Balancing School and Babysitting
Now that school has started back up again (cue the collective groan and/or giddy excitement), many of you babysitters may be realizing that you have quite a full plate this semester. Between class, child care, clubs and extracurriculars, balance is key. Here are a few quick tips to help you find balance this school year.
Start slow.
Until you’ve got a better idea of how your workload will be this semester, don’t be so quick to accept every single babysitting job that comes your way at first, especially anything regular. Once you’ve eased into your classes a bit and you understand what you’ll have to do outside the classroom, you will be able to fit in as many or as little sitting jobs as you like without having to worry if you’re spreading yourself too thin.
Be organized.
The last thing you want to do is let your obligations slide, so start off the school year as organized as possible. Get a planner and write in your exam dates immediately, along with your regular babysitting jobs. Record as many engagements as you can, including when you plan to start studying for tests or preparing for other events, and always consult your planner before accepting another babysitting job. This will prevent you from double-booking yourself or overlooking anything important.
Use your time wisely.
Make the most of your time so that you’re as productive as possible. Study when the kids are napping, read a textbook chapter before you go to bed, make your to-do list while the kids are coloring, etc.
Take time for yourself.
Even though you’re busy — and may even prefer life like that — don’t forget to slow down every once in a while and take a moment for yourself. It’s something we remind our parents of all the time (that’s why they hire you!), but you can’t forget about it yourself. Whether you unload through a diary or blog, watch your favorite movie or curl up on the couch with a new book, taking time for yourself will help you feel refreshed, recharged and even more capable of balancing all of your activities.
Sitters, how do YOU find balance and stay organized? What are your favorite ways to take time for yourself?
August 27th, 2008 at 1:30 pm
On the organization front I always have a planner with me so that I know what I am doing each day and when ahead of time.
As far as a way to stay balanced goes, all of my homework gets done away from home. Either while the kids are napping or at the firehouse I volunteer at between calls. Since I am so busy between being a nanny, a college student, and a volunteer medic, I make sure that home is solely used as a place for downtime and relaxation. Because of that, i feel better just by walking in the door and have no issues mellowing out when I am there.
I like incorporating the outdoors into my me time so I will usually take a drive out to the mountains or the river and hike. It’s a nice peaceful and quiet place to just think. I also workout a lot and like taking gymnastics lessons. It keeps me focused and staying in fairly decent shape makes chasing after little ones easier.
August 28th, 2008 at 7:36 am
I’ve found a lot of peace by going to church and trusting in God. There have been a lot of times when I feel overwhelmed, but I just stop and pray and everything always seems to be better!
August 28th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
IM WITH CHRISTINA….I ALSO PREY AND CATCH CHURCH WHEN IM NOT WORKING…… JUST TRUST IN GOD AND HE ALWAYS WORKS EVERYTHING OUT!!~
August 29th, 2008 at 10:28 am
I make sure I do all my homework and papers way in advance. I like to keep myself extremely busy because I feel I do a lot better under preasure. It also help I have a palm pilot and gps in my car, so I never miss an appointment and always know where I am going.
August 30th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
I’m a big fan of leaving myself 30 minutes to an hour a day just for me. Go for a walk, listen to music, take a nap, watch a movie, or whatever. But that time is just for me–no talking on the phone or emailing–just relaxing.
August 31st, 2008 at 5:36 pm
I am like Anastasia; I also have a full calender of activtives. Even the other day I went from School to work, then to a babysitting job till about midnight. I love keeping busy by babysitting late. It helps with homework and study sessions!
September 1st, 2008 at 6:27 pm
I ALWAYS have my planner with me and I open it whenever someone is even thinking that they may need me for a night. I write down everything: test dates, class times, church commitments, work times and babysitting dates. I have four families that I babysit for (one family recommended me to a friend, who recommended me to a friend and on and on), so it’s really important for me to stay organized or I would just forget everything, or double-book at the very least.
I, like several above posters, take advantage of every free minute that I get, whether the kids are entertaining themselves, napping or otherwise occupied or I have down time between classes, I am working on papers, reading, making my grocery list, etc. I also refuse to get behind because once you get behind it can be nearly impossible and very stressful to catch up.
In terms of finding balance, I always slate 3-4 hours a week for my paint time and I never schedule anything during that time. It’s just me and my ipod and paints. I also go to church every week and trust that God will help me through.
September 1st, 2008 at 10:15 pm
This blog is very helpful to read. I feel that it is crucial for me to manage my time well when it comes to babysitting and school. And It is definetly very important for me to have some days just for myself. I sit a lot on nights and weekends for families, and I find myself writing in my planner….no babysitting tonight so that I make sure I leave a night to just relax and catch up on sleep or whatever else I need to do!
September 4th, 2008 at 8:38 am
My planner is my life,really if I was to ever lose my planner I be sent into a downward spiral. As far as taking time for me..I have a difficult time doing that. The only thing that helps though is that my roommates and I are always watching movies
September 5th, 2008 at 4:10 pm
I’m pretty busy going to college full time and working a nannying job, as well as multiple babysitting jobs, but I make sure to always find one day, or at least a few hours of a day during the week to go for a walk and chill myself out a little bit. It’s so easy to become stressed out and that’s no good for anyone I work with or for myself. I also always bring a book or two with me, at least one of which I’m reading just for my own enjoyment, so that I can make the most of free periods (naptimes, or breaks between jobs/classes mostly).
September 6th, 2008 at 4:50 pm
I find balance by taking breaks away from my studies. Wether it’s just half an hour to catch up on shows or going out to dinner. I just make sure that the activity I do has nothing to do with anything stressful. I also make sure that I get enough sleep, being tired and not a lot of energy means I am not focused. So by getting enough sleep I don’t have to put more work on my shoulders.
September 13th, 2008 at 7:00 pm
Try doing your homework at the table at the same time as the kids! You’ll be accomplishing your homework, accomplishing the homework of the children, AND you’ll be setting a great example! Go YOU!
October 11th, 2008 at 12:32 am
I couldn’t live without a planner. It helps me keep track of where I’m supposed to be when, deadlines for school and general “to dos”.
I have a bit of an issue with procrastination, but I’ve noticed that if I have economics homework due on Monday and I write it on my planner to be completed the Friday before, it is MUCH more likely to actually get done.
There’s also the matter of being prepared. I bring homework with me while babysitting; between extracurriculars and general free time, I can usually get at least a start on my homework (which motivates me to finish quickly once I get home). Depending on how busy I am, I’ll also bring homework to work in case I get motivated during my break (although I’ll admit I usually don’t).
Extracurriculars, well, I’m an officer in most of my organizations this year, so I like to think I have a bit more say in what we do and when we do it. So far I’ve done pretty well with scheduling…
December 3rd, 2008 at 2:49 am
hi i think that you should bring your homework and do it when they go to bed