I spent last weekend with my favorite little guy, C. I’ve overnight sat for C before and it’s always a welcome adventure. I love C and getting to spend the weekend with him is so much fun- but it can be a ton of work.

When planning for an overnight job, I try to have met the kids before and establish a good relationship with them. C is easy for me to watch, because of how much time I’ve spent with him. However, I try to plan lots of activities and different ideas for C and I to do. This helps to break the monotony of the week & weekend. This weekend was a little different, because I also agreed to babysit three of C’s cousins on Saturday. So I knew, preparation would be key for a successful, stress free weekend.

C and I spent the weekend making a present for his dad, which included several visits to the craft store. We also visited the park and had a special visit to my house! (Side note: I don’t normally bring C to my apartment; it’s a lot more work then keeping him at this house or going to the park.) We visited my house just so I could run home and check on things. C loves visiting my house, because he gets to see my two cats! However my cats definitely prefer not having so much action in their quiet home. For the Saturday that included his cousins, we made paper boats and spent so much time running around and playing in the backyard. We also lived a little on the wild side and had pizza every night of the weekend!

It can be hard for overnights to not feel like an exhausting, extended week of work. But I’ve noticed that changing my mind set is important, to surviving overnights. My biggest tip is remembering that it is supposed to be fun. Seriously, it’s the only way I survive. Being a nanny isn’t just a job, it’s a way of life. I truly enjoy spending time with kids and so with overnights, I try to remember to have fun. It can be hard not to spiral in the stress and chaos- but instead I revel in the chaos and enjoy the experience. This allows me to reel in the stress, and dish up the love.

If you’re like me, chances are you’re already working a lot of hours. And adding additional jobs, can only multiply the stress. It can be hard not to feel burnt out after a hard week and chances are if I’m feeling burnt out- I am burnt out. It’s important to take time out of your busy schedule and find moments for self-appreciation. Overnight sitting definitely results in feeling tired or worn-out. I was able to find little moments of relief by doing face masks at night after C’s bedtime or sitting down with a cup of tea at nap time. These little moments were essential to renewing my inner peace to allow for intentional nannying with C.

I enjoy the occasional overnight sitting job, because of how much fun it can be! If I book too many overnights, I tend to feel depleted. It’s important to be sensitive to your needs, so that you can be the best caregiver possible. When planning overnights, make sure to schedule or plan things that will get you and your little out of the normal routine. Be in-tune to your Little’s needs and yours- sometimes there’s nothing better then a quiet afternoon, cuddled up on the couch. Well, that’s how our overnight weekend went- so much fun!