According to Marianne, a 4-year-old princess/sassy munchkin, it only takes three things for someone to become a babysitter.
1. "She needs a car, so she can take me to Target."
2. "She's nice and makes me snacks."
3. "She always takes me to the potty."
While this may seem a bit naive, Marianne is right on the money. As her older cousin, I have made many trips to Target, the kitchen pantry, and the ladies room with this kiddo. But somehow between all of the imaginary tea parties and coloring-the-tan-carpet-black fiascos, I've learned more than just how to care for a tiny human. I've learned valuable life lessons during those afternoon karaoke sessions and bedtime routines. I've also learned quite a bit about myself. So based on personal experience, here's a list of qualities that I think every babysitter should have, in addition to Marianne's thoughtful contribution.
4. She/he (boys can babysit, too) needs to speak 'dinosaur.'
One of the sweet boys who I adore watching is in his own little world most days. He watches dinosaur movies, owns every dinosaur toy, wears dinosaur clothing, speaks dinosaur when he's happy/mad/excited/upset. While it's important to be the adult when caring for someone else's children, it's also important to get on their level and embrace their imagination. It's honestly unbelievable fun to run around the house yelling "Rawwwrrrrr!" I probably look ridiculous, but I will never forget the conversations that me and *Harry have in his 'dinosaur' tongue.
5. She/he needs to have an appropriate answer to all of the awkward questions.
One of the most fun parts of babysitting is recognizing a part of yourself in one of the kids you are keeping, and lately, I'm seeing a whole lot of myself in *Graham. Every time I tuck him in, he takes advantage of his one-on-one time with me and asks some of the most tragic questions that I've had to answer. "Why don't you have a husband?" or "When will you be old enough to die?" or "Are you still a kid if you live with your parents?" When in doubt, just make up a story about aliens. It works on Graham every single time.
6. She/he needs an unbelievable poker face.
Most of the time, babysitting occurs at a child's home. Here on their own turf, it is easier for a child to recognize and respond to the obvious missing presence of their parents. This is when your perfected poker face and Jedi white-lying skills come in handy. You put on a straight (but innocent face) and you straight up tell them "Oh *Sarah, Mommy will be right back!" Sometimes I also use: "I just got a text from your mom, and she's on her way/Daddy says he can't come home until we finish all of our homework/I want your Mommy to come home, too." It's okay to tell a little white lie to keep a level of peace in the house, just don't get caught by one of the kids. Once they call your bluff, game over.
7. She/he needs to be an escape for the parents, but also for the kids.
We are supposed to provide reliable care so parents can leave the home (hopefully, with little stress). We are also there to provide children with a little break from their own reality. BABYSITTERS ARE SUPPOSED TO BE FUN. Discipline is important, and a time-out is an effective tool, but the kids should be excited every time you're coming! They should know that you're bringing something fun to their home routine. Harry and Graham are always thrilled when their parent's have date nights - date nights for Mom and Dad mean movie nights for Harry, Graham, and Miss Gandy. Babysitting is a huge responsibility, but it's also an opportunity for free entertainment, so get those kids to do a living room talent show or silly photo shoot. They will have a blast, as will you!
For many, babysitting is a quick (and usually easy) way to make a little extra cash. For others, it is a daily job with a more steady income. For me, babysitting means extra money, but it also means quality time with some of the greatest kids in town. I can't remember the last time I turned down an opportunity to keep my kiddos. Babysitting isn't for everyone, believe me. I've got a few friends that need to steer clear of other peoples' children. But if you have LOADS of patience, an extensive "dinosaur" vocabulary, and a killer poker face, give it a shot! Babysitting will teach you about kids and responsibility, but it will also teach you a whole bunch about yourself.
