Meltdowns

In the last three days I have had about 8 hours of sleep and have had 8 jobs ..plus school. Life is moving 100 miles a minute and surprisingly .. I'm kind of loving it. Well, minus school. 


However, 8 hours of sleep in three days and active children could be a recipe for disaster. Today, at my first job, and one of my longest jobs, the girl had a meltdown. Like a major "I'm 10 years old and know better" kind of meltdown. At this point my my "super sitter" journey, I have seen all kinds of tantrums. Most of the time it's with little kids so it's easy to divert their attention to something else to defuse the current explosion. But with a ten year old, not so much. 


My level of patience walking into the situation was already low, add an hour plus meltdown and it was non existent. I could feel the anger rising up in me. In the end, I let her do her thing and just ignored her as much as I could for the safety of her and the safety of my car..like I said, big meltdown. 


Now that I reflect on it, I realized that- kids meltdown, end of story. I was the brat of all brats. I tried every thing in the nonexistent book of "how to piss off your parents". Now there are a few things I still stand my ground on, but bottom line, my parents were right. And the fact that I am still alive, healthy, and willing to see this point is proof enough that they dealt with my major meltdowns the right way.  


In the end, sometimes you have to just let them meltdown. You can't fix every situation and sometimes a meltdown is just what that kid needed. What you have to let them know is there meltdown is not acceptable, they are not going to get their way just because they are angry, and most importantly you are not going to hate them or love them less because of this meltdown.  


Sometimes these major meltdowns between a sitter and a kid is just what was needed to make your relationship with them so much stronger..


until the next adventure 
super sitter ..out. 

Compromise

Kids, most of the time, are needy. It's the way they are, they don't know any better. What I have learned while babysitting is compromise will save you. Now there are certain things that you can't compromise on. Some rules are there for their safety or well-being, ....or YOUR well being. 

There are other things, however, that you just have to through your arms up in the air and give some slack. 

Example: Today while getting a little boy ready for school he insisted on wearing his green coat. Well, today was the first signs of snow. The wind was sharp and everything was wet. Wearing his green coat was out of the question, it wasn't think enough. After several minutes of going back and forth, I just had to compromise, we were on the verge of being late for school. What was the compromise? Yes, you may wear your green "North Face" but you have wear your winter coat over it... he went for it. Given he walked his arms stiff, and I'm still shocked that we got his car seat straps over him, but we were on time for school and he had his green coat! 

Often, the compromise you make with the little faces ends up making an awesome story..or blog! 

Until the next adventure ...

SuperSitter out. 

Simple Steps for Super Sitters

Since I have been babysitting for nearly 8 years I have found three simple things that are important in to maintaining the title: super sitter! 

First off: Timeliness. From the moment someone asks you if you are available, get back to them! Most parents have more than one babysitter, and if you want the job you have to be quick to respond, otherwise they are going to move right on down the list. Once you have the job be sure to get there one time. Most parents are already running around trying to get out of the house, they don't need to stress about the sitter showing or not. I usually show up five to ten minutes early. That gives the parents time to stay with their children if there is an issue with a "new face" in the house.

Making sure you are on time brings me to my second important point: Organization. Be organized and able to plan ahead. A calendar is a great way to do that, I have three. I have my hard copy on my MacBook, that then syncs to my iPod that I have with me all the time, and then I have a paper one incase my iPod isn't charged. Now I realize that may be a bit extreme, but it works for me. I use a color system on all three calendars so that I can stay extra organized, and am able to prioritize if necessary. Green for work appointments - or babysitting jobs,  red is for my classes, and blue is for my extra things or my "friend time". My MacBook makes it easy to color code everything and then syncs it to my iPod. I use high lighters in my paper calendar. 

(this isn't nearly finished, but just a glance of what it looks like!)

Having my calendar at all times makes it easy to whip out at a moments notice. Another huge organizational thing I do is send out a "sitter e-mail". Twice a month I e-mail all my families letting them know times I am or am not available in the coming weeks. I find sending an e-mail out keeps your name fresh in parents mind so they are more likely to ask you and it also makes me feel better when I have to say no. Parents see why I am not able accept the job. (I really hate saying no, I always feel so guilty.) 

Most parents are "won" over if you get back to them right away and arrive one time, there is just one more piece to the puzzle to drive it on home.. winning the kids over. 

Point number three: Creativity. Bring projects, come up with fun games, an create those "one time things" that they will always remember. My current mission is- trying to find an affordable project that I can make with all my families during the December weeks. My first thought was ornaments they can make to give to their parents. But I came to a hurdle. I watch kids from all ages -babies to tweeners. Finding an ornament that attracts them all is just impossible. Needless to say, I am still on that mission (watch for a follow up post!). But missions like that keeps super sitters on their A game. 

I find the above the most important points in having a successful relationship with families, however there are several other things that are just as necessary. Girl Scouts taught me to always leave a place cleaner than you found it, I use that rule of thumb here too. Pick up, even if when you came it was a tornado scene. Have fun with the kids, but keep in mind you are stepping in for the parents. Create boundaries and enforce rules if necessary. Giving the kids an extra scoop of ice cream isn't the end of the world, but keeping them up till 11p.m. when bedtime is clearly 8p.m. is a big "NO NO". One thing I do, just because it makes me feel better, is have my own babysitter list. If you can't accept a job because you have another job or a prior commitment be able to give the family another name.  Most parents have their own list and don't need a recommendation, but occasionally they have whipped out all other options and the new name is greatly appreciated. Plus, it always makes me feel less guilty for saying no. 

All in all, being a babysitter is not a option for some quick and easy cash. A lot of times you just do what you got to do. You are dealing with peoples "babies",  don't mess with them. And besides, can you stomach upsetting a child? I know I can't. Be smart, be creative, be patient, be flexible, be kind, be caring, and most importantly- be loving. 

One Time Thing

Last weekend I was over at a "regulars" house (I'm there frequently, and LOVE it). Normally Saturday nights are pretty standard:: popsicles outside, movie, and bed routine. I spend the rest of the time turing on some random show for background noise and digging into homework or a book- waiting for the parents to get home. 

This night, however, was different. The oldest was off to a sleepover down the street, and the youngest had a cold and was off to bed at 7pm. That meant the middle child was left out of a sleepover, and sibling-less for the night. What fun is that? Remember I am super sitter, so it was grand fun, ha! 

We scooped a bowl of ice cream and grabbed a bag of pretzels. She gathered up her pillow and blanket from her bedroom and snuggled up on the sofa. I turned on netflix (something I LOVE about babysitting, I really need to subscribe!) We agreed on "Cheetah Girls" (like I had a choice) and it was started, girl's party! 

She stayed up til almost 10 p.m.- way past her regular bed time. It was against every routine and rule she had ever had, I mean ice cream on the sofa, what a dare devil, ha! What made the night so special is she knew that it was a "one time thing". She didn't expect "Cheetah Girls 2" the following night with a handful of candy in her lap. 

I remember special times like that as a child. Whether it was with a babysitter, family member, or my parents, those "one time things" stick with you. One of my fondest memories is when my two aunts took my to Emericson park for the afternoon. Not only did they take me to the park, but they climbed to the top of the tallest, swirly slide I had ever seen. They placed me in the middle of them, and down all three of us went, train style. We did it over and over again for hours. 

It's moments like a "girl's party" or "slide adventure" that makes you smile, even at my age. But my smile grows wider, knowing that I was apart of yet another "one time thing" moment, starting the cycle all over again. 

until next time... 

Step up the Game

Over the Summer I got a MacBook Pro. I absolutely love it! It has made me even more organized and able to plan ahead. I have used the calendar built into it to coordinate my events. Red is for my classes, Blue is for outings or unusual things, and Green is for when I work.  


About a week ago I was over at a families house that I am regularly at. It was about 10:30 p.m. all the kids were in bed and I was downstairs watching T.V, occasionally checking on them. I then heard sirens go blaring by the house. When you are in a safe, family oriented neighborhood, hearing sirens is abnormal. I of course got up, being half nervous, half curious. I made sure the doors were locked- why hadn't I done that before? ha just as I was looking out the front door, two silent police cars came speeding past the house. That freaked me out! As if the police action in the neighborhood wasn't enough, I heard crying from upstairs. I bolted up the stairs into the two years old room. He was on the floor rolling around, crying. As I looked closer, I noticed he was asleep. He was sleep crying, you know sleep walking, just not walking, he was crying. I remember being told once you are not suppose to disturb someone sleep walking, I assumed it applied here to. I stood there frozen in the doorway, my stomach in knots from the police action, and really not sure what to do with sleep-crying two year old. 


Eventually I said screw it, I'm waking this child up. I quietly started calling his name. He just started crying louder. Just then I heard more sirens go by. These are the moments that you act on pure instinct. You don't think, you just do. I picked the two year old up off the floor, rubbed his back, and placed him back in bed. He stopped crying immediately, rolled over in bed, and was back to a peaceful sleep. I then went to the the other girls rooms and checked on them. They were fine. 


I raced downstairs and double checked the doors were locked, again. I started looking out the windows to see if I could see where the sirens were headed too. I saw some lights, but wasn't positive. Now, the glory of babysitting several families in one neighborhood, is chances are one of them are home the night you are at another house. It's kind of a security blanket. I texted a few other families and of course they were helpful in calming my nerves. Apparently there was an ambulance leaving someone's house. I said a little prayer for that family, but was calm now. 


Those kind of nights are rare. Most nights are easy, calm, and action-less. But the few times you do get a crazy night, it makes you think about your safety plans. 


After thinking about it, I know where each family lives, but I don't know there actual address. I have each parents cell number in my phone, but I don't really have a house number. In case of an emergency, I would be unprepared to give proper information. That night really made me aware of certain things as a babysitter I need to know. 


Since then I have sent out an e-mail to the families I regularly babysit asking for all their important numbers and street address. It is all saved into my address book on my MacBook an has been synced to my iPod, that I will have with my for every job.  


It's never too late for a Super Sitter to step up her game! 


until next time.. 

Sitter Bio

   Super Sitter is the name of my new blog. Why would I open a new blog? No, my Living to Learn is not closed. As a young college student I am learning, everyday. I am starting a new blog because being a sitter is my job. Some college students work at fast food restaurants or check out clerks. I just am not that kind of girl. What makes me super? I'm not really sure, it's just a good name, right? ha 

   I have babysitting jobs at least four times week, and I love them all. Whether they are blood family, or have become my "kiddos", I love all my families. From the stories each little one shares, to the loving parents, to the exciting games we play, being a sitter is not just a job, but a special occasion. 

   I open this blog for a few reasons. One, there are some things that make me laugh so much I have to share! Two, as a reminder of each an every special occasion I experience. And finally, a little bit of insight on how I watch kids. Maybe you too are becoming a super sitter and are looking for some new ideas. 

                               Sitter Bio

   I am the oldest child in my immediate family and extended family. Although most of us are close in age, I am still the oldest. Growing up I remember going over to a family member's or a close friend's house to visit the new addition. I was always ecstatic. The age where I was old enough to be a babysitter could not come sooner! 

  I remember turning 12 and enrolling in a summer babysitting safety class through the city. The class really taught me nothing! It mostly provided me with a folder packed full with pamphlets on emergency numbers, poison control, and the doctor offices. To this day I have it, and never use it. Most parents leave their cell numbers, a number of where they will be, and their own doctor. If I ever do have an emergency the only numbers I will be calling is 911, not looking up poison control or any other nonsense, and the parents. Luckily, I have never had to call 911, knock on wood. 

   After completing the class I was given my "Babysitter Certificate" and it was official, I could watch kids. ha! 

   My 1st job was to a family we knew from girls scouts. They had three children, one who was a year younger than me. The father was a fire fighter and the mother and girl my age were on a vacation. The father was called into work for something for the day and he was desperate for a babysitter to watch the other two girls, who were three and six years younger than me. It was the perfect first job. They lived only three streets over and were at great age to start watching. The day was easy and fun. It was a great first job, providing me with enough confidence to keep on sitting. 

   I never did have to watch those girls again, but I forever remember them as my first job! My Aunt started asking me to watch her boys. That too was a perfect way to start babysitting. Not only was it family and I was comfortable there, but my cousins are bit ... active. It was great way to learn how to deal with crazy little kids. To this day I still watch one of them. Although it's an entire different job now, I still remember those early days with all three of them. 

   I started getting a few more jobs, mostly for my cousins and church families. Each family provided me with new knowledge and ideas. Occasionally I would get "one night stands", where a random person would call for one night and never ask again. Those are the times that you ask yourself "did they not like me?".  Now, after several experiences under my belt, I realize that there are some families out there who don't use babysitters very often. They either don't feel comfortable with the idea or have grandparents who cover for them on nights out. I've also realized that if they don't like me, that is okay. Every family has a different way of doing things, if I'm not the right babysitter, then good, don't call me. There is no reason to create an awkward or uneasy situation. 

   When turning 16, I started getting less and less calls. It really discouraged me, but because I was a new driver I didn't think about it very long. I was too busy making plans and driving there, ha! Eventually as things started to calm down and life turned into a new normal, I asked my mom why my Aunt had stopped calling me. She explained that some families stop asking for a sitter when you get your license or enter high school. Most kids start to get busy with school and social events. It annoyed me, but I moved on. 

   After a co-worker of my mom realized I had gotten my license, however, she was excited! She was one of those families that didn't like having to pick up and drop off the sitter. She preferred the sitter be able to drive to her. She also had days when she needed the sitter to drive her kids to and from activities. It was great. That really is when I went from a sitter to a super sitter. hah! 

   Three summer ago my Dad's childhood neighbor and close family friend asked if I would come over twice a week over the summer months to watch the kids all day while they worked at their home business in a barn on the property. I over course said yes. And every summer that has followed it. It was a unique job, being there 8 hours a day coming up with new activities and projects to make the summer days entertaining. It has an experience that has made me as a sitter step up my game. 

   The summer I turned 18 a family from my mom's preschool asked my mom if I babysit. My mom went on to give them my name and number. It didn't take long for that family to ask for me to come over once a week. That 1st family spread my name to other families that attend the preschool as well as lived in the neighborhood. Now more than a year later, I have 7 families from preschool! Most of them I see once a week, or a the least a few times a month. 

   As a college student, it has made me more available to babysit. Some may say that babysitting isn't a real job, that eventually I am going to have to grow up. That may be true, but let me say that I consistently have four jobs a week, the money is very real, and the commitment I have to it is also, very real, sounds like a real job to me. If I were to "grow up" and get a "real job" I would not have time to continue to babysit. I would lose the funny stories, the bedtime stories, the relationship I have with each and every family. And that to me is far more important than a "real job". 

For all of you families out there reading this silly little {turning out long} thing, I would like to just thank you for every opportunity and thinking of me always. Being a babysitter has taught me a lot while growing up, but that's a subject for another blog. 

until then...