My summer job was fantastic. I nannied three kids, all in the defiant stage of their childhood. I can't say it was easy, but I survived and you can too!
1. Know what the parents want.
Nannying isn't going to be easy if everyday you get a text from mom or dad telling you the kids shouldn't have had chocolate chips yesterday and nothing else. It's good to build a relationship with the parents so you know the answer to a question without asking. Kids are very good at using the "mom said I can" line, don't buy it. Shoot back with "well you can call mom right now and ask, then let me talk to her." If the kid is willing, they believe their mom will say yes, but if they panic it was a ploy all along.
2. Have ideas!
Life will get very boring if all you do is watch TV day in and day out. Do cool things, like simple science experiments! To make a volcano you just need baking soda, dish soap and some vinegar, if you mix equal parts of all of it you'll get some fizz to kill the boredom for a solid hour.
3. Always know what time it is.
Not only for your sake to count down the hours until you get to drive home and listen to Hamilton, but trust me, the kids will ask you every five minutes. I swear to you, it will be three minutes and the kids just need to know what time it is, even if they're wearing a watch. It will drive you crazy, but looking back it's (kind of) funny.
4. Know when to say no.
You're not the parent, but you sometimes have to put your foot down. You're the babysitter so you definitely have to take them for ice cream and bring them treats somedays, but you can't let them get away with everything. If the kid kicks you and laughs, tell them why it's a bad thing. If the kids want to drive a toad off the roof in the remote control car, I'm begging you, shut them down.
5. Laugh at all their jokes.
I don't care how stupid they are or if they don't make sense, humor them and crack a smile. It will make them feel good. You were young once too and sometimes your jokes still don't make sense, let them have this one.
6. Be a kid too.
You're never too big to play with nerf guns or play tag with a couple of kids. They will love you for it and if you can't ride their bike, you can at least time them on how long it takes to ride around the block.
7. Keep an eye on them.
This one sounds stupid, I know, but really watch out for them. Kids are slippery little fellas and can disappear really quickly. Pay attention to where they go and if they're with a friend. If they aren't back in 45 minutes, it's probably smart to go look for them. They'll always come back to home base, so don't freak out too much if they're gone for a few minutes.
8. Don't freak out.
They aren't your kids, so it's a little scary when they get hurt. But they're just kids. Kids are made to get hurt and have some rough patches. Don't yell at them if they spill the whole ice tray on the ground, just tell them to pick it up and help them out. Freaking out is going to make things worse, and make them feel bad.
9. Love them.
Being a kid is hard. You're still learning how the world works and everything isn't easy. it's easier to talk to them like a real person then treat them like a child. If you love them despite the bad days, it will be easy to take on the rough days. Some days require the dreaded "talks" but these times teach you the best things.
I have learned so much about the children I've been watching this summer. I have learned how to handle their bad days and good days, and that a little bit of sugar can fix almost anything. I constantly tell stories about them and miss them every day. Babysitting can be insane and make you want to tear out your hair somedays, but other days the kid will listen to you and you will happy-cry the whole way home.
