The Babysitter

All my life I have heard stories of the way things use to be. How much things were back in the day. Those simpler times are a thing of the past. I listen with interest, but think, ‘you know you are old when you start reminiscing on the early days.’ Well, it seems I too have reached this bridge. I find I am asking my friends and family 'remember when' questions. The one I can’t seem to get over is: Where are the babysitters?

Call me old fashion, but we need a good ole babysitter. Does no one else?

Do teenage girls no longer exist? They certainly do not seem to in our neighborhood. However, if we want our dogs walked or lawn mowed we have the hook up. Our friends have kids the same age as ours. Coworkers kids are college bound. We do not have family with kids older then our own. We are stuck. We discuss finding one. How do we find a babysitter? Should we post a listing on Craigslist? Do we put a wanted poster up at the local market or perhaps the busy intersection up the street? Shall I bring home one of the nice people on the interstate who will work for food? We need someone. And there are days we would probably take anyone.

My parents lucked out having Aunt Jana. She is 5-6 years older than I. She was prime babysitting material. She lived up the street. She traveled with us. She had friends who would watch us. Sure Jake developed such a crush on one sitter she stopped coming. I am not clear on the details... their choice or hers! Mom hired a couple gals from OCHS. I think one invited her boyfriend over during an afternoon sit. We didn’t see her again. The other happended to be a girl I always thought of as super cool. I have no idea why she stopped sitting for us. Mom and Dad had friends whose daughter was old enough to stay with us when they traveled. It is clear there was once an overabundance of babysitters. They are all used up.

In this economy can kids afford not to babysit earning an under the table (cash) wage? Then again, in this economy who can actually afford to go out let alone afford a sitter!

I ask our friends if they have sitters. The answer is always the same: no. It seems we all rely upon our moms and grandparents. A few have siblings or friends they swap child care. Swapping is a good idea for families who have one child. I can take on one more child, but two or more will put me over my edge. If I did I am sure Adam will suddenly have to work late. I do not expect to swap time with a family who has one child. It doesn’t seem fair for them. We have two aunts willing and wanting to help, but distance and schedules are the obstacles. Darn.

So, here we are and unfortunately (for now) will continue to rely on GG and Great Grandma Church for our childcare needs. I wish I knew where the babysitters are hiding. Little babysitters, come-out come-out where ever you are. We have dates to be filled…