GMTS Newsletter: How young is too young to babysit?

Wednesday , June 6, 2012

I should point out the opinion that follows is mine and mine alone. But I sure am fired up about it.

I just read a story about a Connecticut mom getting arrested for leaving her four kids home alone.

Are you shocked? Disgusted? What if you found out that the oldest was 13 – and she was put in charge of kids ages 10, 4 and 1 1/2?

I realize times have changed, but I started babysitting when I was 12. I was responsible, punctual, I played with the kids, I helped them with their homework, I fixed them snacks, I built giant Lego buildings.

Come to think of it, I was a better babysitter than I am a mom many days.

But in Connecticut, I would have been too young.

I have several problems with this, so let’s take them one by one:

-Why is age the sole qualification for what constitutes a good – or legal – babysitter? Just because you’re older doesn’t mean you’re better. That’s what my little sister kept telling me when we were younger, anyway.

I seem to remember a fair amount of parents (over the age of 13) who’ve made their appearances in the Breaking News Center for abuse or neglect.

And conversely, I’ve known a handful of 12-year-olds who were far more mature than kids I went to college with.

-Why is the government deciding when a child (a teenager, mind you) is fit to watch another? I have a feeling we might have bigger fish to fry.

-I think police should have based their arrest of how many potato chip selections were in the kitchen. Or how many steps were on the front stoop. Or how many vowels were in her name. Those arbitrary guidelines make as much sense as deciding solely on age.

-Actually, they should have asked the kids. Here’s what they would think makes a good babysitter: cupcake-making ability, amount of time they’ll let you watch TV, and whose side they take in inter-sibling fights.

Ask parents and you’ll hear that a good sitter cleans up after the kids, does the dishes, has a limited social life (leaving them available for weekend jobs), say they don’t care how much you pay them, and tire the kids out so that they sleep ‘til double digits the next morning.

It’s all about perspective.

From Today’s Show:

-Kimmel’s On Fire: Jimmy Kimmel had a good one last night. Miss Ohio, Audrey Bolte, who’s from Clermont County, was on defending her statement that Julia Roberts’ prostitute character in Pretty Woman was a good role model. Yes, she actually said that. He also had the Scripps National Spelling Bee winner on. Must watch. Here you go .

Today’s Distracting Link:

You’re in a forest. That’s pretty much it.

http://www.youareinaforest.com/