What do you think happened to my relationship with the family I used to

[conundrumconquerer]

babysit for all the time? I used to babysit for this family for at least 6 or 8 hours during the day every weekend, & oftentimes once or twice during the week too. This has been going on for about 9 months & the parents have always told me how they love how close I am with their 2-year-old daughter. They've always strongly encouraged our relationship & have welcomed me into their lives as a part of their family.

Suddenly a little over a month ago they stopped calling & then just this week told me they weren't going to be needing me anymore because "it's time to stop getting a babysitter" & they "need some separation between their personal life & their daughter's daycare life." I work at their daughter's daycare, though not with her because I'm in another room.

They assured me their decision isn't because of me or anything I did in any way. From what you know, what do you think happened? & how do I cope with losing this little girl, as they don't want me spending time with her outside of daycare & I miss her.

[Cassidy W]

Oh... I feel for you! I have such an attachment to the kids that I babysit, and I'm sure it must be painful for you to not spend as much time with the child as you used to.

Maybe you should ask the parents if you have done anything that has lost their confidence in you, just to be on the safe side. If they deny and say that you haven't done anything to make them stop using you, then there must be something personal going on in their lives. Maybe they are having financial problems.. who knows?

[roadrunner]

People have reasons - and this is theirs, even if it doesn't make much sense to you. Everyone has their own way of viewing things. I suspect that they are seeing their daughter doing the typical 'terrible twos,' and wonder if they should change things in order to get her to calm down - but like you say, her routine should not change. Perhaps they will change their mind, when their latest choice doesn't work. Just continue to be positive - to give them support if and when they return to you. Have a healthy and happy leap year!