Sitter in Hyattsville, Maryland

I have been babysitting since I was 13 years old, which is about 13 years of experience. I've always loved being able to be my goofy, playful self, without ego and judgement. I find that I can connect on that level and at a heart level with children as well, to nurture healthy social/emotional development and teach them about the world around them to encourage wonder and participation. I basically hope to be the type of presence in a child's life that role models have been to me. I recently left a child development center, working with around 20 children and 4-5 co-workers in the classroom. I absolutely LOVED working there and it was difficult to leave, but I did not agree with some of the things that happened there, nor how they were dealt with. For the year I was there, I built very deep relationships with the children and their families in my classroom and continue to babysit children from both school years. In terms of discipline, I detest corporal punishment and do not believe in that as an option. I believe talking with children to explain morals and help them understand and personalize them is the most effective way to help guide children in a healthy direction. I am not an accomplished Chef, but I've watched some of the show "Worst Chef's in America" and I am definitely not as bad as some of those contestants. I can follow a very basic recipe (like those found in old Everyday Food magazines, and online), however I still have to acquire knowledge about basic cooking skills (which is when YouTube and the internet certainly come in handy!). I'm happy to cook and bake basic items, however I cannot plan and carry-out complex meals.