You've booked the restaurant, chosen your outfit and psyched yourself up for a night of fun - but if this is the first time you've left your toddler with a babysitter, you will no doubt go through the following stages!
Excitement
You’re excited about finally leaving the house for the first time without your toddler in tow. For the first time in a long time it’s just going to be you, the hubby and some good food – sounds like bliss!
Feelings of guilt
Your feelings of excitement won’t last long as you feel guilty for even looking forward to leaving your little one at home. The joys of motherhood!
Worrying about your sitter
Unless you are lucky enough to be able to rely on family members, it can be pretty stressful finding a sitter that you trust and like. As soon as they agree to mind your little one, you’ll no doubt spend a few days worrying about your choice.
Trying to bargain with them
You can barely afford to go out never mind have a spare €100 to pay them with - you try to pile them with sweets and food to cut their cost down!
Worrying whether they’ll do a good job
So now that you’re paying them below rate, you’re left wondering if they’ll do their job right! You hear so many stories you’re actually in a ball of sweat!
Stress about organising everything three hours early
Not only do you have to get yourself ready, but you need to get your little one fed and watered well before the sitter comes in. You couldn't bear it if they saw how messy your home really gets!
The 101 questions
As soon as they come in the door you can’t help but pile them with information and questions. You’re lucky they don’t bolt!
The long goodbye
You’re ready to go, but you can’t seem to tear yourself away from your little one. As you back out the door you start to question your decision - "what kind of mother am I leaving them with a 17-year-old?! Am I insane?!
As soon as you sit down in front of your meal without Toddler in tow only then do you truly relax - for about five minutes or so.
