Janna M.
I have always been the one older child that was paid to watch the younger family members, ether it being a sibling or cousins. I recently watched my nieces for about 2 years, while my sister has been working and going to work. There are 4 of them ranging from the years 2-8. My duties were helping with the older ones with homework, doing laundry, making simple breakfast meals, helping the youngest potty train, showing/helping them do their chores, entertaining them.
Yes taking care of children can be challenging but i think its worth it in the end. You get to have a beautiful bond/relationship with them, but it does take a lot of patience and understanding.