By CLAIRE SANT
BGSU Student Contributor
A group of young ladies in the Bowling Green area might just ‘bee’ the answer to local babysitting needs, group partly inspired by the book and TV series, “The Babysitters Club,” aiming to provide reliable service to the community.
Huxley Beard, president of ‘Bee your Sitter’ and student at Bowling Green High School started the club after the spark of inspiration.
“I watch the show and I’m reading the books still,” said Huxley.
The four girls, Huxley, Maggie, Taelor and Junie, ranging from ages 12-15, are seeking babysitting jobs both within and outside the Bowling Green area.
“Tha’s why we started the group — to get everybody jobs,” said Huxley.
Kathleen Pahl, Huxley’s mother, supports the idea of the new babysitting business. She pointed out the limited job opportunities for teens under 16 without work permits, making babysitting an ideal choice.
“Because she is 14 right now, going on 15, there aren’t a whole lot of opportunities for her,” said Pahl.
Not only can it be a convenient job, but Huxley also has a knack for it, Pahl said. “She has always been so good with little kids, they just love her,” she said. “One of my friends has a little girl who just followed Huxley around all the time.”
The experience will be invaluable for Huxley and her friends, especially with her future career goals. She recalls fond memories with her babysitters growing up.
“In fourth grade, I knew I wanted to be a kindergarten teacher,” she said. “Now I want to do preschool and kindergarten.”
With her babysitting permit in possession and the goal of being a teacher in the future, Huxley is excited to start because she enjoys watching kids, she said.
Maggie Otley, an active sitter in the group, said she also has future aspirations of being a teacher.. but also hopes to be on Broadway someday.
The girls’ bond over musical theater and acting, supporting each other outside of club business when one is starring a production.
The club got some traction after the girls posted flyers in the area, recruiting two more interested members.
“There are four of us, and one of them is helping with media,” said Huxley.
To get a media presence, one member, Taelor Wilson, manages the Instagram, keeping it up to date with new executive positions and news. The girls operate a bit like a union, all having separate jobs but depending on each other.
Huxley and Maggie said they hope to get experience taking care of little kids and having fun.
The girls charge a flat rate of $10 an hour and an additional $3 transportation fee for babysitting jobs outside Bowling Green.
More information about ‘Bee your Sitter’, or to hire a babysitter, can be found on Instagram @beeyoursitter or by phone at 419-714-9861.
