There's some bad news in the Pike family: Mallory's dad has just lost his job. And since money is going to be tight until Mr. Pike finds a new job, all eight of the Pike kids decide to help out. Nicky gets a paper route, Vanessa tries selling her poetry, and Mallory takes a baby-sitting job in Kristy's ritzy neighborhood. But being around the Delaney's only makes Mallory feel poor. they have a cat that cost $400 and tennis courts in their backyard! Poor Mallory - she needs the Babysitters now more than ever!