I don’t consider myself an unlucky person; I know some who do. Everything seems to go wrong that can for them, like Murphy’s Law. Maybe it’s not just luck, but I feel that in general I do plan for the worst but do actually expect the best. Somehow the tide has not turned for the better yet regarding our babysitter search – who would have thought it could be so difficult to get friendly, reliable, reasonable in-home child care? Or at this rate anyone to watch or 2 little ones, period?

For those who need to be caught up, since our 1st babysitter a while ago (a jackpot), we have interviewed, written to and chatted with many other candidates, only one of whom has actually been here more than twice. Since some of the other replies from the last round seemed like they don’t have time during the day (which we also wanted), I decided to place an ad myself again since I couldn’t just revise the last one, defining more specifically what we are looking for and including more details. Here is what we got as replies:

40-Something Mom of 2: had 2 older kids, wasn’t currently working much, seemed upbeat and eager. Communication was easy, we found a time that worked right away, she seemed flexible too. Her interview went well, she was looking to get out a little and earn some extra money. Seemed kid friendly and flexible. Great! Until she cancelled 15 minutes before her first session with me and the kids together, claiming to have received a job offer than she needed to “digest” and said best of luck, bye. Wow. I wasn’t even sure if she was still interested but needed time or what the deal was exactly, but she deleted me as a contact before I could even respond. Again wow.

Therapy Dog Girl: wrote lots of information, very qualified – experience and training in early education, first aide certified, etc etc. Seemed nice but one catch – said she has 2 dogs who accompany her when she sits. Not therapy dogs exactly, but ones who “help” with kids. When I said we do like dogs but asked if they are always along or if she can sit without them since we have 2 cats (which would NOT mix): no answer. Hm. Guess no answer is an answer too, just not a terribly polite one.

Friendly Response Girl(s): 2 of them, but when I asked a question or answered their question, silence.

Person who only wondered if I wanted someone to come over to our house to sit – after a yes, crickets.

And the most shocking: literally a Jailbird. At first I thought this was a joke but it was too long and seemed like it could actually be for real. It started with a formal “I would officially like to apply…” (a little strange because this was only an eBay local ad I submitted) and then why we should hire him (“good with kids, punctual, clean”, etc). Then came the bit about honesty (“I have to admit I got out of jail last week. I was not a good person before jail. I used drugs, dealt them and used violence in these transactions. I am reformed but I hope you will appreciate my honesty”), then another descriptor (“I am old school, so I don’t mind giving the kids a little spanking now and then if need be”), then final plea (“I am looking for ways to re-aclimate into society, start fresh, and gain some work experience”).

BIG WHAAAT??? I was speechless. Where to start… If this was some kind of a sick joke, why put so much thought into it and why such a prompt reply and why to a mom about babysitting? Something about how he wrote just seemed like it could be for real. I eventually decided this was for real and wanted to reply, but what to say? I realize people do reform after prison and it is very difficult for them to get jobs because no one wants to take the risk. Got that. Maybe he was just applying to every job listed that day, who knows.

But babysitting?! Entrusting your offspring with someone who definitely has a criminal/unstable past? This was also not embezzlement or some white-collar offense. I would have considered giving him the benefit of the doubt if I was hiring a gardener or driver or something, but unfortunately for him, I can’t imagine anyone taking the risk on him with their own children in their own home.

I considered recommending him to look in other areas, but maybe he knew that and is desperate. I didn’t want to be disrespectful or leave him hanging in case he really was for real and was reformed and hopeful, so I ended up saying we were already in contact with other suitable candidates but thank you anyway and good luck. So that was that.

And last but not least: Traumatized Children’s Institute Guy wrote too (see previous post)! I debated whether or not to respond but his reply was very nice and I didn’t know if he recognized me. I also wanted to know what the deal was. Turns out his eBay app deleted the messages and he couldn’t respond the first time! Great news! So we did our meet and greet, and he seemed very normal, good with kids, and reliable. Came for a work-in hour with the kids, which went well. I could definitely tell he enjoys kids and has experience and certification dealing with them. A nice, reliable, affordable, almost overly-qualified guy! A perfect match!

Buuuuuut once again, the caveat: the institute where he works is so understaffed that he actually doesn’t really have much time for us now when we need him. Long shifts, so much overtime, not enough colleagues, stress, the whole lot. Plus an apparent chronic illness that flares up! So disappointing! After his kind voice message telling me this, I sent one of my own – but I realized later in the day he never got it anyway because he had already deleted me as a contact too!!!! Is this really how things are done these days? Speechless with disappointment and growing cynicism (which I am fighting against!).

So here we are again, weeks later, back to square one, with more stories to tell and more disbelief. There is one more young woman who answered both ads who I will try next, plus…???

Will our luck change soon? How many hands will be dealt before we catch a break? Who else will apply? How many more times will the kids and I meet someone and be hopeful, only to have that smashed once again? Is our Mary Poppins on her way soon or are we doomed for months of searching and confusion? Stay tuned for more melodrama from The Babysitter Saga!