Taking the pressure off
Earlier this week I referred to a survey that found the most common excuse used by parents when asked why they don't discipline their children is that they are too tired. I was thinking about that disturbing revelation while I was driving to pick up my son's teenage babysitter the other day.
The 15-year-old girl stays with my son for two days a week for 2-3 hours after school. She plays with Hendrick while I get ready for my night job and stays with him until my husband gets home from his day job.
John and I used to do the parking-lot baby switch since we both work in the same building, but it put too much pressure on John to leave at 5 p.m. on the dot - or forced me to be late if he couldn't get out. (That doesn't work well when you're both journalists.)
So, we found someone to take the pressure off.
Many mothers could benefit from having a teen babysitter, even one who just plays with your child while you catch up on housework, cook dinner and make those important phone calls you've been putting off. It really is money well spent if it makes you feel like you've accomplish things around the house - or taken a much needed nap! - and gives you a little time away from your little ones.
I know there are some mothers who think they have to take care of everything, all the time, but the truth is we cannot. We need a little help every now and then in order to keep our tempers and priorities in check.
That teenager - boy or girl - may help you recharge so that when it comes time to discipline your child you just might have the energy to show him who's the boss.
The 15-year-old girl stays with my son for two days a week for 2-3 hours after school. She plays with Hendrick while I get ready for my night job and stays with him until my husband gets home from his day job.
John and I used to do the parking-lot baby switch since we both work in the same building, but it put too much pressure on John to leave at 5 p.m. on the dot - or forced me to be late if he couldn't get out. (That doesn't work well when you're both journalists.)
So, we found someone to take the pressure off.
Many mothers could benefit from having a teen babysitter, even one who just plays with your child while you catch up on housework, cook dinner and make those important phone calls you've been putting off. It really is money well spent if it makes you feel like you've accomplish things around the house - or taken a much needed nap! - and gives you a little time away from your little ones.
I know there are some mothers who think they have to take care of everything, all the time, but the truth is we cannot. We need a little help every now and then in order to keep our tempers and priorities in check.
That teenager - boy or girl - may help you recharge so that when it comes time to discipline your child you just might have the energy to show him who's the boss.
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