WANTED: A Babysitter At My Doorstep Over Here In Okinawa

Do you remember those pesky word problems from back in the day?

Jim and Sarah who are hiking in wilderness, decide to leave their tent and walk around a lake. They start going in the opposite directions. Jim hikes at the rate of 3 miles per hour. Sarah hikes at the rate of 2 miles per hour. The perimeter of the lake is 10 miles. How long will it be before they meet?

Wow. I had no idea then how much life would become a word problem. Not that I would have listened. I was busy then. There were boys to talk to and lockers to decorate and fashion to adhere to and deep thoughts to think. But now, I could use some of those darn skills.

Here's one that's got me stumped.

Mom has to work twice on Saturdays. Dad is deployed. Her two kids need a babysitter from 7:00 am until 11:30 am and then again from 2:00 pm until 6:30 pm. Mom would prefer someone to come to her off-base house so that the kids aren't bounced around hither and yon. Mom would prefer an adult with CPR skills. She'd also prefer to have someone who speaks emergency English in case a phone call needs to be placed to her about emergency stuff. Mom needs to pay the babysitter but doesn't know how much to pay . What is Mom going to do? Is Mom going to get what she wants? Is Mom going to cry in her soup?

This is serious. How do you all deal with babysitting? What are your standards? How much do you pay?

And are there babysitting services that could solve my problem right this very second.

Please say yes.

Comments

[Lisa]

I realize you stated you wanted an adult, but if you did decide a teenager would be acceptable, you can go to the teen center on Kadena and ask for a list of Red Cross certified babysitters.

[Bambi]

There are also a couple questions that need to be answered. Where is the off base house(closes base and how many min. drive.) and what are the ages of the kids that will be watched? With those answers you might get more people willing. Also, is she willing to let a family take them in and have them go to the family events(like t-ball games or parks). This might also help her find a babysitter that is an adult(I know I would be more willing if I could spend the Sat. with my own family while watching hers).

[mereditz]

Okay. Yes, answers. I live closest to KAB Gate 1. In Mizugama. Near Navel Kadena. I have two boys. One is 2.5. The other is 15 months. Because I'm only going to be home for that stretch in between 11:30 until 2:00 I would prefer someone here. Just because that will be some time together with them.

I think I'll check out the babysitter list that Lisa recommended. Maybe there are some bi-lingual teens on there. If they live close to Gate One that's easy enough.

Thanks for the feedback. Sigh.

[Michelle]

Finding a babysitter is tough! Some other places to look....contact the local Girl Scout council on island-they have badges that encourage the girls (some in high school) to become Red Cross certified babysitters. You could try the chapel either on Kadena or Foster for possible referrals as well as the Foster Teen Center. Or contact the Red Cross office directly for their referral list. Last resort...place an ad in the Japan Update weekly paper. As for paying your sitter-ask the Red Cross what they are recommending to girls to charge....if memory serves me correctly the going rate is around $5/child. Good Luck!

[Jennifer]

I have had a very difficult time finding child care here - I've tried at least 7 different baby-sitters, believe it or not! The Red Cross baby-sitter list usually consists only of very young sitters - perhaps ages 11-14 (and then transportation can be a big barrier). Some of the ones I've used have been pretty good at interacting with my daughter, but reliability was often an issue - they seemed to forget our arrangement from time to time.

Did you try asking Narumi May for suggestions? She seems to have a lot of connections/resources and might know of a bilingual mamasan (or one who knows a little English) who might be available.

[Joelle]

I'll chime in here with Mereditz on the question of the going rates... Anytime I ask someone they seem to hmmmm hawww -- don't know whether it's because we're all afraid we're paying the wrong amount or what?? Michelle mentioned $5 per child -- is that what everyone is paying?? Would hate to have three!!

[Julie]

Don't forget that these teenage babysitters are in school during the day, so that makes babysitting during the week impossible. I see 2 options for you right off the bat, hire a mama-san to watch your kids OR sign them up for daycare at the CDC. They're the best daycares i've ever seen (gov't subsidized) Depending on your husbands rank the price varies, if he's also deployed to Iraq or Afganistan, they may have a different price too, not sure on that one. Check it out, from what I hear, mama-sans are awesome!

[Pamelala]

do any of the bases offer MCCS Parents Night Out. The one on Miramar is 4:30pm-11:30pm and only $10 per child for all that time. I realise this is on;y for a Sat night date night, but I hope they offer it over there. I have been spoiled having that and working for the YMCA with all their PNO's! You could try ASYMCA as well, they may have something...

[Aviva]

Meredith is looking for Saturday care, so the school thing shouldn't be an issue - I recommended she try the Key Volunteer Network, and unfortunately she's out of luck there because her family lives off base. AND, she's not in a heavily American-populated area. I think a Mama-san is a great idea, certainly if she's a good English-speaker (good enough to communicate to Meredith, who speaks pretty darn good Japanese!)

I'm really not sure if Kadena's child care services would come off base (because previously you checked out USMC's info) but here's a link I found, look at the bottom of the page. http://kadenaservices.com/familychild.html
It seems they're individually contracted workers and have to be 18+ years old. If it comes down to it - would you be willing to bring your child to someone's house?

Pamela - the youth centers here do a group kids' night thing sometimes, i THINK - but I don't think it's too regular. SO many families here have kids, that I personally found incredibly friendly neighbors who almost immediately offered to trade of sitting for each others' kids for date nights. ASYMCA is only in the USA. You're not in Kansas anymore....

[Frida Dahlback]

You could try the kuru-kuru (not sure about the spelling here) babysitters. They are a network of japanese babysitters so they will always provide babysitting. Some of them speak a little English. Only problem is that they might not have a discount for two children, but maybe that can be resolved. I pay 600 yen per hour for one child. I have phone numbers if you are interested.

[Jean-Luc Picard]

Word problems always had me stumped. As for the babysitting one, I'm not qualified to answer!

[Pamelala]

ASYMCA is on Kadena base
www.asymca.org
...so I might be coming nearer to Kansas than you think :o
I work for the Y and used to work for the ASYMCA on CP so I consider myself a Y lifer...where there's me, there's a Y!

[Aviva]

Nice! I stand corrected - yeah, I remember, Rancho Penasquitos Y. I should know better than to contradict a pro. :)

When are you coming, Pam?

[caredees]

i have a question: how do you find out what ASYMCA has to offer here? i don't see a link on their website - so just calling Kadena??
thanks :)

[mereditz]

I ditto Caroline. Not at all sure what they offer. Would love to know!

So an update. I am trying out some babysitters this week AND I put an ad in Japan Update.

My need on Saturday mornings and my hope to have care in my home does not make it possible for me to use those hours allotted to me with a deployed daddy. It's a bummer but I am moving on!

Hopefully, I'll find the perfect situation. I have TWO weeks!

[Pamelala]

I think you would have to call Kadena direct. I tried to find a link myself for job openings but had to email corp. in the US. I don't think they do too much. I know they have an Operation Hero afterschool program but that's all I know...
M, I feel your pain, it's like a juggling contest trying to work with kids and the ever changing plans of the US military...I work FT doing a split shift and it's a killer at times and that's working for a VERY flexible company...then I do my freelance photography on the side but not much, no time...
A, January sometime, still waiting on a date!!!

[Aviva]

http://stripes.com/article.asp?section=104article=56116archive=true

Parents' night out (on Kadena). If you're willing to pay $4/hour per kid (6 weeks to 12 years) I say do it. I think that's a steal! Mere, I'm making you do this so you can come out with me, especially when hubby's gone.

[Rene Downey]

I am interested in finding out more info on the Kuru Kuru babysitting network. If anyone has the contact information or directions I would really appreciate it!

[Nina]

Frida Dahlback - If you could elaborate on the babysitting service you mentioned earlier...I'd greatly appreciate it! My email address: nicholsfamilyonthemove@yahoo.com

[Kellys Joe]

Our mamasan used to be a nanny and has asked about babysitting. But I don't know if she's available on Saturday.

Good luck

[Joelle]

Kellys Joe,
Does your mamasan have a free day? I'd love to find a mamasan to do about half the day cleaning and spend the other half of the day babysitting/teaching my son Japanese! But I haven't had any leads for a dual person like that. Let me know!

[Christina Dohm]

Try Family Child Care. http://www.kadenaservices.com/familychild.html I am a provider myself and there are a few of us who do weekend care. If you call Ludy at the FCC office she will help you out even more.

[Carrie]

How does one find a Mama-san? Are they the same as nannies? We'll be PCSing in July, and I need someone who can watch the kids (ages 4, 3 and 1 1/2) and potentially teach them Japanese until we get everyone set up in day care, or even in place of day care.

Thanks!

[Allie]

I am alos movng there very soon and in interested in finding a mama-san. Any help would be great!! Thanks!

[Antoinette]

I am in dire need of 0730 to 1830 child care. I have done the on base care thing and can't get both kids in one day care at a reasonable rate (more than half my check ends up eaten up by day care). I am willing to go off base, but I would prefer a mamasan in my home. How much will this cost? The numbers I've heard thrown around sound like too much. I have two girls ages 18m and 3 years. I have answered adds in the Japan Update but gotten only one response from someone who won't be available til the end of the month. Please, Please Please, I need day care to keep my job, any help would be appreciated

[Rachel]

I will me giving birth in a few weeks! Need a nanny/babysitter/mama-san. Desperately looking for someone to take my 5 year old son to and from Japanese elementary school, help with Japanese homework, and feed. We live off-base in Maehara, Uruma City. Elementary school is 5 minutes away. Japanese speaker with some english, preferred but not required. Please, help me find someone! velocitygirl310@yahoo.com

[Joelle]

If you pick up a copy of "This Week on Okinawa" (available at the BX/shoppette/video story) there are always 5-10 adverts in there for people who do cleaning/babysitting and are available in various areas. That might help.

[Rachel]

Thank you, Joelle! I'll check it out!

[Tinh Ha]

I have just arrived Okinawa in a few days. I am seeking for a job as a babysister.

I am a Vietnamese. I have some experience in doing such kind of job. If anyone need, please email me via this email: unionhcm@gmail.com or please contact me via this telephone number: 080-3954-1568.

Best regards,
Tinh (Ms)

[Teresa]

I found an adult babysitter (26) by placing an ad in the Japan Update online. Just put as much infor has you can about what you are looking for and people will contact you. Interview them to see if you like them.

[Enid]

This might be a little off the subject, but does anyone know about off base before or after school care? The wait list at the Foster SAC is long. I have a 5yr old going to Killin Elementary and I will be working shift work at the hospital. Any ideas?

[rachel]

Hello all, I just stumbled on to this website trying to find hair salons, but I would be interested in babysitting on weeends or weeknights. I am 28 have my BA and am a certified nurses assistant. My husband works on Kadena as a pilot and have no children or resposibilities. I never thought of childcare because I assumed it would be something that teens or preteens were doing but I would be happy to do it. I can also do elderly care or people/children with disability care. My phone number is 080-3992-9351. I would charge 5 an hour for one child and 7 for two or more children and 10 for special needs. If you would like me to clean while your gone, do laundy, vacuum, dishes etc...please add 2 dollars per hour. Rachel

[rachel]

The begining of that post was awkward. Please let me clarify. I will work whenever you need me. Weekdays, Weekends,Day, eveining, nights(midnight shift for any single parents who work or will be working the midnight shift).
Cheers
Rachel

[Allie]

Rachel,

Do you live on Kadena? Are you williing to drive to other bases?

[Janeth]

Hi,

This is an agency I found when looking for a sitter when we first arrived. I haven't used them but their website states they come to you and the rate is reasonable for 2 children.
http://babysmileokinawa.ti-da.net/

[Janeth]

Hi,

This is an agency I found when looking for a sitter when we first arrived. I haven't used them but their website states they come to you and the rate is reasonable for 2 children.
http://babysmileokinawa.ti-da.net/

[Kristin]

Hey Rachel~
could you please give me your email address!
ARe you on Kadena?!
kmp2@hotmail.com
thanks so much

[rachel]

I live off base. I am closest to Kadena and Foster but will happily drive to your home wherever.
Rachel

[Lauren]

I think the Foster CDC does a deployed spouses child care day. It's either the first or second Saturday of each month. I believe it's free and I believe it's for all branches. That might only help you out one Saturday a month.

I also babysit from time to time. I'm married and will be 27 next month. I'm here until 2011 and I do not have any kids of my own. You can email me at hismiss20@hotmail.com.

[Kelly A]

Foster CDC and Foster SAC do a Parent's Night Out the first Saturday of every month. You do need to either have your child registered in the program OR you can fill out a 1 time use form.

We have used the CDC for hourly care only as well as for Parent's Night Out and have been very happy with the job done by the staff there. They are couteous, kind, and warm to my child. What more can you ask for? After going 1 time (for hourly care) they remembered her name and have always continued to provide a safe and FUN environment for her.

We have also used the SAC for our Kindergartener on Parent's Night Out. She always has a great time and usually gets to see one or two of her friends from school (which is always a bonus).

Parent's Nights Out are free and run from 1700 - 2230. I recommend making reservations early (I believe they start taking them right after the current month's "night out" is over). There is limited space available (due to child care regulations).

I know it doesn't solve ALL of the child care needs on island, but for us, it gave us a well needed "date night" and the kids had a fun time playing with other kiddos!

Best wishes and thanks for all of the great suggestions!

[Lauren]

The Foster CDC does do a Parents Night Out, but they also did/do another from of free care (I can't remember the name of it). It was for spouses of the deployed. It goes from like 8am to 5/530pm. I worked there for a while. That's how I know. It is free. I do not know if they are still doing it or not.

[Diane]

Rachel,

Are you willing to observe parent and child's routine before being allowed to babysit a toddler? Of course, you would get paid for this time.

[rachel]

Yes I am willing to observe parents and childrens rountine but I would not charge as long as it was for a reasonable time like only an hour or two. If you want me with you for a full day we could work out some kind of small fee.

[Tara]

Rachel, we are PCSing to Kadena the beginning of December, and we are having another baby in March. We need someone to watch our 4-year-old while we are having the baby. Is this something you are able to do? Please email me if you might be interested. tara.fansler@yahoo.com

[Sophia]

I am off base near Foster (about 4K from the legion gate) and I am a certified preschool teacher with a one year old. I am currently a stay at home mom, and I would love to nanny (full or part time) in my home. I have a huge area for children to play and a small yard. I am ideally looking for one child, around my sons age, so they can play and learn together - while still having tons of one on one time. Please send me an email if you are interested!
Sophialauterbach@gmail.com

[Kristina Donaldson]

My husband and I are on the opposite side of the spectrum, like some other writers also. Im due in December with our first, and I would like to babysit in our home starting in March. Does anyone know where I start to find a family in need? Thank you for your time!

[nicole]

Hi Rachel, Wow, you sound too good to be true:) I have an 11 and 8 year old boys and I am looking for someone on Friday or Saturday nights. We live on Camp Lester. Interested?
My e-mail nlcolvig@hotmail.com

[Amanda]

Hi all!
We just got here May 1st and I would love to find someone on or near Kinser to share kids with ; ). Here the idea: Each month each of us gets 1 Friday night or Saturday in which the other watches the kids. Like I mentioned, we just arrived so we barely know anyone yet. Ideally you would have kids about the same age. I have one son who is 15 months old. Plus he would love some playtime with other kids while Mommy and Daddy go snorkeling or some other un-kid friendly activity. This would work great with a group of parents too. Anyone interested?

[Lizz]

I have an almost 2 yr old daughter, she'll be 2 at the end of June. My son just turned 6 and just about to start summer vaca. I'll be willing to join a play date group with other parents, like a rotational type of schedule. Please contact me at the4bs78@gmail.com. We arrived on the island about a month ago and don't know many people just yet but I hope to change that. Thanks Lizz

[Kelly Larson]

Hi! I am looking for someone who can babysit my two children (5 and 2 1/2) 2 to 3 days a week starting this school year. I need someone who can watch my 2 1/2 year old all day and pick my son up from preschool on Camp Foster at 1130am. I would prefer someone who can watch them in my home or at their home on Camp Lester or Foster. I will be doing volunteer work, so my hours may be flexible. I am hoping to work till 3 or 4pm. If you are interested, please e-mail me at larson101@gmail.com Thank you!