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#14 in The Baby-Sitters Club Series

Jessi and the Bad Babysitter

3.62
on Goodreads (1,059)

What’s inside...

Jessi's been offered the perfect babysitting job but the kids' antics and the irresponsible actions of their elder sister has Jessi wondering if she can handle it.
In series
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
138 pages
Text complexity

Discussion points

How did Jessi handle the situation with her bad babysitter? What would you have done differently?
Why is it important to tell an adult when you feel uncomfortable or unsafe?
How can we trust and respect others while still ensuring our own safety?
What qualities make a good babysitter? Discuss how they differ from the babysitter in the story.
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing a personal story about your own experience with babysitters, good or bad, to make the discussion relatable.
Affirm your child’s feelings and thoughts as they answer, ensuring they feel heard and valued.
Encourage your child to think of solutions or alternative actions to those taken by characters in the book, fostering critical thinking.
Discuss the importance of trust and communication in relationships, drawing parallels to their interactions with adults and peers.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: In the story, Jessi Ramsey faces challenges when she discovers the babysitter hired for her younger sibling is not responsible. Jessi takes charge and addresses the problem, showing maturity and responsibility.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to handle responsibilities in their own lives, whether it’s in taking care of a sibling or completing school work diligently.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Jessi demonstrates quick thinking and problem-solving skills when dealing with the bad babysitter, ensuring her sibling’s safety and communicating effectively with adults.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of addressing issues directly and thinking critically to resolve conflicts or problems they encounter.
Example Lesson: Communication
Explanation: Throughout the book, Jessi communicates her concerns about the babysitter to her parents. This open line of communication is crucial in resolving the issue.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of speaking up when something feels wrong and discussing their problems with trusted adults.
Example Lesson: Judgment
Explanation: Jessi uses her judgment to evaluate the babysitter’s behavior, which is pivotal in recognizing the unsuitability of the babysitter for her sibling's care.
Real-World Application: This can help children develop better judgment skills when deciding who to trust and how to assess situations safely.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Despite her frustrations, Jessi shows empathy by understanding the consequences of the babysitter’s actions on her sibling and acts to protect her well-being.
Real-World Application: This highlights the importance of considering the feelings and safety of others, encouraging empathy and protective behaviors in young readers.