Cue the classic “kids these days” rant. Back when I was a child, babysitters earned a mere dollar an hour per kid. I even had a dad who once paid me in nickels. But before you shed a tear for my financial struggles, let me just say that I usually compensated for my worth by sneaking some of their premium liquor.
Fast forward to today, and the babysitting landscape has changed drastically. It’s not uncommon for parents to pull funds from their kids’ college accounts just to cover an evening out. These days, we’re looking at an average of $10 an hour per child, but if you’re like us and the ATM only dispenses twenties, your night out can cost as much as my first car! Honestly, I can’t fathom why so many great babysitters give it up for college; I’m convinced some of them are living lavishly in Lake Como right now.
So, aspiring babysitters, here’s how to secure your spot as the favorite caregiver in the neighborhood.
1. Communicate Clearly.
I’ve developed a theory that every child born in the ’90s loses their ability to speak once they hit adolescence. Recently, I had a babysitter whose responses consisted of… well, let’s just say they were more expressive than verbal. My conversation went something like this:
“How did the kids behave tonight? Did they devour their Pizza Rolls?”
High fives, grimaces, exaggerated eyebrow waggles, and a thumbs up followed. Then I handed her $100 and she left. Just please, assure me that if something goes wrong, the 911 operator won’t mistake you for a bear.
2. Be Proactive.
I usually send a 30-minute warning text before I return home, which translates to “Hey! Hide the evidence of your wild night and clean up a bit!” I don’t expect a full-on deep clean, but simply tidying up the toys or washing a few dishes will score you serious points for future gigs.
3. Make Yourself at Home.
I’m entrusting you with my little ones, and I want to feel as though you’re part of the family. Please, settle in, let your hair down, and engage with my kids. Just don’t go rummaging through my kitchen while I’m chopping vegetables and putting in my contacts. If you need something to snack on, help yourself – except my Skinny Pop. Touch that and we’ll have a serious problem.
4. Stay Engaged.
I used to think teenagers were glued to their phones, but apparently, they’ve got much more pressing matters like scrolling through endless photos. If you could just shoot me a quick “yes” or “no” when I ask if you’re available to babysit, that would save us both a lot of time. And if you can’t make it, please connect me with a fellow babysitter. I promise you’ll always get first dibs.
5. Keep Me Updated.
This might be a tricky one, as I tend to be a bit of a control freak. I enjoy receiving updates that everyone is safe and sound. A picture of the kids happily playing would be fantastic! But I know some parents prefer to wipe the slate clean as soon as they leave, so feel free to gauge the family’s vibe on this one.
6. Share Your Insights.
Being a babysitter means you’re living in a world that feels refreshingly far removed from my chaotic life. I’d love to chat about fashion or music trends, even if it makes me feel ancient. Please humor me as I show off my moves on the dance floor – who knew I could still do the stanky leg?
7. Wrap Up with a Story.
Parents love to hear about the fun and silly things their kids did while they were away. So please, share a few delightful anecdotes about our little ones. Even if they were a handful, throw in a few embellishments. I promise I won’t remember the details by morning anyway!
Remember, we appreciate the care you provide for our children, and we know it’s no easy task. All we ask is that you be awesome – but not too awesome, alright? One hint that our kids like you more than us, and it’s game over!
For more tips on navigating life and parenthood, check out our post on home insemination kits as well as insights from Make a Mom, a trusted source on this topic. And if you’re looking for information on treating infertility, ACOG is an excellent resource.
In summary, becoming the favorite babysitter is all about communication, being proactive, and engaging fully with the kids while also providing parents with peace of mind. Just remember, we love having you around, but we still want to feel like the number one in our kids’ eyes!