In the Animated Series episode, “Babysitter Blues”, Gilbert Blythe is desperate to earn some pocket money so that he can buy a new tripod for his camera.  When he hears that Rachel Lynde may need a babysitter for her toddler nephew, Timmy, Gilbert is keen to make his first career move as a babysitter.  He tries to convince Rachel that he’s the one she needs.  “I know just the person for the job, Mrs. Lynde,” he says.  “Someone reliable.  Someone old enough.  Someone you’ve known for a long time.”

Much to Gilbert’s chagrin, Mrs. Lynde immediately thinks he is speaking of Anne and says he is too inexperienced to handle Timmy.  “How am I supposed to get experience if nobody will take a chance on me?” Gilbert grumbles to Anne.  Viewers of the show can appreciate the fact that Gilbert’s problem is still extremely relevant today.  In the current job market, it’s tough for any young student or recent graduate to find a job when all interviewers seek previous experience.  It’s so important for young people to be able to find that one person who’s willing to take a chance on them.  And that includes young kids wanting to start babysitting, as well.

In the end, both Anne and Gilbert are hired to look after Timmy together at Green Gables while Rachel and Marilla attend a tea party.  But Timmy proves to be quite a handful.  Part way through the job, Anne and Diana grab hold of a last minute invite to the tea party and Anne’s desperation to see the grand home it’s being hosted in overrides her hesitation about leaving Gilbert alone with Timmy.  As Anne soon realizes her mistake by leaving Gilbert alone on the job, any child watching the show will learn what it means to be responsible and how important that quality is in a babysitter.

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