My 12 year old daughter is off on her first ever babysitting job. I’m in a panic. I know she is responsible and dependable and a really good kid. I just want this to be a good experience for her. I know this is the kind of thing that will only reflect my parenting skills (or lack thereof). Will she be able to hold it together when the baby cries? Will the parents come home to find the house a complete wreck and my daughter texting her friends?
I think of all the things I taught her: the kids come first, put away your cell phone unless there is an emergency, don’t yell at them, follow the parent’s directions. I think of all the things I would want in a babysitter (and that I rarely got): coming home to a clean kitchen, kids in pajamas with their teeth brushed, the toys picked up off the floor. I taught her to be more than a babysitter. What parents don’t want to come home to a clean, straightened up house?
We’re lucky that our city offers a babysitting course. Temera took it when she turned 11. She’s been ready (and willing) to babysit ever since. It isn’t easy trying to talk a parent into allowing a 12 year old to be responsible for your children. But my girl… she’s no ordinary 12 year old. I know she is prepared. I know she can handle it. I think.
You never forget your first job. I remember babysitting all the time when I was a teen. I think it helped to have had a great babysitter myself when I was young. I learned a lot from her about how to not only take care of children, but to take care of the entire family. A good babysitter does that. A good babysitter becomes part of the family. That’s what I want for my daughter. I want the kids to love her. More importantly, I want the parents to love her. I think they will. Oh God, I hope they will.
I’m home, close by, anxiously hoping the phone won’t ring. I hope she doesn’t need me. I hope she’ll call if she does.
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She’s home.
It went well. The kids loved her and the parents had a great time out. Phew… she’s happy… and tired. It was a great first experience.
I prepared her well. I know she’s on her way. I know this will be the first of many babysitting jobs. I know this will also be the first of many nights sitting and waiting for her to come home. But the first time is over. And it was good.
