First Rule Of Parenting: Build A Village!
We have all heard the adage, it takes a village to raise a child. It’s true, but sadly in the time we live, that village isn’t as readily available as it use to be. Big mama doesn’t live next door, Aunts and Uncles live across the country from one another. Neighbors hardly speak to one another. So if you aren’t blessed to live near family, what are you going to do?
I have asked myself this question for the last six years. I am so happy that even though we do not have family around, we have amazing friends. They watch our kids so that my husband and I can get out of the house for our date nights. When our first was born six years ago, this was so easy. We were able to go out 2-3x a month on a date. Then our daughter came along three years ago, and a lot changed. My friend’s lives became busy, and their children grew, they have family around so they spent time with them or they were just TIRED lol. My husband and I would have to book a month in advance, which is no problem, but with kids, you know that unforeseen occurrences come. Our kids would ALWAYS fall sick on the day of date night. So on average, we were getting a date night 1x every three months. Sorry, that doesn’t work for me or my marriage. We are always changing, and to keep up with that change, you as parents NEED to have time without the kids.
I had tried to look at babysitting services in the past. One thing I will say about babysitters, they are GOLD in the parent community. No one likes to give out who their sitter is. So a lot of times I was just told to look online etc etc. Well I didn’t want to pay a membership fee ON TOP of paying for the babysitter. I wanted to make sure that the sitter was a good one and someone I would feel at ease watching my children, especially since I have one child who is special needs. One day I was in a mom group, and the name of a company was thrown out…Doublemint. Hmmm let me look at this and check it out.
I went online and discovered that they were a local business to the Tampa Bay area (AWESOME! Ya’ll know how much I love to support small business) Then I went to google and their Facebook page to look at the reviews to see what people were saying about the company. There was so much positive and the fact that it came recommended in a mom group I was sold and decided to reach out and see if it was as great as everyone said It would be.
I went on the website and submitted information to book now, within 24 hours, I received an email with a new family packet that I filled out and let them know all my needs. I then txt the number provided and requested the date I needed sitting. AGAIN, within 24 hours I received a bio of the sitter (they will send up to 3 bios so you can choose which sitter best suits your needs) You can choose to meet the sitter beforehand for a small fee (facetime is also an option)
The night came, and I was so nervous because my children have never been watched by strangers. They immediately took to our sitter. Our three year old was so sad when she left. I received txt every hour to let me know what they had done, which eased my mind. I also love that its a group txt between the company, the sitter and the parent. To protect everyone’s safety, and we all know whats going on.
Pricing is $15 an hour for two children and 3 hours min. ($10 for one child and they even watch large groups as well, so if you have a big family or you want to double date with other parents you all can have sitting covered Doublemint also does pet sitting, as well as overnights. I am not ready for an overnight just yet, but I am excited to know we have that option for the future.
Building a village is so important. As parents, we can’t do it all, we need breaks, and we need help. I am so happy that I have found this company, and I am not going to be stingy with my knowledge. I want other parents to be able to have a night off and feel at ease.
When was your last date night? Let me know in the comments.