Hello! My name is Mariya. I am 19 and currently acquiring my Bachelor of Business Management degree at Simon Fraser University. I am an international student from Ukraine who has lived in Vancouver for almost three years. I enjoy dancing, outdoor sports, photography, and cooking. I have been passionate about babysitting since I was 15. It started when I found myself more interested in spending time with my mom's friend's 4-year-old son than adults while on a collective vacation in Thailand. We formed a mutual bond, and his mom agreed to let me be his nanny. I still babysit him whenever I return to Ukraine, and we are both so excited about it! I then became a counsellor for 4-to 7-year-old children at a kids' camp. I volunteered and worked there for two summers before coming to Canada. I always tried to make their routine fun, which is why the kids liked me. For example, when preparing meals, I engaged them in the process, where they could learn something new, like why we need to strain the flour and how to do that. Or, in the mornings, when it was hard to wake up, we came up with some games that made the process more enjoyable and effective. While working with children, I possess both organizational and entertainment skills. My approach is to respect children, their thoughts, interests and decisions. I prioritize solving any arguments or problems by openly communicating and finding a mutual solution. I try to reach an agreement where both sides feel satisfied instead of assertively imposing my own "correct" views. I find this approach practical and fair.

Working at a kid's camp, occasionally babysitting children of two families.