“In every job that must be done there is an element of fun” -Mary Poppins
After a long week of parenting, we look forward to a coveted date night and some adult conversation. The first step is always securing a sitter for the girls, and this week, we had our first experience using the Wyndy babysitting app.
The company was founded by parents, Ginger and Tommy Mayfield, from Birmingham, Alabama, who had the idea to streamline the process we all go through as parents recruiting and requesting safe and trustworthy sitters. Their Wyndy app simply takes the guesswork out of finding a sitter, helping parents quickly connect with a pool of approved, full-time college students in the area. You simply register for free as a parent, fill out a user profile with information about your child care needs, set your rate and post a job. Within a matter of minutes, Wyndy sitters, who are interested and available, will respond. You can check out their profiles to see their background and experience, and when you find a match you’re comfortable with, you can offer and confirm the job. Payment is also handled through the app, so no running to the ATM for cash or trying to find a Venmo handle. The Wyndy model has grown to other southern cities over time and now includes Columbia.
We definitely have our list of favorite go-to sitters, many who attend the University of South Carolina, but each year it is a process identifying new sitters once our seniors graduate. It can also become time-consuming texting multiple sitters to find out who is available. I was interested in giving Wyndy a try as another sitter option.
I can honestly say that the entire process was extremely easy and efficient. About a week in advance, I created my Wyndy profile and posted a job requesting help with our girls for an upcoming evening. Within five minutes, about five Wyndy sitters responded, and I quickly checked their profiles before offering the job to Amelia, a USC student from Greenville majoring in hospitality and retail management. I was impressed that she texted me a few days prior to the job to check in and ask questions, and then we arranged for her to arrive a few minutes before the designated time so I could show her around and introduce her to the children. She was prompt, friendly and professional. Eloise enjoyed getting to make a new friend too.
{Eloise and Amelia enjoying some Hippo.Pops as a special treat!}
When we got home, I paid through the Wyndy app and had the option to adjust the time, add a tip, etc. I could not have been more pleased with the entire experience and will definitely use Wyndy on a regular basis.
Since Wyndy is still new to our city, we are teaming up along with one of my favorite local small businesses, Hippo.Pops, for a Parents Night Out Giveaway Package! Visit my Instagram (@alittlelovely_) to enter for your chance to win a Wyndy gift card plus a dozen Hippo.Pops, which are always a great enticement if Mom and Dad are going out. The giveaway ends Thursday, February 27 at midnight EST, and the winner will be announced Friday morning, February 28.
{The look of two happy parents :).}
Thank you, Amelia and Wyndy!
