I love to babysit. To me, it is so rewarding when the kids you watch are so excited when you get to their house. We all have our favorite families to watch and it's definitely a special time for us all. Babysitting has taught me so many life lessons and I wouldn't trade any of them. It is what made me realize that I want to work with children for the rest of my life.

It has taught me patience. For all the times that they dropped their pacifier on the ground and laughed every time I had to pick it up, thank you. The many times they woke up from their nap screaming for a "bah" and I had no idea what they wanted and when they want me to read ten books to them when I put them to bed, I love it all. I love the responsibility that it provides. Every time they fall I always run to make sure they're okay (and to double check that their teeth are still in place). It has taught me how much the little things matter. That giddy feeling you get when they say their first word for you or when they start trying to pronounce your name, you can never forget it. When you're in college, it's easy to be wrapped up in the next test or paper that's due, so it's very likely that you can forget real people exist. Spending time with children helps you get a different perspective. You get reminded that life happens so fast so you just need to enjoy where you are now. Getting to watch as their personalities develop is the absolute best. I've loved getting to watch as the boys I babysit grow. They are the best part of my weeks. Children are SO SMART and it's slightly intimidating. You appreciate the easy to babysit kids. We have all had our fair share of kids who don't listen to you and actually make you question if this is real life. So when you have the well mannered children, it all seems like a breeze. It has taught me the purest form of love and trust. They trust you to take care of them and protect them while their parents are away. The longer that you babysit them, the more you love them. You also get to become close to their parents, as well. I love talking to the parents. It's so nice to hear that everything works out as it's supposed to. They're like your parents away from your actual parents.

I love the precious family I babysit for and I am so thankful I've gotten to know them over the last few years. I can't wait to watch as these sweet boys grow up into amazing men. They make my week better every time I see them and I am so proud of them. They are truly the best.