I heard a friend (a new mom) tell another friend (also a new mom) to "thank her husband for babysitting" after a get together. I, of course, had to open my big mouth and say, "Remember, it's not babysitting when it's the dad." I think they thought I was crazy.
I later said something about being sorry if I sounded too opinionated and someone said I was entitled to my opinion. This doesn't seem like an issue of definition or opinion, but maybe it's just me. That semantics thing again...
I have a strong opinion about this too! I just wrote a really LONG post about it, but I will just say at this point that I totally agree with you! Strong work for standing up for your opinion!
I have never thought about that before...but a great point!
I ask Stephen if he can "watch the kids for me" if I have to be gone, but I don't think that is the same thing...
I agree with Keetha...it's not babysitting unless they are getting paid...or should get paid. (my sister comes and has the kids for us sometimes, and we don't pay her...well, in money anyway ;) ) Michelle
It seems that all childcare has come to be called "babysitting," which I think demeans the activity of nurturing children. At John's school, some teachers refer to "babysitting" their students and the Scoutmaster talks about "babysitting" the boys on campouts.
Parenting is so much more meaningful. Mom's and dad's sharing parenting activities are certainly not babysitting!
No, it's not babysitting, but I always thank Barry for keeping the kids so I can get away. His job is incredibly demanding, and I try to do as much as I can with the kids. But what I wouldn't give for a nanny/housekeeper right now!
It is definately NOT babysitting! I hate it when people say that. And it bugs me that dads get to do 98% of what they want to do on thier own and moms just get to go out if it fits with Dad's schedule and if they are willing to "babysit".
It's absolutely NOT babysiting when it's the daddy. I only ask Brad to watch the kids "for me" when it's during the day. Otherwise, I let him know what I need to get done in the evening by myself, if possible, and he lets me know if it will work for him to be responsible for the kiddos at that point. More often than not anymore, we divide and conquer - I usually have Sarah at this stage in her life :)
I am the same exact way as you, though! I just make sure and do my picture the day I go to the doctor because that's one of the few days I'm actually dressed and presentable. LOL!!
15 comments:
No, it's only babysitting when it's NOT your child! I'm with ya!
Here's the background:
I heard a friend (a new mom) tell another friend (also a new mom) to "thank her husband for babysitting" after a get together. I, of course, had to open my big mouth and say, "Remember, it's not babysitting when it's the dad." I think they thought I was crazy.
I later said something about being sorry if I sounded too opinionated and someone said I was entitled to my opinion. This doesn't seem like an issue of definition or opinion, but maybe it's just me. That semantics thing again...
I'm with you too!
I have a strong opinion about this too! I just wrote a really LONG post about it, but I will just say at this point that I totally agree with you! Strong work for standing up for your opinion!
You are absolutely, 100% correct.
Either that - - - or a mom is ALSO babysitting when she is with the children and dad isn't home.
Just can't have it both ways.
What 1950's planet were your friends from, anyway? Hehehehehehehehehe
Just curious - - - did your friends PAY their husbands to stay home and "babysit" their kids???? If not - - - - IT AIN'T BABYSITTING!!!!
I have never thought about that before...but a great point!
I ask Stephen if he can "watch the kids for me" if I have to be gone, but I don't think that is the same thing...
I agree with Keetha...it's not babysitting unless they are getting paid...or should get paid. (my sister comes and has the kids for us sometimes, and we don't pay her...well, in money anyway ;) )
Michelle
It seems that all childcare has come to be called "babysitting," which I think demeans the activity of nurturing children. At John's school, some teachers refer to "babysitting" their students and the Scoutmaster talks about "babysitting" the boys on campouts.
Parenting is so much more meaningful. Mom's and dad's sharing parenting activities are certainly not babysitting!
IMHO ;^)
No, it's not babysitting, but I always thank Barry for keeping the kids so I can get away. His job is incredibly demanding, and I try to do as much as I can with the kids. But what I wouldn't give for a nanny/housekeeper right now!
It is definately NOT babysitting! I hate it when people say that. And it bugs me that dads get to do 98% of what they want to do on thier own and moms just get to go out if it fits with Dad's schedule and if they are willing to "babysit".
It's absolutely NOT babysiting when it's the daddy. I only ask Brad to watch the kids "for me" when it's during the day. Otherwise, I let him know what I need to get done in the evening by myself, if possible, and he lets me know if it will work for him to be responsible for the kiddos at that point. More often than not anymore, we divide and conquer - I usually have Sarah at this stage in her life :)
I agree with you!!! I think we discussed this at Mom's blog party, didn't we? Or am I dreaming? HEHE! Either way, it is NOT babysitting!!!
Are you kiddind? Are there actually people who think this is true??? AAAHHH!
Did I share my opinion a little too strongly? :-)
If Daddy watching the kids is "babysitting", then Lloyd once "babysat" for three weeks straight while I was on a mission trip!
Jaena-
Thank you for the comment on my blog!
I am the same exact way as you, though! I just make sure and do my picture the day I go to the doctor because that's one of the few days I'm actually dressed and presentable. LOL!!
Post a Comment