One of the biggest job markets for teenage girls is babysitting. Some people babysit for many families while others stick with one loyal family. I am lucky enough to have two little munchkins that are my "regulars."
Anyone who babysits can tell you what it's like, but unless you get to know those kids yourself, you'll never really understand what it's like being almost like an extra member of their household.
1. When the kids are excited to see you.
This is such a great feeling, especially if you have younger siblings who are bratty to you. It's nice having kids to chill with that you don't see often enough to argue with.
2. "I can't, I'm babysitting."
Your friends start to assume you won't be able to go out on weekends because they know you'll be busy hanging out with much younger company.
3. The gap of time between when the kids go to sleep and the parents get home.
This is the perfect opportunity to watch TV, clean up, look at all the Instagram posts of people with social lives and just straight up chill.
4. When the kids accidentally call you "mom."
I'm a female who is giving you food and cleaning up your messes so you're pretty close, kid.
5. You'll be up on your Disney Junior and Nickelodeon shows.
I am not ashamed of how effortlessly I can sing the Doc McStuffins theme song. That's my jam.
6. Missing the kids when you don't babysit for a few weeks.
Leaving for college was almost painful. I haven't read a bedtime story in months and I am struggling.
7. Saying "the kids" and everyone knows who you're talking about.
"Look at this adorable picture of the kids;" "The kids did the funniest thing last night;" "Those kids drive me crazy." People who don't know me most likely think I'm a #teenmom.
8. Feeling at home in their house.
When you first start babysitting for a family you neatly hang your jacket, leave your shoes on, attempt to look presentable and don't show up looking like you just rolled out of bed. That changes.
9. Having to actually act like an adult and enforce rules occasionally.
My least favorite part of babysitting is being the most responsible person in the room at all times. If it were up to me we would eat cookies and watch movies all night, but, unfortunately, parents tend to like when you feed their kids vegetables and put them in bed at a reasonable time. Sorry, kids.
10. Taking pride in being responsible for a small human being.
I'm basically still a child, so it's pretty damn impressive I can sustain myself and others at the same time.
11. Basically having an extra younger brother and/or sister.
Not only is it fun for you getting to let out your inner child and play with kids, but it's also awesome being an important person in those kids' lives.
