MaRia

CREATE · EXPLORE · IMAGINE

Creative babysitting and playful activities for children aged 3 to 10, at home, in nature, in Portuguese.

Get in touch What I offer
Portrait of Maria
Hello, I'm Maria

Real, creative afternoons.
Not just babysitting.

I'm a 16-year-old living in São Brás de Alportel who genuinely loves working with children. I play classical guitar (since I was 9), sing, paint with watercolours, do theatre, and spend most of my free time outdoors, surfing, climbing, running.

This summer I'm bringing all of that into something I care deeply about: meaningful time with kids while their parents have a few hours to relax, knowing their children are happy, safe, and learning something along the way.

Art, music, stories, cooking, and gentle Portuguese, woven into every afternoon.

Maria
What I offer
five ways to play
Care Services when presence is what matters
01

Home Care

2 hours · €25–30
3 hours · €40–45

Trusted babysitting at home or hotel. Quiet, attentive care in a familiar setting, calm play, stories, gentle routines, and support with meals or bedtime.

02

Family Time

3 hours · €60–75
4 hours · €75–95

Extra hands during family days. Flexible support when parents and children are together, a beach morning, a long lunch, an afternoon walk. I keep the little ones engaged so the day flows easily for everyone.

03

Event Care

3–4 hours · €80–110
5–6 hours · €120–150

Care during weddings, christenings and family dinners. Full attention to the children while parents enjoy the event, drawing, games, meals and quiet moments handled throughout.

Special Sessions when content is what matters
04

Creative Sessions

€18 / hour · 2–3 hours
Materials included

Themed afternoons inspired by Waldorf pedagogy. Choose Art & Watercolour, Music & Stories, Little Chefs, Nature & Movement, or Mini Scientists. Each session has its own rhythm, opening ritual, hands-on activity, story, calm closing.

05

Portuguese for Little Explorers

€22 / hour · 1.5–2 hours
Materials included

A playful introduction to Portuguese for foreign children. Across three levels: Total Beginners, Some Words, and Comfortable but Shy. Through songs, stories, games and everyday words, no pressure, just play.

Summer package · 5 sessions / week Recurring weekly bookings receive 10–15% off, ideal for families on extended stays.
A few things we could do together
let's make something
Art & Watercolour
painting & colour
Music & Guitar
songs & strings
Storytelling
tales & imagination
Little Chefs
simple, fun recipes
Outdoor & Nature
playing outdoors
Mini Science
playful experiments
Drawing & Crafts
draw, cut & make
Playful Portuguese
learning through play
A little more about me
what I bring
Music

Classical guitar since age 9, from classical pieces to pop chords. Singing in Portuguese and English. Basics of piano and percussion.

Visual Arts

Watercolour, drawing with pencil, ink, graphite, oil pastels. Crafts, collage, modelling with clay and beeswax.

Theatre & Storytelling

Several years of theatre practice in different groups. Comfortable reading aloud and bringing stories to life.

Sports & Outdoors

Athletics, swimming, surf and surfskate, climbing (indoor & outdoor), gymnastics background. Happy to get sandy and muddy.

Reading & Writing

A big home library of beautifully illustrated children's books in Portuguese and English. I write across different styles.

Cooking

Healthy, vegetarian, kid-friendly recipes: kneading bread, decorating biscuits, making fruit smoothies together.

Languages
Portuguese · English
Ages
3 to 10 years old
Mixed sibling groups welcome, €10 added per extra sibling.
Where
Across the Algarve
Tavira, Olhão, Faro, Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo, Quarteira, Vilamoura & Albufeira.
A note for parents
I'm 16 and starting this with my family's full support. I'd rather build trust slowly than rush, so let's meet first, and go from there.
1

Happy to meet you and your children before any session begins.

2

Volunteer experience with primary-school children, including school activities, talks and games.

3

Sessions planned around safe, age-appropriate, screen-free play.

Important information
what to know before booking

How I work

  • I work in close contact with parents at all times. Every session is agreed in advance and adjusted to the family.
  • A reachable adult must be available throughout every session, with a working phone number.
  • For families new to me, the first session is shorter (2 hours) so the children and I can get to know each other gently.
  • I prefer first contact in writing (WhatsApp, email or message) so my parents are part of the conversation from the start.

What I do not do

  • I do not transport children in any vehicle, at any time.
  • I do not supervise children in water without a parent present. (This includes pools, beaches, rivers and bathtubs.)
  • I do not administer medication without written instructions from the parent and the original packaging.
  • I do not work after 22:30.

Health, allergies and special needs

  • Please tell me in advance about any allergies, dietary needs, medical conditions or particular sensitivities.
  • For children with severe allergies, I ask for written guidance and clear emergency contact details before the session.
  • If a child becomes unwell or shows signs of distress, I contact the parents immediately.

Cancellations

  • More than 24 hours in advance, no charge.
  • Less than 24 hours, 50% of the agreed rate.
  • No-show, full charge of the agreed rate.
  • If I have to cancel, I always offer a replacement session or a full refund.
How to book
a simple, written first contact

Send me a message including:

I confirm availability within 24 hours.

Let's meet your little ones
MaRia
email
São Brás de Alportel · Algarve · Portugal
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