Antoinette B. Babysitter in New York, NY 10009. Looking for work as a babysitter or mother's helper.

Hello All,

My name is Antoinette Briguglio, but I'm usually called Tony. I grew up on the Lower East Side and I still live in Manhattan today, though I'm uptown now in Washington Heights. I am a fulltime student at City College where I'm completing my first Bachelor's Degree.
Babysitting is a passion of mine. I have to constantly grow and change to stay on top of my game. Taking really good care of a child is basically the most challenging thing in the world, and it's also the most fulfilling thing and the most worthwhile. It demands that I be loving, patient, kind, and gentle, especially when it isn't easy. It requires me to have a sense of humor about things, and of course to be silly and fun, but also serious and strong. It requires that I be able to diffuse tension and conflict without escalating or adding to the negativity. In essence, childcare requires me to practice performing at my potential as a person and I can't imagine life without it.

I'm the eldest of three siblings and I've been honing my childcare skills since I was eight years old. Thanks to family friends and neighbors, I started babysittioutside of my immediate family when I was thirteen.

I love children and I take pride in doing my best every time I babysit.  When I am with a kid, I am inspired to be my best self because I can feel them watching me, and taking me as an example of what an adult is and how one should behave. I also really love getting to know children, I try to join them in the things they like to do, and really listen when they're talking to me. Once I know what a child's interests are I like to incorporate activities into our time together that reflect them.  
I do my best to help children feel safe and comfortable while they're with me by communicating clearly with them and empathizing with their experience and feelings instead of just expecting obedience. When I take them to the park, I chase and tickle them, or tag along side them while they're on play ground equipment. When we're home, I join them in their imaginative play, or play board games, or do a crafts project together. If we're watching a movie, I'll turn the lights out and snuggle with them on the couch to join them in the experience.
I never forget when I'm watching a child, that they will be an adult before too long and I do everything that I can to encourage good behavior.  I don't grow angry with children or take it personally in any way when they hit, or swear or cheat in a game or refuse to share, but I'm big on respect. I show children respect by taking their feelings and expectations into consideration and communicating with them clearly and politely.
I have worked with both boys and girls of all ages from four months old to eleven years and I am comfortable with any age group and as many as four children. I look forward to hearing from anyone who's interested in an interview.