Adventures in Baby-sitting
A tale of how one military spouse 'grew up.'
by Mollie Gross
Like most military wives, I had trouble finding a job when we PSCed to a new duty station. Being a military wife means moving every few years, dealing with stressful deployments and often having your thoughts focused elsewhere if you’re at work. All these issues are not always very appealing to employers. I knew this and kept my expectations realistic but I was absolutely shocked when I landed a career in only two months living on base.
How did I do it? Well, I have to admit, I had all the desired attributes the employer was seeking. My first day on the job, I was delegating responsibilities, inspiring new ideas and motivating personnel. I had no idea babysitting could be so rewarding!
Ok, so it wasn’t the career most women dream of but, in truth, it was really fun. I knew with my husband’s upcoming deployment I would be useless in an office, plus with his work up schedule he wouldn’t be working nine to five. I wanted to be around if he had a random Tuesday off after five days in the field.
Adventure No. 1: A Night on the Town
With Jon gone more than he was home, my neighbor and her two boys quickly became my best friends. It was natural for me to take the boys on a Friday night so the parents could have a night out. One night I had the three-year-old David and his five-year-old brother Jacob over for some fun. I loved their rambunctious nature. I set up my old Nintendo, (yes, Mario Brothers circa 1990).
In ten minutes the five year old had mastered the game. He was enthralled but the three year old wasn’t looking so hot. I asked him, “David, are you okay buddy?” He quickly responded, “my tummy hurts.” Before I could lean over to hug him, my legs and feet were covered in strawberry yogurt vomit. I completely freaked out! The next thing I knew I had us both in the tub spraying our feet with the shower nozzle, while he continued to spew yogurt against the sides of the shower. All I cared about was cleaning it up FAST! My thoughts raced.
Finally my brain said STOP! I had to think like a mom, not like an immature babysitter. I had to get this child comfortable. I changed my thinking and grew up. It’s not always “fun” with kids. He is sick and I had to imagine how I would feel if I was at someone else’s house, wanting my mommy and not feeling well.
I had to get this boy comfortable and calm. Focused now, I soon had little David in one of Jon’s PT shirts and laying still on the beanbag with a cool washcloth and a soft blanket sipping on Pedialite. Once I was sure he was settled I then I got back to cleaning up tiny pink foot prints which were spread all over the hall. I realized then that I offered moms and their kids something beyond laughs. I knew then that I was capable of comforting the kids as well as entertaining them. Even though being serious is not my strength, I knew then kids and moms could rely on me if there was a challenge. I was surprised to find out that this part of babysitting was just as fulfilling as the fun stuff.