Sitter Envy

When we added baby #4 this year, I finally felt justified to spend some money on a babysitter a couple mornings a week. We were fortunate to find a gal who is responsible, engaging, and who loves our kids as much as we do. She comes three mornings a week for a few hours to give me a little break.

While I would love to say I spend that time getting my nails done or running along the beach, I am usually racing against the clock to finish any number of chores and errands. There have been many days that she has come and I haven’t even left the house – seizing the opportunity to knock out a few loads of laundry, or open the mail. I’m often looking with envy at the babysitter who gets to play so freely with my kids – unencumbered by the nagging of unfinished tasks or household responsibilities. I often felt like I wanted to trade places with her, and have her do all of the menial tasks while I got to sit and play with the kids.

One day, I had a talk with her about it. I wasn’t quite this honest, but I did tell her that I was struggling with the load of household tasks that four kids require, and asked if she would be willing to do some of those on a few of her mornings. She readily agreed. So some days, she loves on my kids, but other days I send her grocery shopping, or have her sort the onesies bin, or ask her to fold laundry.

It’s turned out to be a great arrangement, and I’m glad that I had the courage to ask. Now if only I could figure out how to outsource returning emails . . .

Kristen blogs at Rage Against the Minivan. This is an original Orange County Moms Blog post.