When I first had Delaney, I couldn’t imagine ever leaving her with someone outside of our family. How would a babysitter know that she has to have her ‘bit’ (blanket) close by at all times? How will they know that she isn’t a big eater? That she loves Dora, but not much else?
Will they soothe her when she cries? Or leave her to ‘cry it out’? Will they play with her or stick her in front of the TV? Will they remember to feed her? To turn on her nightlight?
Oh the panic of a new Mommy. (and that of an ‘experienced’ one too)
You see, I had some miserable babysitters when I was little. The ones who stole from my little brother’s piggy bank to buy candy. The ones who put us to bed hours early and then invited their friends over. The ones who locked my brother in the pantry because he was annoying them (at 4 years old).
So, I clearly had some residual, childhood panic when it came to finding someone trustworthy to watch my small people.
But one early Tuesday morning, when Delaney was only 3 months old, I did – at the gym of all places.
Cassie ran the day care at our local gym and in only minutes, she convinced me that my sweet girl would be safe while I struggled back into pre-pregnancy (or sort-of) shape.
I took her aside that day and asked if she ever, ehem, babysat on the side? I’m lucky she said yes.
It was over 5 years ago that I met this wonderful, blond-haired, baby sitting angel. And she still leaves me a detailed note every time – what the kids ate, what they played, what time they went to bed and anything else she thinks I need to know.
When she hasn’t been available, I’ve had other sitters – some have been great, some simply ‘fine’, but some have lied to me, sat on their cell phones on the couch even once I was home and stuck my kids in front of the TV from the minute I left until the very second they hear the garage door open.
(P.S. I can see the TV on as I approach the house.)
(P.P.S I did find the nearly empty bags of food you had stuffed under the couch cushions)
And yet, Cassie never disappoints.
What I know most – my kids are safe with her. My kids are loved by her.
I hope you have a Cassie in your life.
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