USVI-On-Line

I think I read something from flip-flop or somebody else with small-ish kids. We are going for our 7th trip to st john in 10...yes...10 days. Our kids are 6 and 4...and god...it would be NICE to get a few hours WITHOUT kids. Don't get me wrong...this is a family vacation...but a dinner, a happy hour.....anything would be a nice adult treat. How did you find a sitter.....how much did they charge and would you do it again?
Holly

I am also interested in this. We are trying to talk my sister in to coming down with us in 2010 and getting a villa. They have a 1 year old (will be 2) and a 11 year old.

I know it might sound crazy to people without kids...but the thought of a few hours "away" to be an adult and not worry about what they are eating/not eating....coloring on, bothering people next to you, etc.....I would love a quiet adult meal...or a kick ass Woody's happy hour.....

There has got to be some people out there who do this right?

Pia babysits, don't you??

LOL.....hell, I'll supply the drinks....and the kids.....and pay! LOL

We definitely do! Typically we aim for 3-4 nights w/o kids per 10 day trip. It is VERY nice and the kids love it.

I have always gone with Christy's of St. John. Not sure they "officially" offer the service anymore but I would just email them. Another option that I've been told about is to call the kids club at the Westin and many of the ladies who work there during the day, babysit on the side in the evenings. I have no idea if that is still valid or not.

It is not cheap. Something on the order of $20/hr, 3 hr minimum. FOR ME, worth every cent!

Our experiences over several trips since our oldest was about 3 have all been great!

thanks flip flop....I will contact Christys.....and crazy question...do you have to go and get them or do they arrive at your villa? Just wonderin'.....would love to surprise hubby with a night out.....or late afternoon even!

i have a 12 yr old (almost 8th grade ) daughter--if you wanted to get her there--she is the bees knees of sitters--of course you'd have to have the live in variety!

hmmmm, there's another option!

Iluvstjohn wrote:thanks flip flop....I will contact Christys.....and crazy question...do you have to go and get them or do they arrive at your villa? Just wonderin'.....would love to surprise hubby with a night out.....or late afternoon even!

They come to your villa, they usually know where I am better than I do! Or you just give good directions.

Maybe I should be starting a business! I teach school on St. John and the pay is pretty sad..I should organize my fellow teachers and start our own babysitting service. What do you guys think?

No, In all our trips to STT and STJ we've never had that luxury. Didn't know it existed. That's why we've only visited the Beach Bar and Woodys twice and both times while the sun was still in the sky. Sure, we've never had the opportunity to as some say "get our party on", but we've never had a hangover in Paradise either.

Polly, I am really surprised you haven't made extra bucks doing this. As a teacher, I know the single teachers in my school always babysit for staff's kids or even some parent's kids. Usually it is the overnight trips or late week nights when the teen sitters wouldn't work.After all, teachers are fingerprinted so there is that safety issue. Sounds like a natural for you.

I am a recent transplant to St. John and am available most days for babysitting. My husband and I just completed a circumnavigation on our sailboat and are currently living in Cruz Bay. If you would like to chat more drop me a line.

polly wrote:Maybe I should be starting a business! I teach school on St. John and the pay is pretty sad..I should organize my fellow teachers and start our own babysitting service. What do you guys think?

YES YES YES! I happily pay a decent chunk of change esp. if I know its someone like a teacher who has lots of experience with kids!