at least one year old and sleeping well. I would jump at the opportunity now, but the grandparents haven't ever offered and while we did put some effort into growing our roster of sitters, no one has been long-term or frequent enough to have that level of familiarity in which my kids wouldn't think it's weird. People move a lot in our area - college town, and all, so yep, we're in the same boat, not exactly by choice.

Yes, but the older kid is 6 so they've never had a night alone in over six years!

Anonymous wrote:She's never had a sitter overnight? Wow, does she have relatives watching the kids or have they never had a night alone since the kids were born?

We've never had one either. I wouldn't want to do it before the kid is at least one year old and sleeping well. I would jump at the opportunity now, but the grandparents haven't ever offered and while we did put some effort into growing our roster of sitters, no one has been long-term or frequent enough to have that level of familiarity in which my kids wouldn't think it's weird. People move a lot in our area - college town, and all, so yep, we're in the same boat, not exactly by choice.

Anonymous wrote:She's never had a sitter overnight? Wow, does she have relatives watching the kids or have they never had a night alone since the kids were born?

I know a few sets of parents who wouldn't let their child stay with someone else until the child was 3. No grandparents, babysitters, aunts/uncles, etc. I think it's weird, but we stayed with my grandmother at least one weekend a month from birth, and my grandmother always wanted more time with us.

She's never had a sitter overnight? Wow, does she have relatives watching the kids or have they never had a night alone since the kids were born?

Yep, you've worked with them for a long time. I would just say that since you know MB has been reluctant to leave the kids in the past, you will need payment upon booking in this situation.

Sure, I would have a talk w/her hubby + inquire about his opinion regarding her being away from the kids overnight.

You have a valid reason for believing she may not be comfortable doing so and like you stated...It would suck if you reserved a whole 24HRs for this position and the mother ended up backing out.

Maybe you can compromise w/the father. For example, if the mother does decline his offer, he should still pay you something for saving that day for them.

Good luck.

Anonymous wrote:Instead of telling him that he should change his plans on how to surprise his wife, you might consider telling him that you have a cancellation penalty of x since this is a large block of time that you're reserving for him.

+1

Get the time guaranteed, OP.

Instead of telling him that he should change his plans on how to surprise his wife, you might consider telling him that you have a cancellation penalty of x since this is a large block of time that you're reserving for him.

I'm a nanny who babysits occasionally. Recently, one of my clients booked me to stay overnight with his children, so he could surprise his wife with an overnight trip for their anniversary. The kids are 6 and (almost) 3. I've been babysitting for them for 5 years.
DB mentioned that he doesn't plan to tell his wife about the trip until the morning of. While she definitely trusts me, it takes her a while to warm up to things. For example, I was their first sitter and she used to text me a lot in the beginning. After the second boy was born, it took months and months until she was comfortable leaving him.
She's never had a sitter overnight and I am concerned that she may not do well without some time to get used to the idea.
Should I suggest to him that he give her some advanced notice or should I just butt out?
I just don't want to block 24 hours of my schedule, only to have them cancel because she's not ready.
Thank you!