Proof that we are Parents

12 Jul

Guest Post: A Date with My Phone

Today’s guest post was written by Amanda Jewson – mom of 2, educator, certified sleep consultant and founder of Baby’s Best Sleep.

I remember my first night out with my husband after baby. Rather, I remember the glow of my phone screen during the date my husband and I were supposed to be enjoying together. I think I checked if my ringer worked no less than 400 times, and even watched my little girl sleep from an app on my phone that was connected to my baby monitor. Needless to say, that first date my phone and I had together after baby was an expensive night out with husband, the tag along, ?

Date night after baby! Gah! This is such a tough one. And everyone tells you “Make time for your marriage!”, “Go on dates!’, “Make time for you!” I often wondered how it was possible to squeeze in date night, in between the sheer exhaustion of new parenthood and the time spent looking for oxy clean to remove the barf smell from the shoulders of my shirts. But I knew it needed to happen, and that hubby and I needed to talk about something other than our baby.

And, eventually, we made it happen. It wasn’t easy, but here’s how we did it:

1. Find yourself a good babysitter. This is obvious, but I can’t stress enough how important it is to actually feel confident and comfortable with the person sitting at home with your kids. You’re going to be worried for a variety of reasons: What happens if the baby wakes up? What happens if he won’t stop crying? What happens if she’s totally fine—does she not love me? The person who is with your kids shouldn’t be one of those worries. (Side note: As a member of Datenight Babysitting, I can assure you that this is the last thing you will be thinking about—our sitters have been incredible. And I don’t use that term often). Find someone you like, and make sure they come with great references (that you check!). And make sure to ask all the questions that are on your mind (even the ones you think make you sounds like a weirdo), so you can enjoy your night.

2. Start close, then move away. If you’re still nervous about heading out, start close. Do a test run! Have dinner at your local, and walk home. Build confidence in your ability to leave your house and feel like everything’s going to be okay. Because it will be okay. And soon enough, you’ll be able to venture a little farther.

3. Get your baby sleeping. Personally, I never felt comfortable leaving my sitter with a baby who didn’t have great sleep habits. I love the idea of putting baby to sleep and heading out. Or, even better, having a baby that sleeps so well you can leave the sitter to put baby to bed. This can happen (and if it’s not happening for you, you can call me!), and it will mean your date can start earlier and will feel less rushed. But even a great sleeper will sometimes wake after you’ve left the house. So make sure you and your sitter have discussed what to do if that happens.

4. Go on the date. Getting out of the house was really hard at first. I remember it vividly. It felt like work instead of fun. Now I can’t wait to get out with my husband. And because I know I can always get a good sitter through Datenight, I honestly never worry. It took some time and energy, but my husband and I are (re)connected, and we talk about things other than barf and poop. Going on a date is restorative, a great practice in self care, and it’s FUN.

5. Put your phone down. This was my mistake. I spent the entire first night out with my husband looking at my phone, worried. For no reason. We had an awesome babysitter at home, a great meal in front of us, and I wasn’t present. I regret this. Make a point to check your phone every 30-45 minutes (set an alarm if you have to). You (and your babysitter) can handle anything that happens in that time.

So go get ‘em! Get out on that date and enjoy yourselves! You’ll be better parents for shutting off your mom and dad brains for a little while. And you’ll be a lot more present with your kiddies in the morning. Have fun!

This post was brought to you by Datenight Babysitting — Toronto’s leading mobile app connecting parents with experienced, local babysitters — with thousands of dates booked in the GTA.

09 Jun

Datenight at the DMZ

Here at Datenight, we’ve got big plans for 2017 and beyond. That’s why, when we decided to apply for Ryerson’s DMZ accelerator program back in January, we didn’t let a 10% acceptance rate scare us off. Ranked the top tech incubator in North America, the DMZ helps early-stage technology startups make it to the next stage. And we’re more than ready to get there.

After an hour-long interview that focused on Datenight’s vision, business metrics, and growth plan, we also aced a technical interview that put our platforms under a microscope—and then some.

And guess what, we got in!

Read on to see what founder and CEO of Datenight, Elize Shirdel, has to say about the experience…

Q: A 10% acceptance rate?! Why do you think Datenight got in?
A: “Our technology, although not perfect, is fairly far along for a startup of our size. We’re generating revenue, we’re in market, babysitting is an obvious need—and the babysitting market is large. We’ve also got a much bigger vision for where we are going. And I think that comes across.”

Q: What was Datenight’s goal in attending the DMZ?
A: “We are focusing on multiplying our number of users—so sensible mentorship pointing us in the right direction and high-growth connections are super important to us at this time.”

Q: How do you foresee the Datenight service evolving?
A: “We’re hard at work on an improved Android experience and we’re working to allow a second parent to connect to the account so that family organizing is easier, and we can help schedule babysitting for anniversaries and birthdays!”

Q: The program runs from April to July, so you’re right in the middle of it. What are you loving about the experience? And what do you find the most challenging?
A: “We’re loving the access to experts in different fields, hearing their different viewpoints and learning from the strategies they share. And the connections we’re making with other startups at the DMZ is a definite plus. With so many mentors to learn from, you have to take it all in, put on your opposable thinking hat, and then come out the other side with a laser-focused growth plan. Having the opportunity to use the DMZ’s swanky meeting rooms when you’re catching up with potential partners is also pretty nice! On the flip side, not working from home has its challenges—as most working parents know. The rush home to get the kids on time, and the panic about what’s for dinner and who’s whipping it up are two challenges that come to mind!”

This post was brought to you by Datenight Babysitting — Toronto’s leading mobile app connecting parents with experienced, local babysitters — with thousands of dates booked in the GTA.

01 Jun

An Ode to Pee

The pee did not smell
(I was too far away)
Still I could tell it was there,
In my motherly way.

That bulge in her bottom
From a full, heavy diaper
She tried to run off
That’s totally like her.

I walk out to the garden
To water the flowers
But the boys beat me to it.
They’ve been “bonding” for hours

Baby boy in his birthday suit?
Well, he’ll pee in my face
A perfect arc it will form
And hit me, like mace

Pee in my bed
Wet spot on my shirt
And my clean toilet seat?
Well, it got a squirt.

Before I had kids
I did not think of pee
But now stains of yellow
Are all I can see

Piddles and dribbles
Tinkle, wizz, wee
No need to quibble
We’re talking ‘bout pee

Pee in the pool
Pee in the lake
Pee in the snowbank
Oh, for Pete’s sake!

I can’t wait for the day
When I don’t dream of pee
I’ll sit back and relax
And focus on ME.

This poem was brought to you by Datenight Babysitting — Toronto’s leading mobile app connecting parents with experienced, local babysitters — with thousands of dates booked in the GTA.

25 May

What’s the going rate for a babysitter these days?

When it comes to finding someone to care for your little ones, it’s not as simple as it used to be. Whether you’re looking into nanny services (Hello, Mary Poppins!) or considering an au pair (fancy!), it’s hard to know what type of caregiver is the best option for your kids—and which babysitting rates are affordable for your family.

Gone are the days of calling up that trusted neighbourhood kid—you know, the one who practically walked right out of The BabySitters Club—and grabbing a few fivers out of your wallet to pay them at the end of the night. (Although you could argue that using an app like Datenight to pay your sitter is a whole new level of easy. Forget running out to the bank last minute to grab some cash—now all you have to do is tap a button!)

So how much should I pay a babysitter in Toronto?

Most babysitters in the big city charge anywhere from $14 to $22 an hour. Anything lower than that, and it should give you pause. Seeing that your babysitter is caring for your most prized possessions, cheaper isn’t necessarily better. So how much do babysitters actually charge these days? And how do you know if you’re getting a fair deal?

Here’s a good way to look at it:

$14 ~ $16

You might expect to pay your babysitter a lower fee if she’s just starting out, or if she’s still in school and this is her part-time job—not her future career.

$17 ~ $22

A higher rate is fair for a babysitter with a lot of experience, or one who is completing a post-secondary degree in Early Childhood Education. Remember, that previous experience can be more than simply babysitting. If your babysitter has worn any of the following hats, you’ve hit the jackpot: camp counsellor, swimming instructor, dance teacher, Big Brother or Big Sister.

While babysitting fees today may seem pricey, here’s a good way to put it into perspective: You’d pay a much higher hourly rate for a housecleaner—and they aren’t taking care of the most important little people in the whole wide world.

Ready to find your next great babysitter? Register to browse Datenight’s selection of top rated caregivers in your area.

17 May

Camping with the Kids: 11 Hacks to Get You Through

Without these sanity-saving hacks, a regular weekend might feel really, really long.

Every year, many a brave Canadian family throws their bags—and their kids—into the car and heads off into the wilderness, leaving civilization (and devices that provide hours-long distractions) behind them. That’s right, when we say brave, we don’t mean because of the bears. But even the most experienced campers will admit that they could do with a Survival Skills refresher course each year.

Whether it’s your first year heading to your favourite campground (with your favourite people), or whether you’ve been doing this since your babes were in your belly, you’ll want to take note of these 11 hacks for camping with the kids.

1. Bring fun activities for the car ride. If you’d like to avoid a never ending encore of “Are We There Yet?” you’d be smart to leave with a few entertaining ideas up your sleeves. (And no, we don’t mean iPads and smartphones—you’ve committed to leaving it all behind for the weekend, right??) Singalongs, memory games and even spelling bees are all great ways to keep your kids busy and use their good old imaginations at the same time.

“When I was a kid, we’d play a homemade version of Bingo. Before each trip, we’d draw pictures of things you might see along the way (think: moose, train tracks, hitchhikers, etc.), and whoever crossed off the most squares before the ride was over would win. Hours of entertainment!” – Kathleen O

2. DON’T pack light. You’ll want to be certain you’ve brought all the right stuff to ensure your time away from civilization goes as smoothly as possible. This includes—but is not limited to—after-bite, after-sun, balls, band-aids, bikes, bubbles, bug spray, buckets, extra clothes, extra shoes, extra towels, a first aid kit, lawn games, shovels, sun block, and even tweezers in case of ticks.

3. Pack even more. As if your trunk weren’t full enough, you still need to squeeze in a few more necessities. Make sure to bring all types of clothing for all types of weather conditions. It can be easy to forget that little ones aren’t great with unexpected changes in weather—a cold rain or a beating hot sun may result in hours of whining (at best), or howling (at worst). So bring hoodies and raincoats for bad weather and loose cotton clothes and sun hats for hot ones!

“While adults can shiver out the cold, it’s not fair for the kids and no fun at all for anybody if you don’t have the right stuff.” – Ariel L

4. Splurge on good gear. This may go without saying but good gear is essential to a successful time in the woods. Make sure that the whole family has a pair of appropriate shoes for forest hikes or sandals for walks on the beach. The most important purchase of all? Your tent. You can’t go wrong with a large one that is easy and quick to set up. Spending a bit of extra cash on a two-room tent that you can stand up in is better than being cramped and uncomfortable the whole weekend. Cabin fever is real, my friends.

5. Carry your baby. If you’re camping with a baby, a carrier is a must! Having your little one attached at the hip (literally) will make it a lot easier—who are we kidding?—will make it possible for you to get things done. Setting up the campsite, prepping dinner, holding your kids’ (or your spouse’s) hands as you go for a walk in the woods… all of these are made possible by this wonderfully convenient invention.

“Bringing a stroller is awesome for naps (tents can get very hot and stuffy) as well as getting to and from the beach and the showers (and for parents to have some talk time in the evenings on an evening stroll before bed).” – Dave W

6. Speaking of hands free… When it comes to that third hand all parents need, headlamps come in close to second to a baby carrier. They’re yet another way to get things done without having to juggle a bunch of things at once—and they definitely come in handy on a pitch black campground. Of course, bringing normal flashlights for the kids is also a must, as it brings hours of fun to the littles (and a little bit of leisure time for the parents).

7. Pre-cook all your meals—so that all you have to do is heat them up. Although it may go against your motherly instincts, hot dogs and Kraft dinner are an acceptable lunch while camping (no mom guilt!). Or consider foods that don’t have to be cooked at all to make life even simpler. Think sandwiches, wraps, salads, cheese and crackers, granola bars, cereal—anything you can just grab from the cooler and fill hungry tummies with… quick! If you love the camping-cooking challenge, awesome. If not, it’s fine to go with the low hanging fruit for the weekend.

“You might think pasta is a bit fancy for camping, but pre-cooked spaghetti sauce makes for a really quick meal!” – Meaghan E

8. Go with another family! The kids can have a little bit of independent fun with their friends and you’ll have your village to keep a collective eye on the kids. And, of course, it gives you the opportunity to hang out with friends you haven’t seen in ages. It’s a trip for you too, after all.

9. Or don’t. For some families, camping is truly about getting away from it all: technology, deadlines and even social expectations. In today’s fast-paced world with limitless distractions, spending the weekend in a tent with the ones you love the most can be just what you need to go back to your old routine, feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

“We REALLY love the opportunity to unwind and explore and connect within our family unit—makes for some pretty special times.” – Freya T

10. Relax. Perhaps easier said than done, but that’s what your little family vacation is for, so try not to sweat the small stuff. Lower your expectations when it comes to things like bedtime routines, healthy eating and keeping clean. This weekend is all about having some good old-fashioned fun with your family. So get out there and have the time of your life… until you do it all over again next year.

“They’ll be dirty. You’ll be dirty. Let things go.” – Elize S

These tips were brought to you by Datenight Babysitting — Toronto’s leading mobile app connecting parents with experienced, local babysitters — with thousands of dates booked in the GTA.

19 Apr

30 Years of Zero Sleep

My eyes slowly open.
From my mouth, a sleepy yawn.
My body feels so heavy.
My energy? Loooong gone.

They say that one amazing day
Kids sleep through the night.
But it’s been years that I’ve waited.
Hoping with all my might.

Since day one, I woke when needed.
For feedings, teething pain, and such.
And when I went and night weaned,
I thought she wouldn’t wake as much.

But nope, there were monsters in her closet.
Now she’s thirsty—needs a drink.
There are bad guys in her nightmares.
And now she’s up to pee, I think.

She likes to tell me that she loves me.
She wants to make sure that I know.
And the best time to share her feelings?
She waits ‘til midnight to tell me so.

From terrible twos to rebellious teen.
No one warned me it’d get worse.
I blame the never-home-by-curfew queen
For all those nights I lay awake and cursed.

When her 19th birthday rolled around
She headed out for drinks with friends.
Worried sick, I tossed and turned.
Would this night never end?!

Now my baby’s all grown up,
With small children of her own.
She’s feeling tired too,
“When will they sleep?” She moans.

Sometimes I hear people tell her,
“They’ll sleep one day—don’t fear”
I smile as I say to her:
“Will they sleep? Don’t know, my dear!”

‘Cuz after all this time,
I’m still awake at night.
30 years of zero sleep,
I’ve given up the fight.

13 Apr

Happy Easter!

05 Apr

A Babysitting Service for Your Wedding Service

You’re staring into your loved ones eyes, just about to say “I do,” trying your best not to cry—when suddenly the cries of your cousin’s wailing baby cut short what was supposed to be the most romantic experience ever.

You love that sweet baby with all your heart, but you’ve been waiting for this once-in-a-lifetime moment, well, your whole life… and now your tears of joy have been drowned out by tears of “I want my bottle now, please!”

We get it. Sure, we love those wide-eyed, rosy-cheeked balls of chubbiness more than words can express. The only problem is we can’t predict when they’re going to serenade us with their next Ballad of Baby’s Hearty Lungs. (And boy, do they have strong sets of those things!)

Weddings and babies. The two don’t always marry well.

And while more and more couples are going for the increasingly popular “no babies” rule, you’ll risk offending a good number of your guests if you take that route.

But what if you could have your (wedding) cake… and eat it too?

Imagine you could provide your guests with an onsite babysitting service that would guarantee you those special moments while simultaneously giving parents of wee ones the chance to dance the night away. (Your loved ones will love you for it.)

But wait, you’re probably thinking, is this another one of those ridiculously expensive wedding “must-haves” that I just can’t afford?

Nope! We promise, it’ll cost you less than your cake. (Way less.) We will work with you to customize a plan that’s right for you based on the age and number of children present. Plus, you have the ultimate say in who is taking care of the little ones on your big day—you get to interview a selection of babysitters to make sure that you and your guests feel comfortable leaving babes and kiddies in their care.

Interested in learning more? Get in touch, and someone from the Datenight team will be happy to answer any questions and get you set up for your special day.

27 Mar

What if I need a last minute babysitter?

We can help with last minute needs! You’ll request Skype Interviews from a short-list of Datenight babysitters who have already been booked at least twice by one Datenight family. The first babysitter from your chosen list to accept, gets the interview – and likely the babysitting opportunity. If you’re new to Datenight and need a babysitter in a hurry — or if your regular babysitters aren’t available – we will help you find a new babysitter based on your preferences so that you don’t ever have to miss out on an event because you don’t have a babysitter. We call this Concierge Service.

Have more questions?

27 Mar

Does Datenight help with day time babysitting?

Yes! You can definitely ask Datenight babysitters to babysit during the day, on weekends or at other times – even on an on-going basis. Many entrepreneur parents use Datenight to free up some time for themselves during the day, or to get themselves some help once the new baby arrives. The inspiration for Datenight came from the occasional evening night out and it stuck.

Have More Questions?