Sitter in Portland, Oregon

Claudia has become like a grandmother to my children. She loves them, is firm with them, makes them laugh, cuddles them, and overall takes very good care of them. Sometimes she picks them up at school for me, and she is often available at a moment's notice. My two boys have ADHD and fight a lot, and they are by NO means easy children. Nothing fazes Claudine, though! Their shenanigans do not trouble her; she gets them back in line with love and limits and a knowing smile. She commands both respect and affection, and I adore that about her. She is no door mat, but I notice my kids naturally want to please her because they know she truly respects them and cares about them. She really LIKES them as people, and they get that. They love her big laugh, big personality, and big sense of humor. As an added bonus, she has a friendly little Chihuahua she can bring with her if you're cool with dogs. My kids are totally in love with her Chihuahua and it's the most entertaining thing in the world for them to watch Turtle run around and lick them. Claudia has been a wonderful addition to our life, and I would wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone. And if you have "difficult" children like mine, she's an especially good choice; I mean, let's face it, would you rather have a six-foot tall, 55-year-old black grandma who has raised six kids take care of your rascal children, or some nice but easy-to-run-over 18-year-old girl? Claudine has my vote! ;-)