7 Things Being A Babysitter Has Taught Me

Being a babysitter can be one of the hardest, yet most rewarding jobs. As a babysitter, parents leave you in charge of their most prized possessions for a whole day. Your main jobs are keeping them safe, keeping them fed, and keeping them happy. It is definitely a "learn as you go" job, but here are 7 things I have learned in my time as a babysitter.

1. Chicken Nuggets are lifesavers.

When your kids are getting stir crazy and you're about to pull your hair out if you hear "I'm bored" one more time, the magic words, "Do you want chicken nuggets?" become your lifesaver.

2. "Chill with Bob Ross" will put the most hyper kid to sleep in less than 5 minutes.

When your kids get irritable and refuse to take a nap because "Naps are for babies and old people," get them to grab a pillow and their blanket/stuffed animal, put an episode of "Chill with Bob Ross" on the TV, and your kids will be out like a light before you can think twice. Just be careful, because Bob Ross may just put you to sleep as well.

3. Bribes are the best way to take your kids anywhere.

Sometimes the best way to get your kids under control is to bribe them. "If you eat all your food, then I'll take you to the playground" has become my motto. It works every time.

4. They will ask you the same question over and over until they get the answer they want.

Because if you don't get the answer you want at first, ask 20 more times and maybe your babysitter will change her mind.

5. The post nap time snuggles are the best snuggles.

Nap time is the best time of day. You have 1-3 hours of "me" time. The house is usually quiet. You can take a break from watching Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and watch something that you would want to watch. However, when your kid wakes up and crawls into your lap for some sweet "I just woke up and I'm still tired" snuggles, you soak in every minute.

6. Your kids and their parents become your second family.

Being a babysitter is such a blessing. I've received many blessings because of this job, but the bond with the family is one of the best.

7. It becomes more than just a job.

As I mentioned before, being a babysitter is such a blessing. My kids are one of my biggest blessings. Seeing their smiling faces makes being up at 7:30 so worth it. Hearing their laughter in the car when "Circle of Life" comes on and they think it's so funny is like music to my ears. I never realized that these kids would take up so much room in my heart, but they have my whole heart.