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Looking for work as a babysitter.

  • 15 years paid experience
  • Babysitter in Portsmouth, VA 23703

Meet Kathleen

  • Comfortable with pets
  • Has a car

Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Kathleen M. I have been babysitting children for over 30 years. I have a wealth of experience with children of all ages, from infants to tweens. Patience, kindness and a sense of fun are essential to creating an environment that allows a bond between childcare provider and children. I come armed with weapons of mass distraction:crafts, books,games,educational activities,paint,playdoh. Help with homework,cooking, bath time, outdoor activities. Nothing is out of the ordinary. I think of myself as a baby whisperer. Soothing an anxious child, calming a tantrum in progress, sharing a favorite book. I love children and have always loved working with children. I am the oldest of 5 children, and watched my brothers and sister.  As a teacher, I am free evenings and weekends. Children should feel as comfortable with childcare provider as they would with a parent.   I enjoy doing craft activities, Read more games, dress up, pretend and other fun things with children. I bring a "bag of tricks", which helps to break the ice, as well as new games, activities, painting, etc. to help gain the children's trust, if encountering boredom, fear of strangers and just give them a change of pace. I love to travel, having lived in Japan for 4 years as an English teacher. I like to play golf, play the guitar, crossword puzzles, and try to avoid exercising.

Trust & safety

We encourage parents to conduct their own screenings using the background check tools. See what each of the badges covered, or learn more about keeping your family safe by visiting the Trust & Safety Center.

  • Incompleted Enhanced Background Check badge Icon

    Enhanced Criminal

    Expired on 12/16/2013

  • Incompleted Basic Background Check Badge Icon

    Basic Criminal

    Expired on 06/22/2024

  • Incompleted Motor Vehicle Records Check Badge Icon

    Motor Vehicle Records

    Never run.

  • Completed First Aid Certification Badge Icon

    First aid certification

    Certification is self-reported and not verified. Verify directly with the sitter.

  • Completed CPR Certification Badge Icon

    CPR certification

    Certification is self-reported and not verified. Verify directly with the sitter.

Availability

  • Generally available mornings, afternoons, evenings, late nights and weekends
  • Daytime care availability during summer months
  • Before and after school care availability

Ratings & reviews

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Trevina J.

10/22/2024

Ms. Kathleen has helped us over the last 6 months or so. She is reliable, always on time, comes with activities; and my daughter loves her. Now that my daughter is homeschooled, Ms. Kathleen is able to help with her work with her experience in education.

Jamika H.

8/4/2024

Great sitter. On time and kept baby engaged.

Ian S.

7/8/2024

Kathleen was wonderful with our young girls. She brought fun activities that they enjoyed. Both girls ate well and successfully went down for naps. Thanks Kathleen!

Delisa H.

4/8/2024

Help us out when we needed a last minute babysitter. She brought tons of activities over for my daughter to play with to keep her engaged. My daughter enjoyed Kathleen. Would definitely book her again.

Lily A.

3/10/2024

Kathleen is great! We love her

Walter K.

9/27/2023

Jose D.

8/3/2023

Kathleen is great. She brought lots of activities, and was very nice! My daughter loved her .

Rosalie J.

6/8/2023

She was so helpful, reliable, kind, and communicative. Would recommend!

Shelby S.

3/26/2023

Loved her!

Emily W.

12/22/2022

My two energetic toddlers enjoyed their evening with Kathy. They even asked where she was the next morning and if she was coming back! Kathleen is the Mary Poppins of babysitting. She came totally prepared with a whole bin of engaging games and crafts for my kids. We immediately felt comfortable with her being in our home and knew she wouldn’t have any issues managing the kids.

Kachelle R.

12/10/2022

So thankful to have met ms. Kathy! Our daughter enjoyed her wand she even wanted her to come back the next day! Kathy brought over activities and kept our busy body very busy and entertain!

Chelsea K.

10/10/2022

The reviews for Kathleen were all accurate. She is a school teacher that came we'll prepared for my child's age and was very structured. When she left she shared what games my son liked best, which gave me a start on Christmas gift options.

Kelly G.

9/23/2022

Chelsea K.

9/22/2022

The prior reviews are on point. I was nervous to leave my child with a new sitter while on vacation, but Kathleen set me at ease and arrived early so I was able to observe her interactions with my son while getting ready for the evening. Before leaving, she broke down the activities my son enjoyed, which gave me a great start for Christmas gift ideas.

Corey C.

8/31/2022

Kathleen is great. She brought lots of activities, and was very nice!

Kelsey N.

6/8/2022

Kristin K.

3/5/2022

This is the first time my 4 1/2 year old son has ever been babysat by someone he didn’t know and as soon as Kathleen walked in the door with her huge bag of games and activities she immediately starting engaging with him. My son is already asking when will she be back.

Lauren O.

1/21/2022

Lauren O.

1/20/2022

She’s like a modern day Mary Poppins. There are not many women like her anymore.

Tylee K.

10/3/2021

Highly recommended! Best sitter we’ve had. My daughter loved her and warmed up to her very fast. She went above and beyond and brought crafts/activities. Thank you Kathleen.

Jordan W.

9/30/2021

Miranda P.

8/12/2021

Abby B.

7/26/2021

Nansi M.

7/12/2021

Kelly M.

3/9/2021

Laureth L.

3/8/2021

Laureth L.

2/25/2021

Kathleen is wonderful. I would highly recommend her for your sitting needs!

Vanessa A.

11/10/2019

Malik M.

11/3/2019

Kathy was excellent!!! My son usually takes a while to warm up to new people but he instantly took to her! She was very professional, brought her own games/activities, and really set a new standard for future babysitters. We look forward to her babysitting again!!!

Dunni E.

11/2/2019

Kathleen is great. She came early each time, was very interactive with the children and gave me so many useful resources

Lauren O.

8/2/2019

Colleen J.

7/7/2019

Lauren O.

3/3/2019

Kathleen was very prompt to email us back same day, and during the phone interview she was very sweet and I felt calm that she knew my sons medical situation. She showed up early to get a feel for him and his Schedule at night. We were really thankful for her and will be continuing using her for our date nights monthly. Thank you so much for watching him last night.

Zack B.

12/10/2018

Kathleen helped out at my command's holiday party on Friday and was phenomenal. She showed up early with several bags of gamees and activities for the kids. She did excellent with the fgroup of kids that we had, ranging from toddlers to about 8 years old. No one had any complaints about her and we intend to call her for our next event.

Brooke M.

9/10/2018

She was wonderful and I loved how she brought activities for my son.

Mary B.

8/31/2016

We were looking for a date night sitter. So glad she messaged and came to the house. Kathleen is very prompt, experienced and arrived prepared with activities for my 7 year old. I would definitely recommend her.

Amanda S.

8/18/2015

Kathleen watched my young boys for me and they loved her. She brought all kinds of engaging and educational treats to entertain them. They loved her. If we hadn't moved away shortly after she watched them, she would have been a regular go-to for us.

Mary G.

6/28/2015

Kathleen arrived exactly on time and had a giant bag of games, books, and toys for the kids. She was able to deal with some separation anxiety and even knew her way around cloth diapers! We'll definitely use her again.

Minda S.

8/21/2014

I hired Kathleen to keep an eye on my 2-month old twins overnight while I got some much needed sleep! She was on-time for service and jumped right in to help get my son to sleep. I will definitely use her again!!!

Kale N.

1/26/2014

Kathleen provided child care for a large command party, along with a team of other babysitters. Kathy was first to arrive (considerably early) and brought with her many activities and toys to entertain and keep the children engaged. She helped provide care to approximately 15 children over a 5 hour evening. Prior to the event, Kathy provided valuable recommendations and insight in how to make the child care aspect of the event run smoother. She has great attention to detail, worked well with the other babysitters, and clearly has a passion for children. She has my highest recommendation!

Rebecca R.

12/26/2013

Kathleen sat for my twin 4-year-old boys when my husband and I attended a wedding. Hours in a hotel room with my little maniacs could have been almost unbearable --but Kathleen came ready with age-appropriate toys and games and even seasonal crafts. I felt more than comfortable leaving my guys with her for the night. They had such fun. I only wish we lived closer so we could use Kathleen more often!

Tania Marie V.

10/3/2013

Kathy was wonderful she was on time and she brought games with her. I wish we had not moved she is someone we would contact without doubts.

Melissa N.

5/17/2013

Kathleen was punctual, professional, and experienced. I felt very confident leaving my toddler and infant with her for the evening. She brought games to play with my toddler and had both kids in bed by the time we got home. She was wonderful!

Austin K.

5/13/2013

My children loved her. She was so good with them, and she even brought some activities along with her. My children are 6, 3, and 2.

Eric K.

2/2/2013

met myself and spouse and children for interview. very personable and professional. called to double check the time she needed to sit for us. arrived a touch early. engaged with our 2 girls with arts and crafts. games. cooked dinner for them. put them to bed on time. very pleased and we hope to use her again.

Emilie H.

12/5/2012

Right on time, and was wonderful with my son, and very nice. I would recommend her to anyone and would use her again in a heart beat.

Gloria M.

12/4/2012

She was great! She arrived a bit early to my home and was ready with crafts and the like for the kids. They made snowmen and played board games. The kids really had fun with her. I would definitely recommend her to anyone.

Lucy R.

10/17/2012

Kathleen babysat for us last weekend and she was great. I felt very comfortable leaving my 2 1/2 year old and 11 month old with her. She was very attentive and our son loved the toys she brought with her. We will definitely have her back again.

Ashley P.

9/28/2012

She was amazing! My son is usually very shy, but he warmed up to her quickly! She was like Mary Poppins with a bag full of games and goodies. I would recommend her to anyone! She did fantastic with our kids (and cat) and kept the house just the way we left it. She will definitely be working for us again!

Carl L.

9/26/2012

Can't say enough good things about Kathy... We are kind of sad to be back here on Sittercity looking for someone like her, ONLY because I've moved out of the area. Kathy was an absolute GODSEND to us over the last 2 years, especially in helping me regularly with raise my two boys, ages 5 years and 6 months, throughout a one-year deployment (while my wife was gone and I worked full time...). Don't know how/if we'll be able to replace her reliability and kindness to our family... Always happy to give her a great reference!!

Heather S.

9/2/2012

Kathleen was a life saver and helped us out at the last min!! She was available with only 1.5 hour notice and came fully prepared to take care of my baby girl! My daughter instantly loved her and Kathleen was even able to get my anti-afternoon nap taking child to settle down long enough to sleep :) I will definately hire her again and trust her with my baby girl's life!

Tiffanie C.

3/2/2012

Kathy is amazing! She has babysat our 19 month old son several times and he absolutely adores her. She has an easier time with him at bedtime than I do! She brings her own bag of toys that are age appropriate and educational. She is very hands-on and interacts with our son the entire time she is here. We couldn't be happier. Thank you!

Heather D.

11/9/2011

Jennifer R.

3/9/2011

Was great with both my girls, my 7 year old was especially tired after all the fun she had! would definitely hire again!

Brooke M.

1/24/2011

Kathy is an excellent child care provider. She handled my 4 children expertly and professionally. She came equipped with toys, games and goodies for the kids. My kids really enjoyed having her and we did too! We highly recommend hiring Kathy!

Karen S.

9/1/2010

My daughter is still begging me to let Kathy come back! She was fantastic! She brought toys and games which my daughter loved! She was on time (early actually) and very respectful. She took time to come over before the night I needed her to meet the kids. I would HIGHLY recommend her and will definitely use her again in the future!

Stephanie M.

7/19/2010

Always on time, and came with tons of stuff to keep my son busy. This was the first time I had a sitter for him but Kathleen was great. He was comfortable around her and had lot's of fun. She's very nice, very prepared and gives excellent care.

Ursula B.

6/20/2010

She came prepared with lots of great activities for our group of kids ages 2-12. All of the children gave rave reviews. Thank you!!!!

Deidre C.

6/7/2010

I also want to share that I find Kathy to be a wonderful babysitter. I have only needed a sitter so far in the evenings after my daughter has gone to bed though if I do ever need a sitter during the day I will definitely be looking for this lady! She is super friendly and is always on time (generally about 10-15min early). Thank you Kathy for being wonderful!

Trimaine W.

5/1/2010

Kathy was awesome, she came early like the other reviews said. And she didnt come empty handed, she had a bag of toys that Caleb enjoyed. I knew that Caleb loved her when she was leaving, as she walked out of the door he was following. And when I picked him up and told him to day bye, he cried. I will DEFINITELY be using Kathy again. She made all of the fear go away. Meshel...

Alexis G.

4/24/2010

Kathleen is not just a babysitter. Having her here is like having a fun preschool in your home. She brings tons of fun and educational things for your children to do, and maintains a great pace with activities to keep them busy. I almost want to have her come early so my children don't waste so much of their time with her by going to bed.

Pertrona L.

3/13/2010

Very nice, outgoing, professional and punctual. My kids loved her!

Kim M.

2/12/2010

I am Very Happy with Kathleen. She got up to speed quickly and was calm and confident (in spite of the chaos of 4 little ones).

Linna W.

1/9/2010

I have been remiss in not leaving feedback for Kathleen's performance at my home. Kathleen has been working for us 1-2 days per week since 9/09 taking care of our triplet babies and our 2 and 4 year old. She routinely handles the triplets or engages the older children in activities or play depending on who needs attention at the moment. Kathleen has never missed work and always arrives early. After all these months with us, Kathleen still displays high levels of energy and integrity in all her duties - she is truly what she advertises to be. 1/10

Elisa T.

12/10/2009

My son loved Kathleen from the moment she walked through the door, he practically kicked my husband and I out of the house so he could play with her! Kathleen enthusiastically engaged my son with crafts and puzzles; and still had time for a story or two before bed time. She really gives 100%. I recommend Kathleen to any family looking for a sitter, and will certainly call her again to take care of my son.

Mark&danielle H.

11/6/2009

Katie G.

10/24/2009

Kathy was wonderful. she came very prepared with lots of toys, crafts and fun educational games. My son felt very comfortable immediately. Look forward to her sitting again!

Experience

Willing to care for 4+ children per sitting

$15-$18/hr

  • Infants (age 0-11 months) expand

    • Assist with setting a routine
    • Overnight care
    • Mother's helper
    • Occasional care
  • Toddlers (age 1-3)
  • Preschooler (age 4-5)
  • Grade School (age 6-11)
  • Pre-teen/ Teenage age (12+)
  • Special needs expand

    • Cognitive Disabilities
    • Physical Disabilities
    • Medical/Special Healthcare Needs
    • Social/Emotional
    • Asperger's Syndrome
    • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
    • Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
    • Autism
    • Autism Spectrum Disorder/Pervasive Developmental Disorder/Asperger Syndrome
    • Delayed Speech
    • Diabetes
    • Down Syndrome
    • Dyslexia
    • Epilepsy
    • Juvenile Diabetes
    • Learning Disabilities
    • Mobility Challenges
    • Premature Newborn
    • Visual Impairment
    • Administering Medication
    • Bathing
    • Blood Glucose Testing
    • Feeding Tube
    • Positive Behavioral Support

Education

Library Science

Marywood University

References

Additional services

  • Meal Preparation
  • Laundry
  • Light Housekeeping
  • Crafts
  • Potty Training
  • Travel with Family
  • Willing to run errands as needed
  • Willing to drive children to events, school, appointments, or carpooling
  • Homework expand

    • Finishing homework
    • Checking answers
    • Studying for a test
    • Proofreading
    • Basic math
    • Elementary science
    • Earth science
    • Science
    • English
    • Essay writing
    • Social studies

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