National Babysitting Day

Joyful child with a caregiver, playful outfits, outdoor park setting, surrounded by toys and laughter.. — National babysitting day illustration

Welcome to National Babysitting Day, the day where we celebrate those brave souls who watch over our little ones while we take a well-deserved break (or try to, at least). Whether you're a professional nanny, a trusted family member, or even just a friend with a knack for keeping kids entertained, this is your day to shine!

When is Babysitting Day?

It's national babysitting day on the 12th May.

The Origin Story of National Babysitting Day

Believe it or not, National Babysitting Day has quite a colorful history on the internet. It all started back in 2007 when parents everywhere were desperate for a break, and someone decided to dedicate a whole day to recognize and appreciate the hard work of babysitters.

Word quickly spread through mommy blogs and parenting forums, and soon enough, the internet was buzzing with excitement over National Babysitting Day. It became a day of gratitude for parents to honor the babysitters who keep their sanity intact.

How to Celebrate National Babysitting Day

To celebrate this special day, why not surprise your favorite babysitter with a thoughtful gift or a handwritten card expressing your gratitude? You could also organize a small gathering to recognize the babysitters in your community and let them know just how much they are appreciated.

And let's not forget the kids! Show them how much you value their babysitter by including them in the celebration. Maybe bake some cookies together or help them make a homemade thank you card. It's a chance for them to learn about gratitude and acknowledge the efforts of those who take care of them.

Did You Know?

Did you know that National Babysitting Day is not just about human babysitters? Some people even celebrate this day to honor their beloved pet sitters! So, if you have a trusty pet sitter who looks after your fur babies when you're away, give them a shout-out too. After all, they also deserve some recognition and appreciation!

History behind the term 'Babysitting'

1937

The Coined Term

The term 'babysitting' originated in 1937 and was derived from the word 'baby' and the verb 'sit'. It referred to the act of taking care of someone else's baby or child for a temporary period of time. The term became popular as a way to describe the service provided by individuals entrusted with the care of children in the absence of their parents.

1947

Emergence of Babysitting as a Profession

In the late 1940s, babysitting began to be recognized as a form of employment. As more parents sought reliable and responsible caregivers for their children, the demand for professional babysitters increased. This led to the development of babysitting agencies and the establishment of specific standards and practices within the industry.

1960

Babysitting Clubs

During the 1960s, babysitting clubs became popular, especially among suburban communities. These clubs consisted of a group of parents who would take turns looking after each other's children. It provided a cost-effective and convenient solution for parents while allowing the children to socialize and play with their peers.

1970

Babysitting as a Rite of Passage

In the 1970s, babysitting became a common rite of passage for many adolescents. It served as an initial opportunity for teenagers to earn money and gain independence. Babysitting was often seen as a stepping stone to other types of employment and helped teenagers build valuable skills in responsibility, patience, and child care.

1990

Professional Babysitting Services

In the 1990s, the demand for professional babysitters continued to grow. Babysitting services expanded beyond individual babysitters to include reputable agencies that conducted background checks, training, and certification processes for their caregivers. This trend provided parents with peace of mind and ensured professional standards in the field of childcare.

Did you know?

Did you know that National Babysitting Day is not just about human babysitters? Some people even celebrate this day to honor their beloved pet sitters!