A babysitter taught a nine-year-old and her friends poker during an evening when the parents were out, and the game went on until 2:00 a.m. The children won the sitter's and their own pocket money. The experience became a recurring event and a family memory. In a modern context, parents should set boundaries, prefer play money or non-monetary stakes, and check local rules about minors and gambling.

H2: A babysitter we didn't know

We hired a babysitter once who turned out to be an unexpected highlight for our daughter and her friends. At the start of the evening I told her my nine-year-old and her friends were playing Snap and should be in bed by 10:00 p.m. The sitter said she loved cards and we left for the night feeling reassured.

H2: What we came home to

We returned five hours later at 2:00 a.m. and found the downstairs lights blazing and excited chatter. The children looked startled; the babysitter was grinning.

She told us she had taught the children how to play poker. The kids couldn't go to bed, she explained, because they were winning and she was losing. When I asked how much they won, she replied that they had taken "all the money you were going to give me tonight" - and then some.

Rather than apologizing, she said it had evened out: she had won back her earlier losses and some of the children's pocket money. The kids wanted to play again and asked when we were next going out.

H2: How it played out afterward

The sitter returned many times after that night, and the children often greeted us still buzzing when we came home. They slept late the next morning, which worked out better than when the kids were up at dawn while we tried to sleep.

That poker night has stayed with all of us.

H2: A modern perspective

Looking back, the story still captures a warm, slightly chaotic moment. Today, parents think differently about children, money and games. Many families would set clearer boundaries up front - for example, limiting play to skill-building with play money or chips, or agreeing that games stop at a set time.

It's also worth noting that laws and community standards about minors and gambling vary by location. In many places, minors cannot participate in gambling activities for money, so parents should be cautious and check local rules before allowing monetary play .

If you like card games as a way to teach math, probability and social skills, consider non-monetary stakes (snacks, small privileges) and a time limit. A babysitter who enjoys games can be a great fit if you communicate boundaries and expectations up front.

H3: Takeaway

The poker-playing babysitter remains a fond family memory. Today we'd keep the same spirit - cards, laughter, and learning - but with clearer rules about money, time and supervision.

  1. Confirm local laws and regulations regarding minors participating in gambling for money in the relevant jurisdiction(s) [[CHECK]]

FAQs about Baby Sitter

Is it illegal for children to play poker?
Rules vary by jurisdiction. Many places restrict minors from participating in gambling for money, so check local laws before allowing monetary play .
Can a babysitter teach card games to children?
Yes. Teaching card games can build math and social skills, but parents should agree on allowed games, stakes (prefer play money), and a clear end time.
How can parents prevent children from losing money while playing?
Use play money or chips, set strict time limits, or replace money with non-monetary rewards like snacks or privileges.
What should I tell a sitter about games before hiring?
Share your expectations: which games are allowed, whether money may be used, bedtimes, and how to handle disputes. Put any rules in writing if needed.
Are card games a good learning activity for kids?
Yes. Card games can teach counting, probability, decision-making and social interaction, especially when played responsibly and without monetary risk.