When you are a nanny, you devote your time to helping someone watch their kids… that doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll have an easy time. There are lots of things you learn when corralling children:

Kids can (sometimes) entertain themselves.

It’s amazing how independent some kids can be. They can play with each other, find books and games for themselves, and find crafts to do. They are really creative and make up their own games (that they hardly ever share all the rules with you), or you can easily give them a mission and (if you’re lucky), they’ll complete it.

On that note, there is no doubt that tears will follow.

Whether twins, siblings, or friends, no matter how kids say they are “taking care” of something, it does not mean that they are doing it safely. No matter the game or level of roughhousing, there will always be someone that gets hurt in some way, shape, or form.

Manners are far and few in between.

It’s funny to refuse them a treat or a game until they respond with that hesitant “please” or “thank you.” It’s like you have some kind of control over them. It’s funny to watch them be confused because you won’t hand them their lunch (waiting for a thank you).

You struggle to catch up.

One of my cousins I nanny wanted to go on a bike ride. It was 10 miles. I’m not athletic.

The more comfortable they get with you, the more they play you.

They will sleep in as much as they want, try to fool you into doing chores for them, or plot against your demise. At some point, they’ll push the limits—it depends on the day.

“But mom/dad/grandma said” isn’t always a true statement.

When you ask dad/mom/grandma later, you’ll find out the children were pulling your leg. They don’t get ice cream for lunch or get to game for six hours. The parents and guardians WILL make lists and most of the children's’ requests are not on it.

Kids look up to you.

No matter your age or relationship, the children you nanny will admire you in one way or another. They’ll always remember it as “the summer/year with (person).” You truly have an impact on their lives. You make a bigger difference than you realize and their parents and guardians appreciate your work more than you may think.