Originally Posted by comet555 (Post 5683775)

I get the warnings, but I think we can all agree that we need to be cautious.

It does annoy me slightly that other people might think I would pass off my kids to total strangers! I don't think any of us intend to do that. Obviously we will all meet, get to know each other and then only babysit if and when we're comfortable.

We pretty much know hardly anyone here, so for me to find a babysitter I'd basically be picking up the phonebook or calling an agency. Then they'd give me a total stranger that I'd have to check out. At least this way I can meet other moms in the same situation and get to know them a bit more first. I've already met some of these ladies so it's not as though they're all strangers.

So, yes there's a need to be careful. And no I won't be telling anyone where we live and what time my house will be empty, etc. But I think we could all safely meet at a park like the other expat meets. Then, we can take it from there.

Pollyana..... good job though, nothing wrong with cautioning us to be cautious :D

To everyone else:
Can we consider ourselves warned, and we can take care of ourselves from now on?

Originally Posted by Pollyana (Post 5683849)

Its more that I just have to be fair to a couple of posters that had concerns - they preferred not to post on here themselves, so I said I'd just stick my nose in! It's good to feel that we all have an eye out for each other after all.

As I said I'm sure that you are all sensible enough to know what you are up to, and its a great way of getting to know people and of getting new friends for the children as well. Please don't take my post as a criticism in any way, as its not meant like that at all :) Its a great idea and I hope it takes off really well :)

And now, as I don't have kids and so really can't be of much help to a babysitting circle, I'll let you guys get on with it. Last time I was left in charge of 2 kids they shut me in a cupboard and ran off with the key during a game of hide and seek, so you're certainly better off without me! Fortunately their mum was only working in the next room and heard the two of them debating how long to leave me there for :D

Originally Posted by Stitch (Post 5688408)

Haven't been called a lady too many times!

Cheers and hope your enjoying youself.

Ginny :thumbsup: