Although hiring a babysitter is not a common practice here in Malaysia, I fully intend to find one for T.Rex after his first birthday. I know that a good babysitter is going to be a valuable commodity, so I decided to plan ahead and make a list of unusual things I’ll be looking for in potential candidates. Aside from the obvious, like experience with kids, outdoorsy and with a first aid and CPR certification – I have a few other specific requirements; because a babysitter is not merely an extra pair of hands or a playmate, but a person who will have a huge influence on your child and the formation of his character. I suggest every mum who is looking for a long-term babysitter make a list of all the things that matter most to them personally, before starting the interviewing process.
Must love to cook and eat real food
As you’ll sometimes have to cook for my son, it’s important that you are passionate about wanting to eat well. I believe that it is one of my biggest responsibilities to nurture a healthy food culture for T.Rex, so I need you to also share a personal conviction that packaged and processed food is not real food. A good knowledge of nutrition is handy, and you must be able to prepare a simple, nourishing meal or snack from fresh produce. (I’m talking basic Jamie Oliver style cooking so there’s no need to freak out). I know, finding a young person who loves cooking (and is not just a foodie) is going to be really tough, but I know you’re out there!
Must read (my) parenting books
Complimentary copies of Parenting by The Book by John Rosemond, Baby Knows Best by RIE director Deborah Carlisle Solomon and You Are Your Child’s First Teacher by Waldorf educator Rahima Baldwin Dancy will be provided to you. My parenting style has to be translated in your own, so understanding the reasons behind the choices I’ve made (such as no TV or musical toys) will help guide the everyday choices you make when playing with or caring for T.Rex. Reading the same parenting books will ensure that we are constantly on the same page, and will give us lots to talk about.
Must love Malaysia
I know this seems odd, and perhaps a bit of a tall order; but I believe that having a spirit of optimism and hope for our country is something children can catch. I also think that being constantly critical about one’s nation is contagious and speaks volumes about your character. One of the most important dreams I have for T.Rex is that he will grow a heart for the nation. Of course this doesn’t mean I want you groom him into a politician; I just need you to actually care about this country, and not influence him to be indifferent, even as a toddler.
Must be an introvert
T.Rex is already a pretty independent child, so it’s best if you also enjoy being on your own and in a quiet environment. As an introvert myself, I love nothing better than leaving T.Rex on the porch to play by himself, while I read. My husband and I have put careful thought into making sure he gets enough fresh air and spends time outdoors with only the sounds of nature. In other words, you may get extremely bored just watching him and letting him play on his own, so it helps if you’re naturally able to recharge with your own ‘alone’ time. A list of approved of kid-friendly activities for to do with T.Rex (such as read to him), will be given to you; alternatively it’s best if you spend your time studying or reading (quietly). An extrovert could manage all of this too I’m sure, however it’s my personal preference to have an introvert who will not be overly enthusiastic – when all I want is for T.Rex to be surrounded by a sense of calm.
So there it is: a non-exhaustive list of things I’ll be looking for in a babysitter. Choosing someone to spend quality time with my son is a daunting task, but I’m excited to start the search. As I already have my mum (the best childcare ever!) and a helper at home, adding a babysitter to the mix is a conscious choice to include another person to enrich T.Rex’s life and expose him people other than his immediate family. So for all the must-haves; a babysitter at this point is really a just nice-to-have.
Still, now that I have this dream babysitter in mind, I’m going to look in every Toddzone-type activity center until I find her.
