Thursday
21Aug2008
Would you hire a male babysitter?
Thursday, August 21, 2008 at 04:16PM
I came across an interesting article while doing research for work today.
It discusses the stigma attached to male teachers and babysitters. Many who may be interested in working with small children shy away because they worry people will see them as a child molester.
We did have a male babysitter apply to watch BamBam last spring. I was prepared to interview him. Ultimately, we realized that his schedule did not work with ours, so I never met him.
I didn't have a problem with the idea of a male sitter. My husband and I did discuss the issue at the time and decided that it depends on the person. I would like to think that I would not be biased. I have a male friend who teaches at the early childhood level. When he started out, he was single without kids. I never thought it was strange because the job suited his personality and from what I hear, he is a GREAT teacher. I don't worry about him being a child molester.
I was wondering if any of you have faced this issue. What are your thoughts? Would you hire a male babysitter? Would you worry more if your child's pre-school teacher was male?
It discusses the stigma attached to male teachers and babysitters. Many who may be interested in working with small children shy away because they worry people will see them as a child molester.
We did have a male babysitter apply to watch BamBam last spring. I was prepared to interview him. Ultimately, we realized that his schedule did not work with ours, so I never met him.
I didn't have a problem with the idea of a male sitter. My husband and I did discuss the issue at the time and decided that it depends on the person. I would like to think that I would not be biased. I have a male friend who teaches at the early childhood level. When he started out, he was single without kids. I never thought it was strange because the job suited his personality and from what I hear, he is a GREAT teacher. I don't worry about him being a child molester.
I was wondering if any of you have faced this issue. What are your thoughts? Would you hire a male babysitter? Would you worry more if your child's pre-school teacher was male?
Reader Comments (2)
I've never faced the issue, but I'm with you. It would depend on the person and I would hire the best person for our kids, male or female. And whichever person the kids liked best!
I don't know why and I hate to even admit it, but I think I would gravitate towards a female babysitter before I male. Now, if I knew the boy, that's different, but if I have to resort to a stranger college student, I'd go with female.
And here I thought I was a feminist??