The title of this post speaks for itself. My primary babysitter just moved to Utah. Not because she's a mormon, which she is. But the reason really doesn't matter. She was the greatest babysitter ever. And I've had some good ones, don't get me wrong. But she was like a superhero. She cooked, cleaned up, organized, disciplined. And that was without even being asked to. She just felt the need to do those things and so did it. She was seldom idle.
The displine was big as well. She actually got my daughter to fall in line and do what she was supposed to do. No one could do that before. And she wasn't mean, just firm and consistent. Which is of course what works. She said that my daughter reminded me of her younger sister, who is also a bit difficult to deal with.
But now, after two years, she's gone. It is sad, in that I had hoped for at least two more years, while she finished up her university time, but alas, no. Still, I'd have been here eventually, looking again for a regular sitter. Now it is just sooner.
It is a pain to find a sitter. Not just because all will be compared to the old one. Frankly, no one could measure up to her. But because the whole process is a pain in the ass. Trying to set up appointments (I have had some success with care.com, where I found "super-sitter"). Then dealing with schedules. And no-shows. And shows who then disappear. Really, the whole process. It is like interviewing someone to be a member of your family. I had one interview today. I have two more. Or maybe just one, if the next one doesn't show up. She was supposed to come now, but isn't here yet and did not call. I always ask them to call an hour in advance to confirm. I've found that tends to clarify who will actually be showing up so I don't end up just waiting and wondering.
I can't wait til my son and daughter are old enough not to need sitters or day care. Not just for the money. For the lack of pain. Only seven more years. Then my daughter can watch my son. She's almost six now. He's 2 1/2 years younger. I can't wait.
