Is Daddy Baby-Sitting?

No. He is parenting.

When I go anywhere without Hannah (a rare occurrence), I inevitably hear the question, “Oh, is daddy baby-sitting?” Today was no exception.

Because of Hannah’s recent “illness” we have been quarantined in the house for the past week. We’re on day 6 of our 7-10 day sentence. Although, to look at her, you would never guess that she is “sick.” But, given the highly contagious nature of the disease (for children), the nursery was out of the question this morning. We had two options – we could both stay home with our little invalid, or one of us could venture into the outside world. Because I had been the one at home with Hannah all week, and had a few responsibilities in our Sunday school class this morning, Jason graciously allowed me to go to church, while he stayed home with the little one.

One of the best pieces of advice I received before Hannah was born was that daddies do not baby-sit. They parent. Amen! I couldn’t agree more! While it may not be blatantly obvious to some, there is a difference between “baby-sitting” and “parenting.”

A parent (mom or dad) never baby-sits their own child. Baby-sitting implies a temporary situation. Parenting is a lifetime commitment. A baby-sitter, however capable and well-qualified they may be, cannot possibly love, guide, instruct, and train a child in the same way, or with the same zeal that a parent can – nor should they. A baby-sitter is not commanded to “bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” A father is.

Parents have been given an incredible opportunity to train and shepherd our children. Fathers, especially, have a great responsibility before God as the spiritual leaders of the family. Please, please, do not minimize this awesome responsibility by calling it “baby-sitting.” Daddies do so much more than baby-sit!!