Community Chat

[SunValley]

Babysat age 12-13 and then got my first paying summer job with the school district for the summer kid program. One adult and me and 80 kids. I got stuck with the ages 3-7. Should never have been allowed. I gladly went back to my regular babysitting for two families when the summer was over. 

[AuntG]

Being the youngest in our family, and having few relatives, I was reluctant to babysit.  However, once I started, I really enjoyed the kids.  One thing I was serious about, was interacting with them and playing the games they wanted.  I really hated The Dukes of Hazzard, but that happened to be the favorite show of two kids I frequently babysat, so I watched it as though it was favorite show too. 

[viva923]

i began sitting when i was a freshman in high school. they would call me 5 min's before they needed me. they lived 5 houses from my home.  they did pay good $1.00 an hour but they would stay out till 3-4am.

[feline groovy]

Yep - and pet sitted.  8)

[september]

Did I ever babysit!  I had four younger siblings, so I of course took care of them, which gave me experience, so everyone in the neighborhood came to me.

By the time I had my own children, I had lots of experience under my belt, and had an easy time with them, since I could make my own rules!  lol...didn't have to try to deal with any bratty behaviors that had been reinforced.

[Shorty2U]

The only time I babysat was after my children were born (for neighbors and family) I did not babysit as a teen. I was too busy dancing, going to the beach, running around w friends etc. (I did on occasion, help at my parents business as a teen though).

[GenXmuse]

Babysitting was my bread and butter back in the day. As a mother now, I can tell you how hard it is to find a reliable babysitter. When I find one I'll pay top dollar. 😊

[Mominohio]

I started working at babysitting at 12 years old. We made fifty cents an hour back then, and I never got a raise until I was in high school, and one lady I sat for said she made that same fifty cents when she was babysitting, so she raised her pay to a whole dollar and hour. What a treat to work and evening and get $5!!!

I did well babysitting, and when I started to work 'real' jobs at age 15, I still babysat when I could to earn extra money. And my babysitting jobs lead to getting a few regular house cleaning jobs before I was old enough for a 'real' job at 15. House cleaning paid much better, and I loved doing it.

[just bee]

I had a steady babysitting job prior to college.  This was a couple who had advanced degrees from a prestigious university.  There was something about their life that was attractive and I was drawn to the job.  I enjoyed being in their home.  I loved the couch.  I adored the art over the mantel.  I liked tending to the exotic plants on the patio.  I was in love with their dog and their cat.  The only thing that seemed out of place in this perfect life was their two children.  Perfectly charming kids, mind you, but something about the whole experience stayed with me.

It may explain why I don’t have children.

[wilma]

I babysat for my nieces and nephews and neighbor kids for a few years when I was a teen.  I always enjoyed reading, coloring, and playing games with the children. I also worked at a Summer Day Care for several years. I have been teaching for 31 years so I would say I like being around kids. Btw I never had any children of my own due to health issues.