Adventures in Babysitting

Babysitting was never really my favorite thing to do growing up. I did not ever babysit as much as most other girls my age. And when I did, I was in it for the free access to cable (which we did not have in my own home) and the fun snacks in the pantry (which my mom did not buy) after the kids went to bed. Basically, I went into each job wondering how many stupid games I was going to have to play with the kids before I could put them in bed and watch some MTV. I know. It’s sad. But it’s true. It wasn’t that I had poor work ethic. I got my first “real” job at age 16 and one day (basically) and I haven’t stopped working since. I just didn’t like babysitting, especially if the kids were at that energetic, awkward elementary school age. You know what I’m talking about. They aren’t all awkward in 2nd and 3rd grade, but many of them are. And they want to play house and princesses and treasure hunt and bikes etc, etc. Ugh.

But that was my view when I was 14, and I promise it has changed significantly. I love babies and toddlers a lot. Like a lot. Micah is constantly telling me I’m on “baby probation,” so I don’t start wanting one of my own. But I admit, I still struggle a bit to engage with elementary school age kids, unless they are kids whose personalities I just love… like my pastor’s children. Love ’em. Each and every one of them. Kate (7), Natalie (5), and Hudson (2), and one on the way! I can’t wait.

A couple of weeks ago, Anne, who also was never a natural babysitter, was watching the Taylor kids for the evening, and I decided to join her. The girls had their friend, Zion, staying the night, so there were four little ones and it was a blast. Anne taught the girls how to make tie-dye cupcakes. Here are some pics from our evening…