The Babysitter: A Parent's Partner

Over the years, we've had lots of babysitters for our three kids, and truly, most of them have been terrific. There's one in particular who's almost part of our family. She's known and cared for our children ever since two of them were born. She genuinely cares for my kids, and that's probably why they, in turn, like her so much. (I'd mention her name only I selfishly want to keep her for myself!)

We've had other good sitters, as well. Teenage girls and boys who have also been conscientious and wonderful. They've managed to engage the kids in constructive, fun, and imaginative pursuits. And even though my children can give any experienced mother a run for her money, these sitters been able to handle the kids like pros.

In the good old days my husband and I didn't need babysitters. We lived in New York, and my parents and other relatives would watch our son (the only child we had at the time). My mother, for instance, would actually call us up on Saturday nights and say, "I'm coming over to watch Cullen. Where do you two want to go tonight?" And of course, my husband and I would happily go out on the spur of the moment, knowing that our sweet boy was well taken care of.