I never imagined I would become so reliant on a babysitter. As a stay-at-home mom with in-laws nearby and a solid circle of family friends, I thought I had all the support I needed. We often trade off kid-watching duties for errands, doctor visits, or just a bit of relaxation. But over the years, I’ve found myself utterly dependent on our family babysitter. I honestly can’t fathom what we would do without her. Even with my flexible part-time work-from-home gig, there are days when I just need someone to take the kids to the park while I handle conference calls. Plus, my husband and I occasionally enjoy getting out without the kids or calling in a favor from friends.
She’s been with us for six incredible years. To say I’m grateful for her would be an understatement. She manages my kids’ bickering like a pro, helps them with homework, supervises piano lessons, transports them around town, and gets them to bed while ensuring they brush their teeth. She even manages to make them eat their veggies without giving in to their whining. I never have to leave instructions; she just knows what to do, and she even cleans the kitchen. Honestly, I don’t even clean the kitchen!
I’ve kept her somewhat of a secret for a while. Sure, my friends know she exists, and I rave about her often. I’m not a recluse; my husband and I do occasionally go out alone, so they know someone must be watching the kids. But when they casually mention needing a sitter, I give them The Look—the one that says “don’t even think about asking for her number.” Or I smoothly change the subject to something like my last experience with a bikini wax.
Finding a good babysitter is akin to witnessing clouds parting and angels descending. We’ve all heard horror stories about the babysitter who leaves the house in disarray or lets the kids binge-watch shows until the wee hours. There are plenty of mediocre sitters out there too; I should know, as I was one of them back in the day.
Despite the challenges of keeping her around—what with other parents trying to poach her and my kids’ incessant noise—she’s worth her weight in gold. Thus, we’ve steadily raised her pay from $12 to $15 and now $20 an hour. Some might scoff at the idea of paying $20 for a babysitter, but to me, it’s a small price to keep my kids safe and happy while my husband and I enjoy a date night or I attend evening meetings. And let’s not forget, she helps them with their homework, which alone justifies the cost.
I know one day she’ll move on; she’s a vibrant 20-something with her own life to lead. She won’t want to spend her days nagging my kids to eat broccoli or break up their wrestling matches forever. But with a bit of luck, some prayers, and a little cash in her pocket, I hope she stays with us for a long time—maybe even indefinitely. In fact, I think it might be time for another raise.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a great babysitter is invaluable, and finding one who meshes well with your family can be a game-changer. If you’re exploring family planning options, check out this insightful post on home insemination and for some solid advice on boosting fertility, visit Make A Mom. For more in-depth information on pregnancy, be sure to explore Science Daily.