What It Was Like To Be A Babysitter For A Real Housewife of New Jersey

And how she made me feel like I was part of her family.

by ASHLEY HACKEL ★ OCTOBER 31, 2022

This past summer, I babysat for Jennifer Aydin. I got this job because Jen and I live in the same town in New Jersey. She posted in a “Town Moms” Facebook group that she was looking for a babysitter and my mom privately messaged her. I never thought in a million years she would even read my mom's message, but the next thing I knew, I was at her door ready to meet her and her kids for an extremely informal ‘interview.’

My first time meeting Jen was when she was walking down her massive, marble-filled staircase, to greet me at the front door. She immediately asked me, “Do you know who I am?” I was caught off guard but instantly started laughing and responded “Yeah. You’re Jennifer Aydin.” After we met, she led me through her breathtaking mansion and I met her youngest two children, Olivia and Christian. Ten minutes later, she asked me to start the next day.  

My day-to-day responsibilities were not very daunting. I would drive the kids to sports practice or wherever they needed to go, make sure everyone ate, and swim with Olivia in her pool. Jen was always flexible with my hours and I could tell she wanted me to enjoy my summer. I loved spending time with her kids, to the point where work barely felt like work. I was living the dream.

I was at the house frequently when she would film and even attended the charity softball game. Jen asked me to come to keep Olivia company while she was busy playing and filming. I ended up meeting most of the cast, watching as they filmed throughout the iconic event.

Credit: Pinterest

A question that I constantly get asked is if the show is real or scripted. I can honestly say that all of the plots and relationships are definitely real. I was around Jen enough to get the vibe that her friendships with her castmates are completely genuine (especially Teresa). She also loves her family more than anything and you can see that right when you meet her. 

Credit: Bravo TV

Although it was a short 4 months of babysitting, she made me feel like I was part of her family. From every text she sent me starting with “Hi Sweetie!” to her always making sure I ate dinner, I could tell she knows how to make sure everyone feels cared for. She is animated in the best way possible and her personality is radiating. Her positive attitude and go-with-the-flow demeanor were always comforting, and I could not have had a better summer job or experience.

Cover Photo Credit: Pinterest