I started babysitting a nearby family when I was nine. My house was only four houses down from theirs, and I started watching their 1yo boy for a few hours a day when needed. Eventually I became their regular sitter, watching their three boys as they grew from ages 3mo-12yr, now the oldest is 17. While being their regular sitter, I also became the regular sitter for a few other families in my area by word of mouth. Another family had four kids ages 7mo-8yr, I started with them when the youngest was their 10mo old baby girl, and continued with them as they had another baby boy, and watched the kids until the youngest was 3yr. That was when I was 15-18. I’ve also watched older kids, two sisters I cared for during weeknights were 7 and 10yr. When I was 11yr I sat for a girl who was 8yr, helping her get ready for school, make breakfast, and walk her to school as we went to the same one. I’ve done walking distance drop offs and pick ups, as I don’t have my own car. I’m used to the after school routine of making a healthy snack (which I like to get the kids involved if they choose!), helping with homework (I am incredibly patient with that. I once sat with a 7yo boy for two hours as he completed his work as it was a build up of two weeks worth of sheets, I’m very patient and understanding. I would also get overwhelmed if I had two weeks worth of work to tackle in one night haha!) I’m a great cook and cleaner, totally able to make healthy meals and clean up after, which I love to encourage the kids (if age appropriate) to help where they can (setting table, putting ingredients in a bowl, mixing, involving them in the grocery shopping process - ex. “now we need potatoes, do we see them anywhere? Oh that’s a good one! Let’s put it in the bag”), taking kids to the park or other activities such as birthday parties and picnics. I’m creative and love making age appropriate activities for the kids, and do not mind mess! Everything can be cleaned up :) I love making artwork with the kids and crafts. I’ve done morning routines as well, with babies and school-age kids. Waking them up gently, making breakfast, helping them pick out an outfit and get dressed, packing their bags and lunches, ensuring they have everything they need for the day (permission slips, planner signed by parents, homework completed, change of clothes if needed, etc), sunscreen on and a hat for summer months, and getting them to school/on the bus on time. I’ve also taught young children how to ride a two wheel bike for the first time and I’m a strong swimmer who can also teach children how to swim (I love encouraging kids and fueling them with determination that they CAN do anything, that it’s okay to fall and try again, and learning how to do something should be fun and exciting!) When child(ren) are down for a nap I usually like to clean the house, prepare a snack or bottle for when they wake up, set up an activity for them for while I make dinner (depending on nap length the child usually takes),and smaller cleaning duties such as laundry, dishes, taking trash out. And if there’s an animal I would also use this time to give them extra cuddles and attention! I’ve truly done it all, including potty training times and accidents, taking care of sick children, cleaning up throw up and spit up, transitioning babies from bottles to solids (I follow Solid Starts on Instagram, a great account for the transition and tips to help children and babies try a variety of foods when ready!), breaking up sibling fights, taking kids to sports and getting their gear on and bag packed (and cheering obnoxiously for them haha!) I love kids and I have a variety of experience, it’s truly a purpose of mine.