Sitter in Seattle, Washington

Hi there, I have copious references, extensive experience, and emphasize safety and responsible care at the utmost. I adhere to parent's rules (raising kids truly takes a village in my experience, but I've found a "united front" approach to establishing and maintaining boundaries, structure, nap/sleep/eat schedules, and values is necessary to prevent confusing kids with inconsistency). I also respect and adhere to dietary restrictions, religious or atheist adherence, off-limit topics and whatever other specific care specs required for your children, according to your clear instructions. I would appreciate a fairly extensive interview process with you to see if we're a good fit, and of course you'll want to check my references. If we proceed, I'd like to spend some time with the kid(s) and you before solotime with me; so they are comfortablewith me before that happens. I'm also fine with caring for kids with you there - like if you are busyworking from home, for example - or just need an opportunity to shower alone, for once! I'm fine with diaper changes, babes in arms, and canhandle crying when parents first leave and any other unhappy outbursts that may arise (you never know when somebody might be overdue a snack, or feels otherwise tired and cranky. 5:30pm is often a melt-down time for little ones in my experience!) I soothe, distract distraught babes and tots, and engage them with things that bring them comfort (a favorite book or stuffed animal or treat, say) and then we can engage them with other stuff they like to enjoy the rest of our time together. I'm patient with shy kids who take a while to warm up to. I treasure time with kids, andreally consider it an honor to spend time with them. I respect their feelings, and have an interest in child development. I enjoy encouraging imaginative play, reading to them, with them, and having them read to me, and listen to anything they're excited to tell me (about school, toys they love, tooth fairy visits, etc). I enjoy helping school-agerswith homework as needed and encouraging them to challenge themselves, and planning ahead to help parents avoid having to build the Santa Maria out of toothpicks and sugar cubes until 2am the night before it's due (if you know what I mean!). :) I give positive feedback to kids where due (often, in my experience!) and contribute to a strong sense of self-love, which I believe is crucial to instill in kids at an early age, to believe in their own potential to succeed at amazing things throughout life, knowing they are special. I also have LOTS of art supplies and enjoy doing creative projects with children. Anything from short coloring or drawing time, to a puppet show project including al the steps involved in a fun production of their own design, suitable toperform for parents enjoyment. I can record their stories to draft a script for them, or make a short movie with them if they like that. Can teach animation and video editing skills if that suits. I enjoy Incorporating experiential, process learning into fun projects as well. I can care for them at my safe place or mine; whatever suits. I prefer to care for kids within walking distance of my home in Fremont; I kinda hate to drive inSeattle, but can do so in my shabby but reliable carif picking up and/or dropping off at preschool, camp, lessons, playdates or primary school is what you need (with booster and/or compliant car seats suppliedfor them!). I will require helmet, knee pads and wrist guards for them for scooter, skate, or bike outings to parks, and/or stroller if the kids enjoy that and you approve of such. Also love to take kids to suitable museum exhibits, children's film festivals, zoos, etc. I'm guessing this is TMI! I look forward to hearing from you, in any case! Texting is the best way to reach me for speediest response.