Family watching your child when you work

question for mom's who use other family members as a babysitter when you went back to work

so my SIL ofered to watch my baby 2 days a week, from 8 AM-4:30ish when i go back to work (he's due in june, and i am going back in nov). i am thrilled that he'll be in great hands and she doesnt want any $$ so it does save us a lot, but i am a little insecure that he will bond with her more then me. I know it sounds silly, as she really is wonderful and caring, but i would be so hurt for example if he says her name first, etc. I will be home with him 2 days during the week (i am only going back 3 days) and the other day i work he'll prob be in daycare/babysitter, so i will still have the 2 days during the week and the weekend with him. Am i just being stupid? i am grateful to her but feeling a little insecure i guess, please let me know that the baby knows who mom and dad are dispite someone else watching them
Thanks!

Message edited 3/5/2007 5:40:03 PM.

Re: Family watching your child when you work

I work 5 days a week and my mom, my MIL and a cousin watch my daughter on different days. She's 18 months old now and she's been with them since 3 months.

There has never once been an issue of "Who's mom?" or her bonding with any of them over me. If anything, I love the fact that it gives her a chance to interact with her grandparents--something I missed out on myself. In fact, I'm becoming a SAHM in about a month, but I still intend to keep her going to the different homes at least 2 or 3 days a week.

You're absolutely not being stupid because I think all working moms are worried about these same things, but really you'll see--you're the mommy for sure!! The only thing though...she likes my MIL a bit too much for my liking!

Re: Family watching your child when you work

Yes, my MIL watches DD 3 days a week right now. I don't worry about her not knowing who her mother is - but I do get a little aggrivated when MIL thinks DD is HERS. My MIL gets a little overly attached and that's what is bugging me recently. I mean, it is a total advantage that I don't have to pay for child care and I have family close by (which a lot of women don't have). I have my complaints, but would certainly rather have it this way than nothing at all!

Re: Family watching your child when you work

Re: Family watching your child when you work

I work fulltime all day, and my husband stays home with Ava all day long. Imagine how much I fear her being closer to him?! I think it is totally normal, but once you have the baby, you will see that there's no one like mommy. When I come home, regardless of how long she spends with JT, Ava's face lights up and it's all Mama, mama, mama, mama! Even though we only have weekends and evenings together, she seems to definitely favor me over JT, and I think it's nature. We're mommies, and our babies know that. I wouldn't worry

Re: Family watching your child when you work

I work full-time and my mother watches my son. I never feared if he would favor her over me or that he wouldn't "know" who I am.

I am the one who wakes up with him in the middle of the night, I give him his baths, I feed him dinner, I sing to him and read his good night book...He knows who momma is

ETA: and on the weekends...it is us who are with them 24/7

dont worry,,,you dc will know you are the mother

Message edited 3/5/2007 7:23:31 PM.

Re: Family watching your child when you work

Not to worry. Your baby will know you. I watch my grandson 5 days a week and from the beginning he knew who his mom and dad were.