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Parenting
Updated: May 4, 2020
Originally Published: Sep. 29, 2016
I never imagined how vital a babysitter would become in my life. As a stay-at-home mom with family nearby, I thought I had plenty of support. We often trade kid-watching duties with friends to manage errands or take a breather for a couple of hours. However, over the years, our family’s babysitter has become irreplaceable. Despite having in-laws around and helpful friends, sometimes I just need a helping hand. Whether it’s taking the kids to the park during my work conference call or needing time for a date night with my husband, her presence has been a game-changer.
She’s been part of our family for six wonderful years. I can’t express how much I value her! She navigates through my kids’ constant bickering with grace, assists them with homework, supervises their piano sessions, and makes sure they brush their teeth and 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 up the kitchen afterward! That’s something I definitely don’t do.
I’ve kept her under wraps for quite some time. Sure, my friends know about her existence and I often rave about her, but they also know better than to ask for her contact details. They get “The Look” whenever they mention needing a sitter, and I swiftly change the topic to something completely unrelated, like my last trip to the salon for a bikini wax.
Finding a good babysitter can feel like winning the lottery. We’ve all heard the horror stories of babysitters who leave chaos in their wake or let kids binge-watch late-night TV. I know this from experience, as I wasn’t exactly a stellar babysitter back in my day. It’s like searching for a heavenly angel when you find someone as remarkable as her.
Retaining her has been a challenge, especially with other parents eyeing her as a potential babysitter for their kids. Then there’s the challenge of managing my rather loud children! But a fantastic babysitter is worth their weight in gold, so we’ve raised her hourly rate from $12 to $15, and now to $20. Some might balk at that price, but I believe it’s a small price to pay for someone who keeps my kids safe and engaged while my husband and I enjoy some rare alone time, or when I attend evening meetings. Plus, the homework help she provides? Totally worth it.
I understand that one day she’ll move on. She’s a young woman with her own life ahead of her and won’t want to keep reminding my kids to eat their broccoli forever. But with a little luck, some prayers, and perhaps a little more cash in her pocket, maybe we can hold onto her a while longer. In fact, now might be the perfect time for another raise.
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Summary:
A dependable babysitter can be an invaluable asset for any parent, providing not just care for children but also support in managing daily tasks and responsibilities. As demonstrated, the experience of having a fantastic babysitter can lead to increased appreciation, and the investment in their services can pay off in countless ways.