My Babysitters

Growing up I had lots of great babysitters.  Some were great, others not so much.  Here in Park City parents pay the big bucks for a sitter.  However, at the Breiholz household, my parents were a little more tight with their rates.  Often times, I wonder if that discouraged them from watching us... That's aside from the point; I'm going to share some of my favorite memories of hanging with my babysitters.

My most frequent sitter was Ashley.  I used to idolize her, and I honestly wanted to be her BFFL.

Here is a list of a few memories of our experiences:

This is Ashley and Me many years ago on July 4th
Photo Courtesy of Ms. Breiholz

1. Mimi lost her tooth. 
2. I spilled the mac n' cheese on the floor. 
3. I dumped a bucket of tiny beads on the floor after the mac n' cheese incident. 
4. My dog, Rubie, bit my face and Ashley laughed at me. 
5. Trying on Ashley's hand-me-down clothes. 
6. Jumping on her trampoline. 
7. Dancing in my family room. 
8. Begging her to stay up thirty more minutes.
9. Playing Littlest Pet Shops. 

There are many more things I could recall from her watching me, but I am going to leave it at that.  Ashley experienced the best and the worst of Mimi and me.  I must admit that I was the pleasant child to watch... My sister was quite the nightmare.  I remember that Mimi bit another one of our babysitters and then sat in the corner of her room screaming for the evening.  Yet, when my mom would arrive home, she would tattle on me. AS IF I DID ANYTHING!!!

Thinking about my past babysitters makes me wonder what the kids I watch think of me.  I hope that when they're my age they remember the pleasant teenage girl who would spend her "free" evenings watching them play video games or (pretend to be) enjoying a quick round of UNO.  For now, I will act as nice as possible to ensure that I am remembered in a positive way.

Ideas for next weeks post?  Please comment below.

A Teacher in Training

This week, I wanted to write a post about my dream/hope for my future.

Not a day goes by that I don't want to be a teacher.  Ever since childhood, I've wanted to be in the field of education.  I guess you could say it runs in the family as my grammie, my uncle, and my mom are all teachers.  I appreciate my personal teachers because they put so much work into their jobs.  Not only is it one of the most rewarding jobs, but it requires so much energy and love.

A common remark I get when expressing this is that I won't make any money.  To me, this is so stupid to say.  I don't care about money as much as I care about making a difference.  With this being said, I do think that teachers are extremely underpaid for all of the work they do.  After all, they're the ones who supply the workforce with knowledgeable, well-rounded, hard-working workers.  Money may make some people happy, but it is not what makes my world go round.

On another note, I am so lucky to know Kathy Anderson.  She is the Park City School District Preschool Coordinator and also teaches three year old preschool at McPolin Elementary.  In eighth grade, I was able to be her "TA" (teacher aid).  I spent 130 minutes on every white day in her classroom, and I would eat lunch during their snack; it was the best time I can remember.  

It was practically project based learning because I was able to have a look on what it's like to be a real teacher.  Kathy taught me so much about patience, differentiating, and most importantly love.  She loves her job so much, and it's so obvious because the kids adore her.  During my elementary years, I had Kathy as a reading teacher and to this day I remember how much fun it was.

McPolin 3 yr. old class '11-'12
Photo Courtesy of Kathy Anderson

Myself and "L" during recess
Photo Courtesy of Kathy Anderson

As you can see above, I LOVE these children.  I invested my whole heart in their wellbeing and understanding of the lessons, games, etc.  This led me to take online PE this year so I could have an open period...  You can already guess what I did with that; TA for Kathy!!  Unfortunately, I am there for fifteen minutes of the morning class and twenty-five minutes with the afternoon.  Yet, I have decided to look on the bright side and remember how much I want this to be my future job.

Overall, I cannot wait until the day that I can make a difference in the lives of children.  What more is there to life?

Back with the Boys

It's has been a while since I have babysat Pierre and Smiley.  If I am can remember correctly my last time was on New Years Eve.  It was a long, long, long, night.

This past Saturday I was at their house from 5:15-10:45.  I wouldn't call it a late night considering New Years was around TWO IN THE MORNING.  Good grief how long can a person really party???  Anyway, I prefer getting there around 6:30 because the boys are in bed by eight at the latest.  This time, they were barely starting to eat dinner.

Rainbow (their mom) said to me before leaving, "If they don't finish their dinner, no dessert.  They've been pretty naughty tonight..."

Mama Claire at age 5-ish.
Why can't everyone just take a nap once in a while?
(Photo by my mother.)

Well, thanks for sharing.  Truly, I appreciate being forewarned that my evening will be less than pleasant. NOT!!!  After being told this, Pierre was acting like a joyous little boy.  He recited French numbers, finished his meal, and even sat in his chair.  Thank you for making my job just a little easier.  On the other hand, Smiley was having one of those bad days we all have once in awhile.  Let's just say that I don't really want to discuss the rest of dinner.

Later on we played Temple Run and then slowly gravitated toward the television.  This particular night they selected two shows that I don't really remember.  Once the shows were finished, I used my new tactic and said, "BOYS! Whoever can brush their teeth the fastest wins!"  Pierre listened but Smiley was not as convinced of this "winning."

I don't really remember how this all started, but Smiley started screaming and then threw a blanket at my face (check that off the bucket list).  This really put me over the edge.

I got up and said, "Smiley, that is enough!  You're going to bed without a book."

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" he furiously screamed at me.

At that moment, I realized I had made a blind threat.  There was no way in heck he was going to quietly and obediently go to sleep.  You can probably imagine how the rest of this went.  I don't think I have ever felt so bad for parents before.  Now I know how annoying it is to make a threat and realize that it will not and cannot happen without twenty times more chaos.  I do feel a bit of shame because now Smiley knows that he won't be punished for poor behavior.  Lesson learned.

In reflection, my new goal is to followthrough with what I say.  I will let you know how this goes at a later date....

10/10

This past week I babysat for a new family.  I'm always excited to get a new family because it means more jobs, new kids, and of course a little more money.  Although I love my "job," getting paid the big bucks is a nice perk.  What teenager doesn't love that?

Me in second grade
Photo by my mom

Anyway, this family has two kids, Ski Bunny (girl, seven years old) and Sniffles (boy, three years old).  Ski Bunny is in my mom's second grade class this year, and is the sweetest little thing.  For now I will be referring to their mom as Fancy because she works for a jewelry company.

I went over for the first time on Thursday, and I had been looking forward to it all week.  Right when I got into the mom's car that evening, Ski Bunny said, "Oh my gosh, Claire!!!!! I am going to teach you how to play Wii. We are going to have so much fun!!!!"  That pretty much says it all.  I never stopped moving until Ski Bunny "taught" me how to play Wii.

Before my Wii experience, I played with Sniffles (he had a cold at the time) and Ski Bunny tagged along.  I put him to bed right after dinner which was quite nice.  Immediately after I was taken downstairs to play Wii.  I sat on the couch watching her play this game called "Vancouver 2010."  Honestly, I thought I was going to pass out from fatigue.

I almost dozed off, but she looked at me and asked, "Claire?  Are you falling asleep on the couch?"

"Oh my goodness... Of course not!" I murmured back although I almost did.

I was watching my cellphone the entire time, and right when 8:15 appeared on the homescreen I told her it was, unfortunately, time for bed.  From there I put her into bed after reading a few chapters from an awful children's chapter book.

Home at 10:30 on a school night.  AWESOME.  You can probably imagine me the next morning.

Fancy saw my mom the next day and told her what Ski Bunny had said about her experience.  Ski Bunny rated me a ten out of ten.  Woooooohoooooooo!!!!  Fancy said that they haven't had a ten since they lived in New Hampshire. Aren't I cool?  Also, I went over on Saturday night.  When I went through the front doors, she came screaming and running at me while saying, "CLAIRE!!!!!!!!!!"  A huge hug was followed by my grand entrance.

This pretty much sums up why I even bother babysitting.  Little kids don't judge you for your faults, but the things that they recognize as interesting and unique.  If you're ever looking for an honest critique or heartfelt compliment, find a little kid.

Babysitting Tips

Recently, I got a request from my friend, Miceala, to post babysitting tips for aspiring/struggling/confused babysitters.  So, I am going to give it my best shot.  The youngster featured below is one of my favorite kids, Cutie.  She reveals her true identity in the video, but I decided to give her a code name anyway.  For future reference, her brother's name is Goofball.

FIVE TIPS FOR BABYSITTERS:

A CHILD'S PERSPECTIVE

                  

The tips said by Cutie are quite honest, and believe me, she had NO time to think about anything she was saying.  It was honestly the first thing that she could think of which shows what kids really want and notice.

From a babysitters perpective, these tips are not so helpful.  So, here are some of my tips...

Entertainment
Question: How do I keep the kids happy?

1. Be safe.  Safety is the most important thing.  Don't ever do something that you think could have the possibility of a dangerous outcome.  
2. Board games are a great way to keep attention.  However if the children are beginning to argue and cry because they aren't winning, it may be time to put them away.  
3. Go outside.  If you're over watching the kids during the day or while it's light out, take them outside and build a snowman or shoot some hoops. 

Parents

Question: What are things I should always do and things to avoid?

1. Always have BOTH the mom and dad's phone number so you can contact them for any reason. 
2. Try as hard as possible to not call them during their dinner, movie, party, etc.  Parents have you over so that they don't have to worry about their children.  If you call that will most likely put a damper on their nice evening out. 
3. Before they leave for dinner ask what time they'll be home so you can have the house clean and make sure every child is sound asleep in their bed. 

Bedtime

Question: How do I keep the children in bed and quiet?

1. Make bedtime a simple competition.  Here is an example, "Hey, boys!  Who ever gets into bed first wins!"  This is a very easy way to get everyone asleep quickly.  Thanks for that, Maddy.  
2. Read one or two books.  Reading is a great way to calm the children down, but more than two books gets to be a little too much.
3. Another friend of mine, Jackie, asked how to get the children to not kick and scream before bed.  This is different for every family.  For me, I count down from five and then put them in timeout if they don't stop because that is what their parents do.  Believe me, about 70% of the time this works. 

Okay, that is all for now!  I hope you learned a little something from me.  If you have any other questions please feel free to comment on this post and I would love to answer them for you.  

Parents: A Blessing in Disguise

A parent is someone who embarrasses their children every chance they get, makes three meals a day, nags about the same stuff constantly, and no matter what, loves unconditionally.  I am a lucky girl to have such a wonderful family.  Even if we disagree frequently, I will admit that my mom is the strongest, happiest, most generous person I have ever met.  She is a second grade teacher and puts so much love and work into her job.  One day, when I'm a teacher I hope to be as great as her.  Then there's my sister.  She is a handful, but has her lovely moments.  (Oh, you may be wondering why I am not sharing a story about babysitting... My reason is to simply express my thanks to my great life during this holiday season.)

Let's get started with ten reasons why I love my family:

1.) I was given a "pony ride" practically every night until I was too heavy for my dad's back.

May 2003. Photo by Melinda

2.) No matter what, I am loved unconditionally.

1998. Photo by Melinda

3.) My family tolerates me even when they know that I am a crazy nut.

2000.  Photo by Melinda

4.) I am allowed to pursue my interests.

Spring Championships 2012.  Photo Courtesy of Julie Shipman.

5.)  My mom cares so much about me and wants me to succeed in everything I do.  A great example is teaching me to ski...

 Photo by Jeff. 

6.) I am allowed to blow out the birthday candles even if it isn't my birthday. 

 May 2003. Photo by Melinda.

7.) I am taken on amazing vacations where I am able to experience new cultures.    

April 2012.  Photo by Nancy.

8.)  My sister, Mimi, may be a pain but I would be so bored without her! 

2001.  Photo by Melinda.

9.) Happiness is easily achieved.

November 2012. Photo by Mimi.

10.) Crazy ideas are never turned away.  Below are pictures of a Christmas tree that we cut from our yard.  And yes, it was almost as tall as the ceiling and was leaning on a chair so it didn't fall.

Christmas 2009.  Photos by Melinda.  

To conclude this all, Mama Claire would not be here without tips, tricks, and love from her parents.


***For my next post, I will be writing tips for babysitters.  Please comment below with things you need help with or would like to know about.
P.S. Thanks for the idea, Micaela.  :)

Bacon and His Sidekick Batman

Today, you will be introduced to the new and exciting characters of my blog: Bacon and Batman.  I must say that they are quite entertaining. Their family is so great to be around, and I love watching these boys.  I'll be referring to their mom as "Petit," and their dad as (El) Jefe.  In Spanish, this means boss.  I'm sure being the intelligent person you are, you can figure out why he has this code name, but it's not attached to a negative connotation.  Watch the video below to learn a little bit about Bacon and his sidekick Batman.

With full permission from their parents, I introduce you to: 

BACON AND BATMAN

NOTE: NO ONE WAS HARMED IN THE MAKING.

Moving onto my night babysitting Bacon and Batman.  Petit picked me up close to five.  Her dog, V, had been bitten (full on puncture with blood) by another dog, so we had to get her medicine at the store.  (Lucky me, I got to pay extra attention to a puffy haired dog with a puncture.  Woo.)  While she went shopping, I sat in the car thinking about what I was going to make for dinner.  Then upon her return, Jefe called notifying her that the boys were eating dinner to save me the trouble.  However I had not eaten yet!  So, she bought me a chicken.  Yes, a chicken.  It was my own pre-cooked gourmet dinner in a plastic tub, and I was totally content.

Back at there house, the adults rushed off for the symphony.  Lucky for me, the boys were happy. Beforehand, Petit had told them about my blog, and said that we would make videos for it.  They were so excited, and very used to the idea of being written about because their mom is a professional blogger.  For a few hours, we played on Photo Booth making action videos (therefore the video above).

With the videos set aside and bed time approaching, Bacon looked at me and said, "That was SOOOOO fun!"

Of course this made me smile because my main goal is to temporarily be their parents and have a fun time.  To do this, you need skill and the likable "fun factor." He made me feel like I'd accomplished my main goal as his babysitter.  Then there's Batman.  Practically every time I go over, he cries for his mom.  Believe me, I want to cry for my mom because I have to try and make him forget about his sadness.  Usually this means an extra book or two.  Sometimes the tickle monster makes and appearance, but it is never an easy task.

Overall, babysitting Bacon and Batman has made me wonder, what kind of an impact am I making on these children?  At age twenty, will they remember the babysitter that spent her endless Saturdays sitting on the coach watching Despicable Me for the millionth time?  For now the question remains unanswered, but my desire to make a positive impact will never end.