I never imagined I would rely so heavily on a babysitter. As a stay-at-home mom with in-laws close by and a solid network of family friends, I thought I had everything covered. We often swap childcare responsibilities for doctor visits, errands, or just to have a little downtime. However, over the years, I’ve realized just how indispensable our babysitter has become. Even with family nearby, there are times when I need someone to take my kids to the park while I handle a conference call or when I have volunteer commitments and meetings. And yes, sometimes my husband and I like to escape for a date night without the kids!
Our babysitter has been with us for six years. Six! To say I’m grateful for her presence would be an understatement. She effortlessly manages my kids’ bickering, helps with homework, supervises piano lessons, drives them around town, and ensures they brush their teeth. She even manages to get them to eat their veggies without giving in to their complaints. I never leave her a note with instructions; she just knows what to do. Plus, she’s even taken it upon herself to tidy up the kitchen — something I rarely do!
I’ve kept her a bit of a secret for a while now. Sure, my friends know she’s part of our family dynamic, but they don’t dare ask for her contact info. I give them The Look whenever they mention needing a sitter, a look that clearly says, “Don’t even think about it!” I quickly change the topic to something like, “Let me tell you about my last trip to the salon…”
Finding a reliable babysitter can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. We’ve all heard the horror stories of sitters who leave the house in chaos or let the kids stay up late watching inappropriate shows. I used to babysit, and I can admit I wasn’t the best at it — I let kids skip naps and had no clue about potty training. But finding a truly great babysitter? That experience is akin to heavenly bliss.
Keeping her around has been a challenge with other parents eyeing her up. And let’s be honest, my kids can be a handful at times. But a fantastic babysitter is worth every penny, so we’ve gradually increased her pay from $12 an hour to $15 and now $20. Some might balk at that rate, but I believe it’s a small price to pay for someone who keeps my kids safe and happy while my husband and I enjoy a rare night out or when I attend an evening meeting. And let’s not forget, she helps with homework, which is invaluable!
I know there will come a day when she moves on to pursue her own life. She’s young and full of dreams, and I can’t expect her to keep reminding my kids to eat their broccoli forever. But with a bit of luck, some prayers, and maybe a little extra cash, I hope she stays with us for quite a while longer. In fact, it might just be time for another pay raise!
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In conclusion, a great babysitter is truly a treasure, providing not just childcare but also peace of mind for busy parents.