SAN FRANCISCO — Generally speaking, smaller drycleaning stores hire babysitters. Wikipedia defines babysitting as “the practice of temporarily caring for a child on behalf of the child’s parents. Babysitting is commonly performed as an odd job by teenagers for extra money.”
The key words here are “temporary” and “odd job.” These characteristics may be acceptable for hiring babysitters. You have no expectations for a long-term relationship, and there is really no loyalty nor motivation on either side to learn the finite details of the household. They are unacceptable for the drycleaner hiring front-counter staff.
Temporary child-care helpers are poor substitutes for parents. Parents care and foster the successes of their children. They are involved in all important aspects of the children’s activities.
Babysitters are not “bad.” They generally provide a safe, secure environment for short periods of time. There are no expectations that they will do more. No love or compassion is required, and, generally, no long-term relationship is established.
