I am not merely a babysitter.
I’m merely reminding myself of definitions here. We know how important definitions are, don’t we? My mother gently reminded me of the distinction when I was talking about the overwhelming task of shaping desires and occupying minds. “You’re not a babysitter. Being a mother is a lot more work!”
On our street, we have several families who employ babysitters all day for the school age children while the parents work. It’s been interesting to me to ask myself as I watch these sitters interact with the children, “Am I seeing my job as a glorified day care worker? Am I merely watching my children to make sure they don’t hurt themselves, each other, or the house?” These are good babysitters, but I am not a babysitter.
I am different. I have a vision for the future. A mandate. A responsibility to make choices that are best for my children, not merely what make me feel important or successful (by the world or other “Bible” moms).
It’s not smothering children to show them ways they can occupy themselves while they play. It takes time to set up a new game, prepare for a messy craft, or work out the details of a play (complete with costumes and props). I’m not merely filling the moment; I’m preparing them for when I won’t be there. I’m deliberately working my way out of a job.
That’s all for now.
I am not merely a babysitter.
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