I Am NOT a Babysitter

[My3cents]

Like another poster I am not so much bothered by the terms I am the lack of respect that usually comes with it.

And there have been posts here that do use the term in a derogatory fashion (most in the parents section) sort of like "who does she think she is?! She's only a babysitter!"

Who do I think I am???? I think I am the person that is taking care of your most valuable possession. Most parents couldn't do what I do and they tell me that often. I once had a parent tell me they were going to open up a daycare so she could be home with her kids and that didn't last long-

Sometimes it bothers me and sometimes it doesn't the term "babysitter" It depends on how it is used and who it is coming from. I too would love to get paid what a "babysitter" gets paid for less hours and less responsibilities-

I know many people don't even fathom the mental work that is done in this job. Yes I could be sitting there with the kids but my mind is watching xy and z and figuring out ABC while doing jklmnop. I might be sitting in a chair outside with the kids but my eyes are scanning everything around me, my mind is juggling what comes next and what is happening in the now. Often my body is ready to go at a seconds notice to break up anything needed. I think this job is one that looks easy on the outside but its not at all, it has many facets to it and pulls from all directions.