Over the past year, I have been the nanny to two little boys - both of whom I love with all my heart, and both of whom have driven me insane multiple times. I have learned multiple things from those 6 and 4-year-old boys. I have learned that water balloons are barely worth the effort you put into them for the two minutes of fun, that dinosaur nuggets are part of the food pyramid, that you will never truly get used to screeching no matter how often you’re around it, etc. But the important things that I learned are what I am here to tell you.

1. Chicken nuggets are the answer to everything.

Not even joking about this one. There have been multiple times when they are screaming and running around the house and all I have to do is pop some T-Rex shaped nuggets into the microwave. They soon resign from the screaming and running and start eating while watching Alvin and the Chipmunks or Paw Patrol.

2. Disney movies are the key to life.

I have watched Kung Fu Panda, Brave, Kung Fu Panda 2, How to Train Your Dragon, Alvin and the Chipmunks: Shipwrecked and How to Train Your Dragon 2, so many times I know all the words. Although, some of those I chose for us to watch… OK I chose all of them, but that doesn’t change the fact that after I put them on everyone shuts up and watches them, slowly falling asleep. Yes, I use the TV as a tool of distraction. No, it doesn’t rot their brains or make them dumb.

3. The more kids, the easier it is.

I know how crazy that sounds, but it’s true. I have to watch either two kids or four kids all a year apart from the next, and let me tell you that when it’s all four, it’s so much easier. The more kids that you are watching, the more to entertain the others. When I am watching all four, I barely have to come up with anything to do because they keep each other busy. I’m not saying that I can’t keep them entertained, but it is just easier to have them entertain each other.

4. Pinterest is your best friend.

You cannot go wrong with a Pinterest activity, as long you make whatever has to be made before doing it. It will save your life, figuratively speaking of course. It will help you pass the time and get through the day. Plus if you’re like me and love crafting, then it’s also super fun.

5. There is a difference between a nanny and a babysitter.

This one may come as a shock but I am not just a glorified babysitter. The difference between a nanny and a babysitter is that you love the children you take care of. A babysitter basically just sits and watches your children, maybe feeds them and plays with them for a little while you go on date nights, but I do so much more. I feed them, play with them, make things for them, come up with crafts to do with them. No, I am not taking over for their mom, but whilst she is at work, I am their boo-boo-kisser, their protector, their butt-wiper, etc. And the best part is that I actually love what I do.