I've always done a lot of babysitting, but now that I've returned to Westchester, I decided I need a more dependable and constant source of income. I made a care.com account, spoke to some parents, and eventually found a match.
I work for about three hours, four days a week for a family with three young girls. After they get off the bus, I make sure they have a snack, do their homework, and then drive them to their activities. It's a pretty light gig, and the girls are super cute and way more insightful than anyone would've ever guessed. I may be the one helping them with their homework, but they teach me just as much about life, if not more.
1. When it comes to snacks, you can have a sweet snack, but you need to have a healthy snack first.
Sure, you can have some cookies or a cup of hot chocolate! Go at it! You deserve it! But only if you've had a cheese stick/yogurt/piece of fruit or something else nutritious first.
2. If the sun is out, always wear shorts!
This is pretty self-explanatory, but I'm always in awe of how the girls will whip on shorts if they can see a sliver of the sun in the sky. Their ability to embrace the sunshine and the little things in life inspires me.
Going off of that...
3. Go outside every chance you can!
This also seems obvious, but it seems like kids these days (and basically everyone) loves to sit inside with a piece of technology in hand. However, as soon as the weather got nice out, the girls were begging to go outside. As soon as they'd get home, they'd ask to go out but then they'd remember their homework so they'd ask to go out as soon as they finished. Even if we had to leave in 10 minutes, they'd still want to go out. Sunshine is good for the soul, Vitamin D is good for the body_go outside folks.
4. Tag, will always be one of the best outside-games.
I hate running, so with all the outside play that's been going on lately, the girls have been asking to play tag and freeze tag a lot. At first, it sucked, like a lot. After a long day of classes and worrying about getting them situated, the last thing I wanted to do was chase them around the yard. However, after enough nagging, whining, and even cheering on their end, they got me to run, and it felt great. The wind flew through my hair and the sun shined on my face, and releasing all my pent up energy was super helpful. The girls' giggles and screams as I reached closer to them only made it better.
5. A good hug really can solve all your problems, at least for a little while.
I don't know what's better, attacking a child with tickles and hugs, watching sisters console each other with a hug, or receiving a simple hug from a child who genuinely wants to make your woes disappear. A child's hugs are the world's medicine, better than a spoonful of sugar.
Kids are great guys, definitely not as annoying as we all think. Oh, I've also learned it takes at least seven minutes to get kids ready, and out of the house.
