When I was 13, I had a steady babysitting job for a single dad in my neighborhood every Thursday evening. I’d stroll over to their house by 5 p.m. to whip up dinner for the kids and myself—typically pasta with a jar of sauce. After serving the meal, I’d clean up, play games with the kids, give them a bath, read them stories, and tuck them into bed. My responsibilities mirrored those of their parent.
Once the kids were asleep, I’d often crash on the couch until their dad returned around 11 p.m. Many times, even if he had been out enjoying himself, he would drive me home while the kids slept upstairs. How the times have changed!
My daughters have been of babysitting age for several years now, and nearly everything is different from my own experience. No longer do sitters walk to the families they babysit for in the dark, and cooking seems to be a rarity. My teens can barely manage to make a meal for themselves, let alone cook in someone else’s house for small children. Nowadays, it’s common for kids to arrive already bathed, with activities planned and movies selected, often with pizza on the way.
These days, as the parents of a babysitter, we find ourselves more involved than ever. When I babysat, my parents were uninvolved, and the hiring parents took care of my transportation. Now, when my kids babysit, I’m responsible for dropping them off and picking them up. It seems like the hiring parents expect that if they’re paying for a sitter, they shouldn’t have to worry about getting them home afterward.
It’s interesting to think that not long ago, we were the ones hiring babysitters, and perhaps we crossed some of these lines with the sitters’ parents too. There’s a fine line between being a parent hiring a sitter and being a parent of a sitter—both roles have their own set of concerns.
So, have things improved since my babysitting days? It really depends on who you ask. Babysitters seem to have it easier now, with parents providing cash for ordered pizza on paper plates while ensuring the house remains intact. As for us parents, whether we are hiring or the ones whose kids are babysitting, it can feel a bit unfair. On the bright side, my daughter will soon be driving, which means I won’t have to play chauffeur anymore. Now that’s a change I can embrace!
For more insights on parenting and home dynamics, check out our other post on home insemination kit.
In summary, babysitting has evolved dramatically over the years, reflecting changes in parenting styles and societal norms. While babysitters today might enjoy more conveniences, parents face their own challenges in this new landscape.