A Working Week

Back before Thanksgiving, I made the commitment to take two days of vacation (December 29 & 30) to provide daytime childcare for 1 year old "E." Both his parents work and the grandparents who normally provide his childcare were traveling to see other grandchildren. I arrived both days at 8:30 AM to find a happy, busy boy on the verge of walking. (He actually took nine steps in the evening between my two days.) He was absolutlely delightful, so easy to play with, feed, and put down for his scheduled naps. I ALMOST felt guilty getting paid.

What do babysitters/pet sitters get paid these days? I struggle with pricing.

So, I'm scheduled to babysit New Year's Eve for my regular family when they come up a proposal: We're having a party and we don't want anyone to not come because they can't get a baysitter. Would you provide childcare for the party? Each family will pay you individually. We are encouraging everyone to find their own childcare but if you are willing the children can come here. You will have at least one child (ours) but possibly as many as NINE.

I ended up with six children; youngest, 4 - oldest, 9. The girls played in the guest bedroom and the boys played in Ben's bedroom. I sat in the hall between the two, with one eye watching the girls and the other eye watching the boys. I am sure I resembled on of those roly-eyed lizards. I brought crafts for the kids to do but that really didn't catch on. Everyone played well together and there was not even an occasion for me to threaten a time-out.

At 10 PM, the parents took over and the children were asked to lay down in their room. I was invited to join the grown up party. At midnight we all (kids, too) banged pots and pans together on the front porch.

Happy New Year, Everyone!