Babysitting and nannying are without a doubt one of the best summer jobs. While the pay is good (and more importantly, not taxed) there are a so many other bonuses from babysitting. Here are some lessons learned from my years spent watching children:
1. You learn to have fun again
One of the best things you learn babysitting is how to be a kid again. You have one of the most fun jobs in the world; take advantage of it! See the world through kids eyes. Go to the park, play make-believe, have dance parties, and get out of the stressed-out adult world you'd like to forget about anyway.
2. You learn how to deal with many different types of families
One cliche that is retaught through babysitting is the fact that all families are different. And while the same overarching ideas and rules need to be applied, it's important to learn as a babysitter that every kid is different. This truly human view is important in a world where so many hide or are seen behind screens.
3. You learn about yourself
There are no clearer eyes in which to see yourself than a toddler's. Even though there are many times, this is almost too true (I've been told anything from I have yellow teeth to I am too single). As a babysitter, you daily strive to be a better example for the kids you are taking care of, and in doing so, you become better yourself.
4. You learn lessons on how to take care of kids
Being able to take care of kids is something that everyone at some point needs in their daily life; from future parents to future friends of parents, to the fun aunt or uncle, anyone can benefit from having some classic tricks up your sleeve and knowledge of how to deal with kids.
Babysitting is a summer job, but it is so much more than that. It helps families and yourself. It teaches you like any summer internship, but in an area you are guaranteed to need.
But most importantly, babysitting and nannying are jobs where you goal is to let others have a fun summer. So thank you families who hire me to watch your kids, for allowing me to have a childlike summer for a few more years.
