How to Make Babysitting more Enjoyable
If you are trying to pick up some extra cash doing odd jobs, then chances are babysitting has come up. Whether you have declined the offer for fear of five hours alone with a toddler, or having agreed to the job and later found yourself dealing with a never-ending day of tears and tantrums, don't give up yet. With a few simple adjustments and a little bit of planning, babysitting can once again be a fun adventure that happens to pay.First, do not dread the experience. If you enter the house all gloom and doom, the children will sense it. Instead, go in with a smile. Be friendly, and talk to the little ones even before the parents leave. Greet them individually, and don't treat them as jobs. Interact with them as playmates or, if that's too much, at least much younger friends with whom you're glad to spend a few hours in the evening.It never hurts to promise to play a game. Remember to bring a game. Don't leave home without packing your all-inclusive babysitter bag. Have a video for the kids to watch (stick to G-rated), a game for you to play with them (a board game is great), and a book to read. Tailor all of these items to the ages of the children that you will be looking after, and be ready for some playtime. You will have to sit on the floor and play; think of it as a nostalgic trip back to childhood and try your best to relax and enjoy yourself.Speaking of childhood, remember the early bedtimes that children need in order to feel their best. On weeknights especially, try your best to stick to parents' assigned bedtimes. If an extra ten minutes makes you the coolest sitter ever, go for it, but don't spend thirty minutes toting water upstairs; they're really not that thirsty. Do add a little discipline, but don't make them cry. It's far better to strike tiny deals than to be a control freak.After the bedtime stories are read and the kids are sleeping, don't sit there bored. First, win a few brownie points by completing some easy chores. Load or unload the dishwasher, pick up the toys, or wipe that mystery mess off the counter. Then settle in for some quiet time.Make sure you bring something productive to do for the last two hours. Do not fall asleep. Try to be industrious when parents arrive, give a full report, and tell them how much you enjoyed playing with their wonderful children (don't overdo it). Accept your pay, and hope that they will give you a chance to do it again.
