Stacy McGill Super Sitter
#94 of 131 in The Baby-Sitters Club Series
on Goodreads (768)
What’s inside...
Stacy McGill, a member of the Baby-Sitters Club, is set to showcase her babysitting skills as she takes on the daunting task of looking after the Barrett/DeWitt family. With her exceptional organizing abilities, irresistible charm, and the support of her friends, Stacy is confident in her ability to manage. Meanwhile, she also commits to various tasks for the well-paying Cheplin family, experiencing a rush of accomplishment. However, the demands of these jobs soon begin to disrupt her personal schedule and create challenges. Sitting for the Cheplins seems like a dream job to Stacey, as the pay is great and one of the kids needs special care which Stacey can provide. Despite the demanding nature of tasks like peeling potatoes or licking stamps, the good payment makes up for it. However, being a super sitter consumes a lot of time and energy, causing Stacey to be late for BSC meetings and to cancel plans with her mother, boyfriend Robert, and best friend, Claudia. Stacey realizes that being a super sitter might be lucrative, but it raises the question of whether it's truly worth the personal sacrifices.
Character compass
Stacey Mcgill
Discussion points
What qualities make Stacy McGill a good babysitter? Can you think of any ways she could improve?
How does Stacy handle the challenges she faces in the book? What would you have done in her situation?
What did you learn about responsibility and friendship from Stacy's experiences?
How did the characters' relationships change throughout the story? Which relationship change was most interesting to you?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think beyond the book by asking them to relate the scenarios to their own experiences with babysitters or younger siblings.
Discuss the importance of responsibility and how Stacy’s actions demonstrate accountability, encouraging your child to provide examples from their own life.
Highlight the problem-solving aspects of the book and ask your child how they might have handled similar situations differently, fostering critical thinking.
Explore themes of friendship and ask your child to discuss how they manage their own friendships and conflicts, emphasizing empathy and communication skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Stacy McGill takes on babysitting jobs and handles various challenges with the children, showing diligence and accountability.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by taking charge of small tasks at home like tidying up their toys, helping with pets, or assisting in setting the table, thereby learning to be reliable and responsible.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, Stacy encounters unexpected situations while babysitting and needs to think on her feet to resolve issues.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to stay calm and think critically when faced with challenges, whether it’s resolving conflicts with friends or tackling difficult homework.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Stacy shows great understanding and sensitivity to the needs and feelings of the children she cares for, adapting her approach to suit each child.
Real-World Application: Children learn to recognize and respect the feelings and needs of others, enhancing their social interactions and emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Independence
Explanation: The protagonist manages her babysitting business, makes decisions, and navigates her personal life, demonstrating self-reliance.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to take initiative in their activities and decisions, fostering a sense of independence and self-confidence.