I’m writing this as I sit here with dried spit-up clinging to my black shirt. I’m exhausted. I’m worn out.

Despite what you might be thinking, I love my job! I have the ability to give the parents a day/night off and to leave them with peace of mind because they know that I am equipped to handle the craziness that will, no doubt, follow once they close the door and drive away.

I am not just a babysitter. I don’t just walk into the house, turn on the TV, and ignore the kids. Somehow that became a babysitter stereotype, unfortunately. No, I wrangle kids, finger paint pictures, make yummy snacks, bandage boo-boos, wipe away tears, and so, so much more. I have the opportunity to shape the children’s future through love and care. I am able to provide hope and nurture confidence.

To be honest, some days I walk out of the house thinking that I could totally manage having a few kids of my own. Other days I walk out of the house totally and completely willing to pledge myself to claiming the Crazy Cat Lady title.

Children so often get unknowingly pushed to the side by the people that matter the most to them. Parents, teachers, grandparents and whoever else they may look up to are busy with their lives. A parent might not have extended time to admire a picture their child has painted, or to fully read a story that they have written. As a babysitter, I can notice the bright colors and patterns or notice the interesting plot (complete with misspelled words).

Oh, babysitting’s not all rainbows and sunshine and fairies. Believe me, no! I have witnessed the meltdowns over a sibling stealing a Barbie shoe or someone sitting too close to someone else or someone having more sprinkles than the other person. I have wiped away more snot and cleaned up more puke than I thought was possible to see in one lifetime. It might not be the most glamorous job sometimes, but it is rewarding.

I know babysitting is seen as a job that 14-year-olds get to make a little extra money to afford American Eagle jeans or some such trinket, but there is much more that goes into it. I have the privilege of watching the children that I babysit grow and mature. I have also had the joy of watching the family grow from a family of four to a family of seven people. It is so interesting to see how their personalities have developed over the years. Who knew so much sass could be in one child?

Yes, I know more about Doc McStuffins, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Octonauts than I do about reality TV shows, but I wouldn’t change it. Also, I wouldn’t change the fact that I get to help a child learn to ride a bike or learn to load the dishwasher to surprise his or her mom. I love being able to share in the joy of a good grade or a new skill learned.

The job description is simple. Show up and show love.

I’m not just your typical babysitter, but I guess the title will do since child-chasin’, boo-boo fixin’, spit-wipin’, snack- makin’ angel is kind of a mouthful.