There’s a sacred kind of chaos that comes with the early years of motherhood: the season of babies and toddlers. There is so much joy to be found in this stage, but it doesn’t mean it’s not hard! The days are long, someone always needs something, and personal time is rare. Add a nursing baby into the mix – attached to mom 24/7 – and it becomes difficult to find a routine or get anything done.
My husband travels frequently for work, and we don’t have family nearby. Most of the daily logistics fall on me, and some weeks I am solo parenting for multiple days. Having a babysitter come consistently for a few hours a week has been a total game-changer. Whether she is able to help with the “big kids,” give us a date night, or let me run errands and go to appointments solo – those few hours make a huge difference.
I’ve learned that instead of bringing my three kids to a gynecology exam (true story), it’s totally OK to hire help because it’s really hard to manage two toddlers and a baby while your feet are in stirrups.
While babysitters aren’t free, our family has found the pay to be worth every penny. Investing in reliable help keeps everyone above water. Our kids get special attention and have fun, our household runs more smoothly for a moment, and I get a sliver of mental space to stay sane.
That’s why I say: God bless the babysitters.
Some days, I stay home and get a few things done. Other days, I use that time to spend one-on-one with a kiddo or go for a walk. Having another adult around is comforting, and those extra hands make it possible to accomplish little tasks that would otherwise pile up and cause stress for everyone. In a special way, our sitters have become a part of our family!
Finding good help can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Here’s what’s worked for me:
- Start with word of mouth. I found my original babysitter through a friend, which felt like an instant trust boost. Ask neighbors, friends, or church family – personal referrals go a long way.
- Try sitter sites. These can be hit or miss, but I’ve had good luck in the past. One of my favorite sitters was in a college sorority, and when she graduated, another girl from the same group took her place. College students, especially those studying education or nursing, often make fantastic sitters and are motivated to earn a consistent income.
- Keep your eyes open. I met our long-standing sitter completely by chance at the gymnastics gym. She was babysitting for another family, and we hit it off. Watching her in action at the gym was the best working interview I could’ve given her. Sometimes the best connections happen when you’re not even looking.
- Be clear about your needs. Whether you want help during bedtime, a few morning hours, or a standing weekly date night, communicate that upfront. It helps both of you set expectations and build consistency.
