The story follows a protagonist (the babysitter) who is hired to watch three energetic boys—Frankie, Howard, and Brendon—at Mrs. Anderson’s house. The Conflict : The babysitter’s primary struggle is Man vs. Man (the sitter vs. the unruly boys) and Man vs. Himself

Literary Hub offers an essay on its "destabilizing brilliance".

is a humorous short story written by Peg Kehret that explores the chaotic reality of a teenager’s first foray into the world of childcare. Often featured in middle-school literature curricula like Sightlines 7, the story serves as a cautionary yet lighthearted tale about the gap between technical "efficiency" and the unpredictable nature of children. Story Summary and Plot

When the parents returned, bleary and grateful, they found the children asleep, blankets arranged in symmetrical care, and Mara packing up her binder. She handed them a brief summary: the storm, a wardrobe-turned-elephant, and Sam’s moon panic. They asked about tiny traces of gum on the couch; Mara produced the gum wrapper, neatly folded and annotated: “Found under cushions — probably from craft time. Disposed.” They laughed; the tension in their shoulders eased. Payment was exchanged, and the father asked the question Mara had heard a hundred times: “How do you do it?”

The story explores themes of teenage entrepreneurship, racial dynamics, and social class. Darby and her friend begin their babysitting business as a way to make extra money, targeting middle-class white families in their neighborhood. They take their business seriously, creating flyers and establishing a schedule to ensure reliability.

The employer who leaves the babysitter in charge of the house. Plot & Analysis