1. There's nothing to worry about, even if it's your first time.

When I first starting watching kids, it was always with an adult around. I didn't know what to do to entertain them and usually tried to stay away from the youngest, a little girl. She was what my dad loved to call a "mean-mugger" and gave nasty faces at people when she didn't get what she want. One night, I was asked to watch her while her parents and brother went to a concert. She was very attached to her family and cried when her parents said goodbye and I was panicking, unsure of how to handle it. In the end, the best thing to do is distract and comfort. Take their minds off of what is happening and give them something to do that you know they enjoy. For this little girl, she loved to color. For two hours, she wasn't focused on her mom and dad. She was focused on how many markers she could use on one tiny scrap of paper. Then she became focused on Disney Channel's newest original movie dancing across the t.v. screen. It's years later and I've watched her many times after, all of them fond memories. And from then on, I wasn't very concerned watching anyone else's kid. The only thing you need is a general idea of what they like, the basic family routine, and any medicines or allergies you should be aware of. Simple as that.

2. You want to be involved.

It might sound weird, but to this day, I feel proud of the kids I watched in the past. The first now plays soccer and when my dad sent me a video of her on the field, I was extremely happy. I am proud of her brother who continues to develop his musical talent and astonishes everyone who doesn't know his abilities. I love to see how one little girl is growing to become so kind-hearted towards her little sister and life in general and how the little boy wears his Halloween costume with enthusiasm. I love those kids and want to stay involved in how they grow and develop, and I hope their parents grant me the opportunity.

3. Even though they're not your kids, it starts to feel like they are...and saying goodbye is one of the hardest things to do.

I got to experience the terrible twos. I got to feed a baby only a few months old and try to figure out what the crying means. I got to see a toddler, a little girl devour spinach better than I ever could, and play dress-up with a seven-year-old. I challenged a nine-year-old to a game of cops and robbers and proceeded to lose. I spent the day with a little boy, spraying him with a hose as he jumped on the trampoline. I made milkshakes and cookies with a ten-year-old and to this day I can quote the entire movie "Cars."

Babysitting or being a nanny isn't always the easiest. But in the end, there are memories that you'll never forget and yet can't quite remember how they came to be. I have albums of photos of the kids I watched and bonded with. The most adorable faces that probably won't remember who I am in years to come. However, I'll always remember them asking when I'll be over next and what games we could play that day. I'll always remember the chaos of so many children running around the house at the same time, all wanting attention. I'm grateful for the opportunities I've had to watch them grow and I hope in the future they'll be as successful and happy as I wish for them.