I found it challenging to have a little boy when I first became a parent – he was enthusiastic and energetic, and I had a lot to learn. Between my nervousness and his exuberance, my son wasn’t babysat very much except by my parents so I didn’t get out much.
For his second Christmas, my cousin gave me an awesome present. She had written out a voucher for a night’s babysitting!
It was such a thoughtful gift – she’s often given thoughtful gifts but this one was a stand out and probably kept me happy many times leading up to and after the actual night we used the voucher. It helped that she was experienced with kids and is so calm that trust was easy.
This is my thank you to my cousin, plus a little hope that someone else could give a similar gift to new parents they know – it could make such a huge difference to them and its cheap, too!
I can see what that gift has stayed so fondly in your memories, Marissa. Thanks for sharing your story and hoping to inspire others around new parents.
What a thoughtful gift idea! A close family friend who I consider to be an aunty figure has just had her first son. Perhaps for Christmas this year I can make her a special gift voucher to babysit her son for an evening so that she can have a well deserved night off.
I’m sure she will appreciate it, tajnz. As a mother, I can tell you that being given a ‘night off’ is a treat – all the more so if you don’t have to beg or pay for it!
Vouchers, are wonderful gifts. Although I never got to enjoy a “Night off “voucher when one of my girls were younger I did get a book of chore coupons. I will do dishes, I will put away the laundry, I will make your bed and so on. They were great gifts and I’m happy to say I cashed them all in
Pleased to hear you cashed in all those vouchers, pocs. Vouchers can be a grea tgift – cheap for those on a budget, very valuable for the recipient and often mean you get to spend time together so win-win all round!
Marissa has lifelong companionship with such great extended family. Everyone doesn’t have that luxury. She certainly knew what you needed and it was a thoughtful present.
It was thoughtful, wasn’t it? People who notice what we need and give it to us and a real treasure.
I couldn’t agree more, Santas Elf.
How thoughtful and considerate! I’ve got a 9 month old, so I know how nice it would be to have a night (or morning or afternoon) out. A lot of people say to call if you need a babysitter, but they really don’t mean it. That was very nice of your cousin to not only mean it, but also to put in writing. That is a really, really great present to any parent.
I agree Christi – it is a thoughtful gift any parent would love to get – I know I still love having babysitters but am never sure who really means it when they offer help, either.