I got a call two days ago asking if I could babysit tonight. I had many options of plans for tonight (which is not normal for my Saturdays) but I welcomed the opportunity to babysit. I kept telling people it was because I need the money, but, in reality, I simply enjoy babysitting.
Halfway through the day today I realized that I wouldn't be getting there until 8:30 which meant the kids would be in bed and I got really sad. When I got there Lisa (the mom) told me that Brianna (the 3 1/2 year old) was up twenty minutes earlier asking "is Monaca here yet?" and when her mom said no she asked "Next time can she come earlier so I can play with her?"
That melted my heart and made me ask myself "why dont I want kids?" Really, I am good with kids and I love being around them at most times. I have an incredible amount of patience when it comes to kids. Then I started wondering why I loved being a nanny so much but don't really enjoy working in a school as much (don't get me wrong, I love my job, I just really miss nannying). Then it hit me.
My favorite moments at work are when the kids make me laugh. I loved coaching the girls basketball team because they were so down to earth and I could goof around with them and they respected me and we just had fun. I love babysitting and nannying because I just get to be a kid. I get to play games and laugh and have fun. Most times the kids respect me-no questions asked. When I am at work I have to be an adult. I have to act like an adult and not laugh when people fall down and not laugh at silliness.
I don't like being an adult.
I love being around kids because they are so innocent. When they smile my world seems to make sense. Parents so often get wrapped up in "being the adult" that they forget how important the little things are. The laughter that can melt a heart becomes a high pitched noise that causes a headache. The innocent barrage of questions become a nuisance. Kids get used to their parents as the disciplinarian and get used to the routine of life with their parents and (even if it is a fun routine) welcome the break when a babysitter comes. When I babysit the kids get my full attention and, for however long I am there, they are my only responsibility. I don't have to think about laundry and work and cleaning and other people and "adult things." My world becomes them and they keep my world turning.
Maybe I will want to be a mom someday--I hear kids are a joy. But for now, I hope this clears up the question people always ask and I hope you will all stop asking. I love kids because they bring out a part of me that I like. They remind me of faith and joy and hope and pure love and innocence. They let me be me without judgement. They play with me and let me teach them new things. They know how to have fun and they include me in their fun. How could I not love kids?
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