Find a last-minute babysitter in Buda, TX

I retired 6 years ago and moved to Austin after living in Dallas for 35 years. I raised 4 kids, 3 and under while working full time and maintaining my sanity ;-) My kids are all grown and now I have two grandkids 4 and 10 months here that I help out with when needed. My 4 year old grandson spends the night with me and is always asking to come over to my place. I also tutor math at one of the middle schools. I have hosted 9 international exchange students for a year of high school and still involved in the program though I don’t host any longer. I speak passable Spanish as well. I learned when raising my family how to be flexible, organized, creative and loving. I like to have fun and interact with my grandkids. We don’t watch a lot of television but instead play age appropriate games that are fun and interactive. I can bring the same fun, loving experience to you.

Hello! My name is Kaia and I have lived in Austin for the past 5 years. I am a proud new mom to a beautiful baby boy and truly enjoy every moment of motherhood. I love working with children and creating a fun, safe, and nurturing environment where they can learn, explore, and feel supported. In my free time, I enjoy spending time outdoors swimming, going on walks and hikes, and spending time near the river. I also love cooking, baking, crafting, coloring, and thrifting. I naturally enjoy engaging children in creative activities, hands-on crafts, outdoor play, and imaginative learning experiences. I am currently looking to help families with occasional babysitting and flexible weekly hours. I’m happy to provide reliable care for date nights, short daytime needs, or occasional assistance. Skills & Qualities • Caring, patient, and nurturing personality • Organized, responsible, and dependable • Creative and engaging with crafts, coloring, and activities • Comfortable with outdoor play and active children • Strong communication with parents • Experienced with children of various ages and developmental needs • Safety-focused and attentive • First Aid & CPR Certified Childcare Experience Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) Provided one-on-one behavioral therapy for children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ages 24 months – 14 years). • Implemented individualized therapy plans • Encouraged positive behavior and developmental growth • Built strong, supportive relationships with children and families • Maintained patience, consistency, and structured routines Preschool Teacher Worked with infants and toddlers (ages 6 months – 3 years). • Assisted with early childhood development and learning activities • Organized structured play, crafts, and sensory activities • Maintained a safe and nurturing classroom environment • Supported daily routines including meals, naps, and playtime Babysitter (Neighborhood & Family Friends) Cared for children ages 1–12. • Planned fun activities such as crafts, games, and outdoor play • Prepared simple meals and snacks • Maintained bedtime routines and household expectations • Provided dependable and attentive care for families Availability • Flexible weekly hours • Available for occasional babysitting, date nights, or short daytime shifts • Open to discussing family needs and schedules

Caring for others has been a natural part of my life for as long as I can remember. As the oldest of three siblings, I learned early on how to nurture, support, and create a sense of safety for them. That instinct only deepened as I raised my two daughters, help care for my three grandsons, and spend over eight years working in a childcare environment. Several families have personally entrusted me with their child outside the childcare environment. I am currently a preschool teacher, and I truly enjoy going to work each day. Supporting children as they learn, grow, and express themselves is something I genuinely love. I have also had the privilege of caring for my mother during her journey with early-onset Alzheimer’s. That experience strengthened my patience, compassion, and ability to show up with steadiness during difficult seasons. Whether caring for children, seniors, or pets (I’ve never met one I didn’t connect with)! I bring warmth, reliability, and heartfelt attention to every family I work with. I would be honored to provide thoughtful, personal care whenever it’s needed.

I began my 'nanny' career 25 years ago when I decided to become a massage therapist. As an artist, I knew I needed to supplement my income, but I had no idea how fulfilling it would be to share the awe and wonder of the world with children. Today I consider the responsibility of caring for someone (critters, elderly folk, children) to be a privilege. I have had the pleasure of serving 5 families throughout my nanny career. The 1st child is in law school at Stanford, and the most recent youngster is 11. (I became his nanny when he was born and the work sustained me while I finished my masters degree in Chaplaincy). I served one year as Chaplain at Seton Hospital, and another year working for Hospice Austin. My little buddy still has monthly sleepovers due to our 11 year friendship, and has become my Godson. My interests today include painting, singing, gardening, yoga, long hikes, travel, cooking healthy meals, and a daily spiritual practice to keep gratitude first and foremost in my life. I am certified in CPR, and have completed three years of American Sign Language at ACC. (certified). Volunteer work with Hospice Austin brought me to the awareness of how precious life is and the importance of practicing being mindful and present with the life of another. Little people ( and big peeps too), deserve to feel safe, be listened to and have their emotional and physical needs met. I am a non smoker, non drinker, non TV watcher. I am dependable, and honest. I do not use my phone in the presence of children, unless looking up GPS for the nearest park, or treasure hunt! How am I with little ones? I have been called 'I love Lucy' due to my sense of humor, and one mom has referred to me as a cross between 'Maria' in the Sound of Music and Mary Poppins. I enjoy sharing art projects, experiments in the kitchen, reading, making up plays, playing instruments, cooking, and lots of time outdoors exploring trees, bugs, and bike rides.

I am a mother of four (kids range from 9 to 19 in our house) and I've worked for the last 8 years as a postpartum doula supporting babies and mothers as the family expands and transforms.