The Babysitter Diaries

I haven't been posting anything, because my life now revolves around babysitting and dissertating.

So what is it like to be a babysitter here in Munich?
Here is a picture I took of German kids at a playground...

 That's right, they are reading. What you don't see is a little girl on the swing quizzing them.

OK, so that is a bit of an exaggeration. They were just playing school (I think)

Anyway I have been working for about four different families, off and on. I actually enjoy babysitting and it is teaching me important lessons:

1. How not to laugh when a little German boy says in English  he needs to "make a schhhhtinker"


2. How to explain Disney princesses' behavior with a straight face. Try this some time.
Child: Why is Sleeping Beauty sad?
Me: She doesn't want to be a princess and marry the person they picked out for her. She wants to marry the guy she met in the woods.
Child: But she just met him.
Me: Um...sometimes that is all it takes.

Child: Why did Cinderella go with the prince outside?
Me: Um...they wanted to be alone and to go somewhere romantic
Child: Why?
Me: Uh...just watch the movie

I love Disney movies, but I have realized what horrible messages they send to little girls.
I think this clip sums it up:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8xCgC3w1zs

3. Frozen corn makes a great ice pack for minor injuries blown way out of proportion

4. Playground time = Other parents telling their kids to go talk to the English lady.

5. Never listen to the fathers about the children's schedule. Because of misinformation I ended up inacting a scene in every movie where the parent must learn to be better: leaving a child waiting out in front of the school with a teacher after everyone else has left for the day.

6. And finally it is not only ok, but often necessary to bribe children

(Note: To any parents of the children I watch. This is meant for entertainment purposes only. Please do not fire me)