Babysitters
When I think back on this parenting journey, I am so grateful to all the people who have offered to help me and Dave get a night out together every once in a while.
Dave and I each had a set of parents who adored our boys and truly had fun spending time with them. They jumped in often, not just when it suited their schedule, but when we needed them. The immense value of that blessing does not escape me…we were so lucky to have them!
Dave and I also each had a sibling who really stepped up and helped us many times when we were in a pinch. Dave’s brother and his wife have helped us more times than we can count and we feel so blessed to call them family. My sister K, has and still does, jump in happily whenever she can…equipped with butterfly kisses and art skills that far exceed my own (like, by a lot).
We’ve also had many phenomenal babysitters whom we hired. They allowed us to get breaks to go out to dinner or see a movie when life at home got a bit stressful. We have been very lucky!
Since finding a babysitter can still sometimes be tough, Dave and I often tried to divide and conquer. For example, Dave usually took Will to his high school hockey practices (before the driving years) and I would stay at home with Mikey. That ensured everyone got their needs met without having to pay babysitting costs every week.
When Will went off to college for the first time, Dave and I really wanted to be there together to start him off on this exciting new adventure. Will goes to school very far from home so it wasn’t feasible for Mikey to go with us for move-in. We had hired a babysitter months in advance and had her come many times so Michael could get used to her. At the last minute, she cancelled and I thought I would miss out on this big milestone for Will. But no, a wonderful babysitter who has been with us for years took the day shifts and my sister, K, took the night shifts so I could go. What a gift that was to me!
On this day in 2013, my niece K came to help out while I was home. She played with the boys who were both home from camp and school and I was able to get a few things done around the house. Win,win.
Last but not least, we need to mention that over time, Will (the little guy on the tractor with his PopPop) has grown into a man and has babysat for Michael more times than I can count. He is truly a blessing for many reasons beyond his helpfulness. Thanks, buddy! Love ya!
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About the Author
Erica Mauro is a mom to two teenage boys, Will who is neurotypical and Michael with Autism and cognitive delays. She holds a BA in Psychology from Colgate University and a Masters of Psychology in Education from Columbia Teacher’s College. Before staying home with her children, she worked as an elementary school teacher. For five years, she served on the Board of Directors of the Molly Ann Tango Memorial Foundation, a charity dedicated to enriching the lives of children with special needs. In partnership with her husband Dave, she aspires to parent by using daily life as an opportunity for therapeutic intervention, seizing on real experiences as opportunities to build skills and strategies for Michael in a joyful, loving home environment. On the tougher early days, she just tried to get everyone safely to bedtime and start fresh in the morning. *wink* 
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