First off, I want to say "Kiddo" is not any one particular child. He's a mix of several children I have babysat. I am a professional babysitter/nanny (as well as artist). I got the idea for this strip after a third child did a remarkably familiar grimace at me: the "Death Glare". Two boys I have babysat get extremely worked up after playing videogames (Call of Duty, TF2, etc). Another boy gets rebellious on the slightest hint that it's homework time.
As a full grown woman, I realize I have an unfair advantage towards 6-12 year olds in terms of argumentative ability, let alone having the authority in the house while the parents are gone, and the right to deny their entertainment or otherwise punish them should they misbehave. Sometimes, when they're being stubborn, I can be a pretty tough cookie. I don't often let them get away with things. My own logic says, "Get your homework done now so you can have the rest of the night off to play games and run around." Their logic says, "I want it NOW." They often cry or attempt to call their parents to undermine me (they're smart to a point).
That all being said, I really enjoy spending time with kids. My level of silliness has gone up tremendously and my friends and family benefit from it with all the laughs I give them. My stress levels have gone down considerably too. There's not too much to worry about when all you have to do is make sure the kids get their homework done, put them to bed and then wait for the parents to come home. (I often read books while waiting).
Mom, Dad. You are awesome. I can't imagine being a parent to FOUR kids all at once and doing it EVERY DAY. You are amazing, and I love you.
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