Who says there aren't any songs to listen to while babysitting? If you’re a music fan like me, you probably want to keep some tunes playing all day long but sometimes finding the right selections can be difficult. In this day and age it’s hard to turn on the radio without hearing something obscene. While that’s fine when you’re at a club or bar with your friends, I think everyone can agree that vulgarity in music is simply inappropriate while babysitting. So when you’re heading to your local babysitting gig, give this playlist of songs to listen to while babysitting a chance, to ensure that you and your kids stay calm, collected and obedient!
On iTunes: itunes.apple.com
This is one of my favorite recommendations when it comes to songs to listen to while babysitting, because it reminds me of all the happy and positive things we have to be thankful for in this world. The thing about being a teenage babysitter is that chances are, you tend to feel pangs of angst and frustration about the world around you (I know I did when I was one!). High school is definitely no cake walk and life can sometimes get you down. But the thing is, when someone is paying you to watch their little darlings, it’s really important that you put on a happy face and refrain from taking the innocence away from them by being negative. So if you find yourself being negative and unhappy while watching those adorable children, consider adding this to your playlist of songs to listen to while babysitting.
On iTunes: itunes.apple.com
On that same note of happy and positive songs to listen to while babysitting, is this throwback tune from my days of actually having a babysitter. Len is among many bands throughout the '90s and '00s that had those catchy one-hit wonders that came and went. Remember “I’m a Barbie Girl”? Make fun all you want but including those on your playlist of songs to listen to while babysitting is crucial because they’re just as catchy and fun now as they were then. Chances are you’ll have your kids smiling, dancing and eating their vegetables before you know it. So don’t steal my sunshine, ladies!
On iTunes: itunes.apple.com
Although the music video for this song may seem a little racy, Smash Mouth has released many songs that have been on the soundtracks of the Shrek movies. And nothing is more innocent and kid-friendly than movies made by DreamWorks, Disney and Pixar. In the summer of 2000 this song was a hit, and it’s one of the best songs to listen to while babysitting because of its awesome beat! It’s hard to find current dance songs these days that don’t incorporate some type of vulgarity. Have you heard Britney Spears’s new song? That is definitely one of the songs you should NOT play while babysitting. Instead try All-Star!
On iTunes: itunes.apple.com
Now it’s time to go way back to the 1960s before the days of rap, hip-hop, metal, ska, EDM and so on. This should absolutely be included when thinking of songs to listen to while babysitting because it is so simple and fun. I like this one in particular because it’s great for younger children possibly between the ages of two and six. I say that because Sugar, Sugar has easy to understand lyrics that go slow enough for children to repeat and sing along to. Unfortunately you may not find that same simplicity with other songs these days.
On iTunes: itunes.apple.com
Looking for a lullaby? The Lion Sleeps Tonight is another pop hit from the '60s that is sure to relax your children and get them ready for bed after a night of dancing and singing along together. If you decide to include this in your list of songs to listen to while babysitting, just make sure that you yourself do not get tired and start dozing off before the parents come home.
On iTunes: itunes.apple.com
I think this is one of the most fantastic songs to listen to while babysitting because it promotes a concept that I like to incorporate a lot in my own life. When things don’t work out the way you want them to, it’s important not to throw a temper tantrum or hissy fit like a child. During times like those I like to just say “c’est la vie!” which in French means, “such is life.” I think it’s crucial that all children become exposed to this concept as early as possible. Although a song won’t fix everything, I like to think it can help you and your children move on if someone gets a “boo boo” or things don’t go as planned.
On iTunes: itunes.apple.com
I don’t think I could claim to be a child born and raised in the '90s without including this song. Maybe Hanson never did come out with a hit as awesome as MMMbop but as far as I’m concerned they never have to. This might be one of the best songs to listen to while babysitting because you can play it on your headphones once you finally get your children to go to sleep. Think of it like a victory dance!
Despite what most people think, there really are so many fun and happy songs to listen to while babysitting. Sometimes it’s hard to narrow down the list. Are there any songs to listen to while babysitting that I may have missed? Can you think of a time when playing a song while babysitting changed the mood of your children? How about your own mood? Do tell!