I was twelve when I snagged my first babysitting job in my neighborhood. I was stunned at not only how openly the young couple trusted me with their young sons all summer long, but also at the favorable pay and lack of restrictions. From changing diapers to our sweltering walks to the library, I loved every minute. Throughout middle and high-school I gathered more clients through family friends and a website called Care.com, where I could post my reviews from previous families and apply to local jobs by contacting the parents. After many years, I can finally say that I have retired from the full-time babysitting business, but from my experience now I know that anyone can learn a thing or two about life just from looking after a couple kids.
1. Every day is different
While parents might give you a set schedule of tasks to do every day (they might even write it down for ya), kids will ALWAYS keep you on your toes. I've had my fair share of adventures some of which may or may not have involved running from creeps in the park, chasing kids across a crowded mall and cleaning up a sunscreen explosion. This was always my favorite part of the job and it prepared me for how busy life eventually became. You have to be ready for anything, willing to let your expectations go and just live in the moment, you never know where it might lead you!
2. Patience is key
What more can be said? Watch enough children and you're bound to lose it at some point. Ahh, I remember my first time… an angry two-year-old decided to smack me right in the nose full force because he didn't want to sit in his chair for dinner. Eyes watering, I swiftly put him in the time-out chair and had to take a break to calm myself. When a child frustrates you, especially one that isn't your own, it becomes the ultimate test of patience. You are forced to stop and think about your next move carefully, strengthening your inner self-control and decision-making.
3. Set your boundaries & be consistent
Kids will not, I repeat, will not respect you if you don't lay down the law. It's tough to discipline someone else's kids, I'll admit, but you gotta show em who's boss or they will undoubtedly walk all over you. In my experience, unfortunately, the same can be said of some parents. I've had to walk away from families with extremely misbehaved children because no matter how much I loved the kids, the respect just wasn't there. This part of the job taught me to respect myself more than anything. You know what you need, stay true to it.
4. Be consistent
If you've heard anything about parenting, you know that consistency is important. Kids need a familiar routine to stay grounded. Structure includes setting rules, enforcing consequences and focusing on the long-term. Just like in your personal life or career-wise, set your sights on what you ultimately want and take the small steps to get there.
5. Whip out the humor
Nothing eases problem-solving better than a bit of humor to lighten the mood. It seems to work wonders in convincing kids to eat their vegetables or go to bed at night. The same can be said for venturing out into the real world. Everyone loves a joke or two to take the world less seriously, so remember that next time it all seems a bit too tense.
6. Sleep is important
When kids don't get their nap, all hell breaks loose. No, literally. It's all just screaming and sobbing from here on out, so good luck getting anything done. Likewise, if we don't get enough sleep as young adults, the world begins to look duller and we no longer operate at our best. Sure, stay up a night or two to study now and then, but I promise you, having that routine sleep pattern makes a world of difference. Going to bed and getting up early after a full eight hours became a routine I developed for a time because of my babysitting schedule and has made me a far more productive and happy person. I feel more refreshed and ready to start my day; my body clock is set, goodbye alarm clock!
7. Letting it go
I am undeniably a perfectionist in everything I do. That being said, when it comes to looking after kids, it's never going to be perfect. I have learned to let things go like say, my favorite shorts ruined by sharpie markers. At the end of the day, it's easy to let things go when you hand the kids back over to their parents, but that's the job! It makes life a whole lot easier to not constantly sweat the small stuff because they're not worth the worry.
