It's Not Babysitting When They Are Your Kids, Duh!

I found this draft from last February when I went on my birthday trip. 

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Babysitting is when you watch someone else's children while their parents are away.  There is also usually some hourly wage involved.

So, why do some people consider it babysitting when the father stays home with his kids while the mother is out? Isn't that still parenting? That's so backwards to me.

While I was out of town, I had two different random people comment on how my husband is such a good man for staying home alone with two little kids. Um, hello? Those two little kids are his kids ( I have the footage from The Maury Show to prove it) and as a parent that is his job. I only go out of town without the kids one or two weekends a year, so why would it even be an issue? My hubs travels regularly for business, and has a few leisure trips. Is it babysitting when I'm at home and he's not? Of course not. It's called being a parent, doing my job, and filling in the gaps.

Luckily, I married a man who encourages me to take time for myself and doesn't complain about spending extra time with his kids. He appreciates all the extra time I put in while he's traveling and has no problem returning the favor. He's a hands on dad 100%, so parenting alone without me isn't going to scare him too much ( except for trying to style Stalker #1's hair).

So am I lucky? Yes! Lucky that I have a husband who gave me the best birthday gift ever and doesn't ever confuse parenting with babysitting.

Do you love it? My Hubs doesn't have a problem with it.
Shells