Thursday, April 15, 2010

All I Need to Know I Learned Babysitting

  • My house really is way too small.
  • I'm glad I have an education and degree I can use some day.
  • A box of fishy crackers doesn't go very far.
  • I can get most any kid to crack a smile.
  • Paper plates are a must.
  • Writing names on paper cups is a good idea, too.
  • I like hugs.
  • I don't like muddy shoes.
  • Put the markers up. High.
  • Put your book group book up high, too.
  • Mr. Clean Erasers really are magic!
  • And the most important thing I've learned from babysitting....if I can take the time and energy to be patient and loving with someone else's children, I can most certainly make the effort to do the same with my own.
Recently, I accepted a babysitting job. It's only a couple days a week for a few hours at a time. It did come at a time where it's nice to have a few extra dollars to "play" around with and stretch the budget. But, it didn't exactly come at the greatest time for me "emotionally." I'm feeling a bit stressed and over my limit as of late, but still really felt like I could manage the job and I have. But some days, my plates do feel a bit too full and they sometimes spill over. On those days it is my kids who unfortunately "get it." "It," being the wrath of their tired, cranky mother. All the while someone else's children are treated with respect, kindness, patience and love.

And then, it dawned on me the other day, that these kids of "mine" really do belong to someone else. These kids have been sent to me from a loving Father in Heaven. Really, they are on loan to me. He has entrusted me with their care while they are here on this earth. He has given them to me to teach and to nurture, with love and patience. And not just on the good days, but also on the bad and the tired and the frustrated. It is my responsibility and should be my honor, everyday, to treat them as I would and do someone else's children. For really, they are HIS.

6 comments:

Annie's Iris said...

I LOVE this! :)

the wrath of khandrea said...

loving the new family pics!

great insight. i hate babysitting. that's the best part of working full time- no one asks me to do it anymore because they assume i am so "busy".

Corrina Baker said...

I absolutely agree with you!

Grandma W. said...

Sweet!!! And, I cannot imagine that you would EVER treat your three Sweeties any way but GOOD!!
I think it is good for us to do what you are doing because it does make us think about the whole picture! You are so good!!!
We Love You!

Lauren in GA said...

Oh, Lisa-Marie...I love the realization that you came to. It was beautifully written and so, so, so, so, true.

I have worked in schools, day cares, and pre-schools, and you know what? The hardest job was when I babysat in the home with my kids present. I am not sure why, but I think it was because when I worked in child-care in a, "professional" setting, (meaning, outside the home) I always had another adult with me to help me at all times, and all of the kids in my care were divided by age. It was easier to do activities because when, say, it was time to color, they were all the same age and they could all color together and I didn't have to worry about the little kids eating the crayons or the big kids being bored...or, when it was time to play outside I didn't have to worry about anybody knocking over the baby, etc.

I am not sure why I decided to write a book in your comments section...but I just wanted you to know I understand how hard it can be and how much I loved your post. It really is true...our kids are on loan to us.

jaci said...

i know exactly what you mean--been there lots! it was good to be reminded and now since i'm the one needing a babysitter, i'm glad there are good ones out there! i sure miss my old schedule when our lives seemed to parallel each other, you made those long days short :) thanks for being my friend!