Proud Maman

Last night mes filles made me very proud. It was the birthday party for their Tante Marguerite and there were many people there... Tante Marguerite was expecting some of her guests to bring their enfants also, so she asked the Angel and Sophie Bear to keep an eye on the little ones. This was ideal since they have been asking for more responsibilities lately and specifically to be allowed to babysit. As they are still very young (9 and 10) we have been saying no. But this would give them the ideal way to test their skills.

The filles planned ahead, brought games, sports equipment from home. Also they brought out crayons and coloring books and play do and legos. All of these wonders, they set up in a corner of the yard awaiting their small charges. And when they arrived, the filles kept them amused, made sure that they didn't wander into the alley, helped them all back and forth to the bathrooms and then made sure they got their dinners. At one point of the evening, I could see one or another of the filles, getting tired or frustrated. They would spell each other and let the other one take a break. Once or twice, I had to remind them that their responsibility couldn't be tossed aside when they were bored and back at it they would go.

By the end of the evening, they were exhausted. But they had learned about how difficult it is to take care of les petites. The Angel at one point had dueling toddlers competing for her attention... and like all toddlers they wanted it NOW! But she managed, figuring out how to manage both of them at the same time. At the same time they impressed the other parents, some of whom asked for the Angel's phone number as a babysitter. She might be a bit too young for that at this point but that day is coming... and I believe she might be ready for it!