These aren't just the basic skills I've learned from babysitting like how to change a diaper or how to be responsible. I've gotten a closer look into the minds of little ones.
1. Bribery works and it will get you everywhere.
Using an extra scoop of ice cream or allowing them to pick out their favorite movie to watch is a great way to get the kid to listen to you. Don't get me wrong, we all would love it if they could listen the first time, but who says bribery isn't a good backup plan?
2. Kids are the best manipulators.
They know how to play the game. They know your weaknesses. While trying to punish the three kids I have been babysitting for nearly three years, the oldest boy looked me in the eyes and told me I could never stay mad at them for too long because I love them that much.
You're right. Well played.
3. They're better at technology than you.
Let's face it, kids can figure out a way around your phone easier than you could the day you bought it. Whether it's the new snapchat filters, or pulling up a video on YouTube, they can do it in a matter of seconds. It's like they're programmed as little robots.
4. Kids have a way of making you feel like you're the most important person in the world.
When you hear little kids yelling your name as you walk in the door or shouting to say Hi to you from across the park, you surely feel like you're the most important person they know. You become a role model to the kids you babysit and it's an extra confidence booster to think about how many times I made my little kids smile today, or what fun things I have to look forward to with kids that enjoy spending time with me.
5. There's no such thing as only one book before bedtime.
Kids always find a way around reading only one book before they go to bed. One book becomes two, two become three, three become another hour of trying to get the kids to sleep.
6. Even though I'm a girl... girls are a handful.
Mom and dad, I give you a ton of credit for being able to handle me when I was a young girl. Girls are demanding. We aren't easy, that's for sure. Whether it's picking out the right clothes for bedtime, brushing the tangles out of their hair, dealing with their obsession over certain older boys, or the all time sass, it's not easy.
7. Put them in the car.
Put on a radio station you know they'll love, drive them around, and let them sing.
It's really a simple way for you to clear your head when the little ones are stressing you out and it's surely an easy way too keep them occupied.
8. You never know how much you can love a person until children take a place in your heart.
I've been babysitting for nearly five years now and I've met some wild kids, but also some that I consider my own family now. The joy that good kids bring to my life is unreal. I am so beyond thankful that parents have trusted me with their children and have given me opportunities to become a big sister to some of the most amazing kids I know. I never knew I'd actually fall in love with the kids I nannied/babysat.
9. They'd give anything to be like you.
All kids look up to their babysitters. It's a fact. I've noticed over the years that my kiddos have started saying things like me (I'm not sure if that's a good thing or not) but it's like I've got a bunch of mini-me's running around.
10. Patience.
Babysitting demands more patience than a game of chess. You need to wait for them to do the most basic things, like putting on a pair of shoes or brushing their teeth. They move at their own speed. They'll take a break to tell you a quick story while they're sitting on the toilet. Or, you'll be out the door and ready to go when you come to realize that someone only has one shoe on. Just take a deep breath when you're trying to rush to go somewhere. Kids take a while (and by a while, I mean forever).
11. I was born to be a mom.
In about 10 years.
Again, I never realized I'd actually fall in love with the kids I watch. I have noticed that I have always cared for others more than I care for myself. And now I just truly cannot wait for the day I become a mom. No rush, but I can't wait to create and parent a child of my own.
Ignoring all of the stinky diapers, smelly feet, boogers, tears, temper tantrums, and the occasional disobedience, I love children. Their sense of humor, acts of love and kindness, and innocence always puts a smile on my face.
