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Adulting

10 Lessons I've Learned As A Nanny

I've learned more about life from kids who haven't fully experienced it yet.

Selby Proctor

Jul 23, 2018

Florida State University

160

https://pixabay.com/en/thought-idea-innovation-imagination-2123970/

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

When I accepted a job being a nanny, I was extremely excited. Not only was I going to be able to save up money this summer, but I would also get to hang with new kiddos and enjoy some childhood nostalgia. But I never realized how much you can learn from kids until I met them. Their perspective on how to deal with problems, the little things that make them happy, and the way they live day to day is something I never realized I needed in my life. I've heard people talk about how much they learn from their children, but you never fully understand what they mean until you experience it yourself.

1. Always appreciate the little things.

From a new episode of their favorite shows to getting a cookie from Publix, every unexpected treat means the world to them. It has allowed me to take a step back and be more appreciative of the things I have and the people that surround me.

2. Your struggles won't last forever.

Everyone has their bad days. Sometimes dropping that ice cream cone in the parking lot seems like the end of the world. But after a few tears and hitting the drive-thru, everything is okay again. Although struggles as an adult are larger than ice cream, they have shown me that there will always be a solution to everything and to be patient as I wait for it.

3. Always be fearless in what you do.

They have climbed a tree as high as they could without a single fear in their body. I think that fearlessness has slowly rubbed off on me and I'm extremely thankful for that.

4. Chicken nuggets are life.

Chicken nuggets have, and always will be, the most important food in the world.

5. Laughter really is the best medicine.

Who doesn't love a good laugh? Not only do I love seeing these kids laugh so hard that they begin to cry but they make me laugh harder than I ever have before.

6. Speak up for yourself.

I have always been what people call a doormat. I have found myself in situations multiple times where I have allowed others to simply get away with hurting me and not asking for an apology. These kids have shown me how simple it is to say how you feel and allow others to be aware of how they affect you.

7. Imagination is so important.

I think adults forget how crucial it is to have a good imagination. Problem-solving, writing articles, and everything in between requires a large amount of imagination to be successful.

8. Express yourself.

I've enjoyed nothing more than singing obnoxiously loud in the car with them and dancing around the house without a care in the world. These kids have allowed me to be myself and nothing else when I am around them.

9. Everyone deserves a chance.

Kids don't know things about other kids before they meet them. They approach one another with zero assumptions or biases. It's refreshing seeing them make new friends and just having a blast together. It has made me re-think my opinions on people I don't know and those I've only met a few times.

10. Everyone needs a technology break.

When I was a kid, there weren't iPads, iPhones, or other things that took up a lot of my attention. They have shown me how much the world and technology are changing every day. I've started making myself take technology breaks during the daytime with them and when I get home to find a good balance of it in my life.

I never knew what I would gain when I received this job. I expected fun memories, new little friends, and an enjoyable way to spend my summer days. I could not have seen all of the love, knowledge, and experiences I have gained so far coming my way. I am so thankful to have gotten to know the kids, and myself, on a deeper level. I am looking forward to the new memories and lessons to be brought my way. So from now on, keep your ears perked up towards the little ones. You never know what they may teach you.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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10 Lessons I've Learned As A Nanny

I've learned more about life from kids who haven't fully experienced it yet.

1. Always appreciate the little things.

2. Your struggles won't last forever.

3. Always be fearless in what you do.

4. Chicken nuggets are life.

5. Laughter really is the best medicine.

6. Speak up for yourself.

7. Imagination is so important.

8. Express yourself.

9. Everyone deserves a chance.

10. Everyone needs a technology break.

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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