Junior is a part-time babysitter to six younger siblings

The door slams shut. Junior Alana Hess’s parents have just left the house to go out for dinner. Many teenagers would seize this opportunity to do whatever they like. But Alana cannot.

As soon as those doors close, Alana (16) is transported into a world of whiny complaints and squeaky toys. An undoubtedly daunting task looms over her: babysitting her six younger siblings: sophomore Jonathan (15), Sarah (11), Ryan (9), Jennifer (7), Robert (5) and Samantha (3).

First on the agenda: Clean the messy house, starting with her room. Toys, books and games lay scattered on the floor. By delegating tasks to her siblings, she makes sure the job gets done.

Next thing to worry about: dinner. She stuffs the chicken nuggets in the oven and cooks the macaroni and cheese on the kitchen stove.

After attending to her siblings’ needs, she returns to her room that she shares with her sister, Sarah, and eventually starts her homework.

These are only a few of her responsibilities as half eldest sibling, half babysitter. She follows this routine around three times a week when her parents are not at home.

Having six younger siblings has greatly influenced Alana.

“I sort of feel as if I’m living two lives: the carefree happy teenager, and the part time mom,” said Alana. “I know when it’s appropriate to act like each one and I’m honestly really used to it.”

Alana feels that although being the oldest sibling can mean a lot of work, it can also be a blessing.

“I feel like God put me in this position to be the oldest because I can handle all these kids,” Alana said.

Alana has been taking care of her siblings since she was in first grade. She learned how to change diapers when she was only 7.

“I know that I’m essential to keep my family going so I do it,” Alana said.

Due to familial obligations, Alana does not have as much time as she would like to do her homework or have a social life.

“I might want to go out with friends,  but I can’t because I have to babysit,” Alana said. “I don’t always like all the time I have to spend babysitting when I'd rather be doing other things but I’ve made my peace with it and just keep pushing on.”

For example, Alana said she enjoys their lively family gatherings, especially when they go out to eat in a restaurant. It is not every day when someone sees a family of nine enter McDonald’s.

Alana said many people in restaurants are surprised at how respectful the Hess family is.

“Many times there are people … compliment us saying, ‘Wow your kids are so well behaved,’ and I take pride in that because that means I’m doing my job,” Alana said.

Alana said she does not feel as though her family is viewed much differently.

“Sometimes people will ask us why we have so many kids and if we were Mormon, but that’s about it,” said Alana, whose family is not Mormon.

Alana also receives admiration and trust from her friends and family.

“When Mr. Hess and I go out, I have no worries,” said Laurel Hess, Alana’s mom. “I know that everything is fine because I know that ultimately [Alana] is going to do the right thing. I feel very safe.”

Laurel also said that Alana has always been responsible and independent since an early age. Her siblings agree and love their oldest sister.

“I like that Alana sings us to sleep and I like when she make us yummy food,” Jennifer said.

Her dad’s strong belief of “family first” deeply resonates with Alana, and she always makes time for family bonding. She tries her best to maintain a close, tight-knit relationship with every member of her family.

“I really like being the one in charge and the one they look up to in being able to help them with anything they need,” Alana said. “We are all really close and I love that about us and I hope we stay that way.”