Ever since I can remember, I've loved to be around children. I grew up babysitting children that ranged in ages newborn to five or six and I have been grateful to have been welcomed into some incredible families. These families have opened their homes to me, and parents have trusted me to protect, love, and take care of their children while they had to be away. In my many experiences of babysitting, I have not only developed relationships with these families, but I have gained valuable relationships with sweet, sweet little ones that I will forever hold dear in my heart. I have helped these little ones grow, but more importantly, they have shaped my life in more ways than I could ever count. Just to name a few, here are 10 life lessons that babysitting has taught me:
1. Some days, you just have to put on your Frozen high heel shoes and deal with it.
Ever heard that saying, "Put your big girl panties on a deal with it?" Well this puts that one to shame. Forget big girl panties, I want my Frozen shoes.
2. There's no better way to spend time together than over a bedtime snack.
Blueberry muffins in a pink baking cup, please!
3. "Doc McStuffins" can fix your boo-boo.
"Doc McStuffins" doesn't just doctor your toy animals when they get sick, she even fixes human boo-boos, too. Yes, even the really big ones.
4. Apologizing is better if there are popsicles involved.
Saying "I'm sorry" is hard and learning to talk about our problems can be difficult. If we sit down and do it together while eating an orange popsicle, it's a lot easier.
5. A sibling love is like no other kind of love.
Disagreement is normal and so it fighting. Beside that, at the end of the day, there is nothing that can break a sibling bond.
6. You're never too old to decide what you want to be when you grow up.
You can be anything you want to be -- a ballerina, princess, and doctor. Today, you might want to be one thing and if you wake up tomorrow and change your mind, that's OK!
7. Fuzzy Peach Frozen Yogurt is a great idea for an after-school snack.
Frozen yogurt is a great idea most of the time, and especially after a good day at school!
8. Questions are good so don't be afraid to ask them.
"Where does that water come from?" "Where is the moon?" "Where is your house?" "Where is your dog?" You. Can. Never. Ask. Too. Many. Questions. Really though.
9. If you fall down, don't be afraid to get back up and say, "I'm OK!"
There's going to be days when you fall, but it's important not to stay down. Even if you hurt at first, after a good cry and maybe even a laugh, things will be OK again.
10. Laugh at yourself every now and then.
When you're having an off day, don't get so down on yourself. Be kinder to you. Laugh and be silly.
Out of all of the lessons in life, one thing is for sure, kids can teach you some pretty amazing things, and I'm so thankful for that. For many years, I have been caring for the lives of the sweetest little people, but ultimately, they are the ones that have been changing me.
