Do you think its ok to Ask on Facebook for a baby sitter?

[tofu]

I am just curious....what do you think? - baby sit for 1 and 3 year old .

[PumpkinZulu]

Well Facebook is where you communicate with your family and friends, so why not?

[~Hestia~]

As PZ pointed out, FB is a way to communicate with family and friends. If I needed a babysitter, that would be the fastest way to ask people I know.

[MrsFabuloso]

As long as you are comfortable with any of your fb friends doing it, I dont see an issue.

[Ginger]

I suppose it depends on your privacy settings.

[TeniBear]

Depends where on FB you're asking, and the reasons. Asking "can anyone watch the kids on Saturday?" on your own status is alright, as is "Looking for a regular babysitter to work every Friday from 7-10, $10 p/h, call [number] for an interview" on a local page. But posting the first message on a local page (so asking a bunch of strangers to look after your kids, no screening beforehand) is a bit dodgy...

[~Hestia~]

Yeah exactly, agree with Teni.

[Ca Plane Pour Moi]

Tofu, as you don't have a 1yo and a 3yo, has a friend/relative done this and you disapprove? Do you want us to as well?

[LoveKnowsNoBounds]

My doctor suggested I do this as I was in dire need of a baby sitter. I didn't end up doing it but I can definitely understand it. If its paid babysitting then its an opportunity to employ someone that you know. I wouldn't post it on any other page other than my own

[danita]

I also agree with PZ and Teni.

[Mummy_AllyK]

I did this when my son was around 9 months old. I was living with my mum (I was a single mum from pregnancy) and we had friends visiting from interstate, I only had a select few people on fb that lived in Melbourne and I asked if anyone was willing to help me out. It was the first time I had a chance to get out without bub after his birth and because I hardly knew anyone in melb I was pretty much a hermit. I hate asking for help at the best of times so to outright ask someone was difficult for me. I thought if someone was willing to help me out then I'd go out if not then I wouldn't, as it was it was my close cousin who offered to babysit him and it was only for about 3-4hrs.
If its the right way/not asking random people, but close family friends, it's easier than calling/texting 10 people to see if they can! IMO

[black_rose]

I do it with friends/family when we need someone fast they are all on fb and its easier than texting everyone. Wouldn't do it on a local page but don't see the big deal on your own timeline.

[AliBaby]

No problem with it at all.

My settings on facebook are private and that is my network. I would much rather reach out to my network than ring an agency of people I don't know. In fact, me personally, I wouldn't ring an agency. I would much rather my children be minded by people I know.

I think another benefit of asking Facebook family and friends is that no one feels obligated. If someone is happy to do it, they will say they are happy to do it. If they don't want to do it then they don't have to comment back or can say they are busy. I don't really care if they are making up that they are busy or not, I would just rather have someone look after my kids because they want to (even though I would pay them), not because they feel obligated to.

Hope that makes sense.

[Doing my best]

I have asked for recommendations on FB this week.. But I also would have no hesitation in putting a blanket call for offers if I needed a sitter. We have one family member within a 10 hr drive, and he is often away.. And even if I put the call on FB, I am willing to pay the person/people who do it, but just asking amongst people I know and trust so I don't have to go through references etc..

If you are talking about asking strangers on a community site on FB, my answer will change dramatically from the above..

[Lenny]

I think another benefit of asking Facebook family and friends is that no one feels obligated. If someone is happy to do it, they will say they are happy to do it. If they don't want to do it then they don't have to comment back or can say they are busy. I don't really care if they are making up that they are busy or not, I would just rather have someone look after my kids because they want to (even though I would pay them), not because they feel obligated to.

[Pholi]

I would be worried that someone I don't trust would offer to sit. Then it would be awkward saying, well, actually, thanks, but I don't want you.

[diannescruffy]

Nothing wrong with asking on your facebook page but I've seen people asking on facebook groups which to me is an open door to danger.

Regards,
Dianne

[black_rose]

We haven't ever had anyone we would be uncomfortable with say yes but its easy enough to say someone replied by pm.