By Sittercity.com
Should sitters "love" the kids? Ask a babysitter and she'll probably say, "Of course!" Especially considering that so many babysitters and nannies are in this profession because of their passion for children, it would make sense that a caregiver would become completely attached to her charges.
But should she love them? One mom blogger, Amy Jo, over at Philly Moms Blog doesn't think so.
"When my mom or my sister-in-law kisses my daughter and tells her that they love her, it's not unusual. But it is a little strange, for me at least, when the babysitter or teacher does so."
Amy Jo's Viewpoint: No, It's Strange
Said the same mommy blogger:
"Maybe it's because I'm uncertain of the sincerity. For example, our if our teacher/babysitter friend said 'I love you' to my kids, I wouldn't be as uncomfortable as I would if a teacher that didn't know them so well said it. After all, isn't a major part of a mother's job to protect their children?"
"My oldest is only three and change, and I doubt he understands the difference between how his parents love him and how his teachers 'love' him. I would hate for him to suffer any kind of hurt over this confusion."
"Maybe it's because it's the end of the year and I'm thinking that some people might be trying to butter me up for end of year gifts. How else would you explain an aid I've never met and seldom seen in my daughter's building telling her she loves her right in front of me? I don't mean to be cynical, but, well, I guess I am." (emphasis ours)
Amy Jo admits that she is insecure and overprotective, but it's still insulting to think that a caregiver tells the children "I love you" simply to get a gift out of it. Cynical, indeed.
Jeanne's Viewpoint: Yes, It's Great!
Jeanne Sager over at Strollerderby wrote a rebuttal -- one that we applaud.
She said:
"Hold on a minute here. Doesn't everyone who 'loves' our kids love them in different degrees? You don't tell Great Aunt Sally not to say 'I love you' even though she sees them once a year and can barely remember their names, do you?"
"I chose my sitter based on a number of factors -- but the number one was how she related to kids. She genuinely likes being around them and caring for them. So yes, I believe she loves my daughter. Not the kind of all-consuming love that I have for her, of course, but a love that makes her take the kind of care of her that I'd want someone to take while I can't be with her."
"You can't just turn the mama/papa bear thing on during the hours you watch a child and turn it off when they walk out the door."
Sound Off
We agree with Jeanne. It's great if a caregiver says she loves your children. Someone else saying that they love your kids doesn't lessen, cheapen or otherwise affect your own love for them! Nothing can even compare to the love a parent has for his/her child -- so why is it even a competition in the first place?
If you're a parent whose caregiver says she loves your kids, those children are lucky to be surrounded by so much love.
Well, there -- we've said our piece. Now it's your turn.
Read more child care articles and tips in the Sittercity.com Child Care Blog.
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