It astounds me...I love kids.
Had you known me before I went to UVA, you probably wouldn't have recognized this quality in me. Sure, I spent my volunteer time with kids teaching them to swim, but that was due to the easy scheduling and availability of the coaching opportunity.
My first babysitting experience during college was torture. Pure torture. Thankfully, the next babysitting opportunity was with T & D which turned into a second family.
So, how do I know I love kids?
I woke up at 5:30 AM to bike ride with Jenna. It was beautiful. Then, it was off to school where 3rd grade had field day in 93 degrees at a park. I was genuinely enthused for this day with the kiddos. I had my LL Bean tote bags ready for lunches, permanent markers ready for labeling, extra drinks for the kiddos, a cooler with ice, and bum clothes on! Student A, while hugging me with head nestled on my chest as always, "Ms. Richardson, I love you so much I know I may be sticky and smell like wheat, but I love you." We had a water balloon/gun fight and I gladly participated. I may have soaked/targeted a few of my 'frequent flyers.' Then, after lunch, I volunteered to man the playground which basically had the whole grade on it. It was awesome to watch the smiles, laughs, and encouragement students had or gave one another during the day. I love kids.
Tonight, I babysat 4 kids for 6 hours. 2 boys. 2 girls. Ages 3, 4, 6, and 8. I had never met these kids since their family was at family night for their Grandpa. I thought it was the least I could do. They warned me many times that 'they have issues.' We had no issues. We played inside, then outside. Then, back in before we watched 101 Dalmations with the 4 year-old curled up in between my legs, the 6 year-old curled up in my arm, and the 8 year-old 'doing my hair.' We stayed up until their parents got home at 10. 6 year-old boy "Would you like to join our family and come back to Georgia? Can I paint your toenails in a rainbow?" Then they wrote me a note, "You are the best boobysitr." I love kids.
I spent all day with kids. I spent all day putting out fires, helping kids recognize ways to not create inside or outside hurts, helping them realize that we are a team, helping them feel special, helping them believe in themselves, and yet I loved every moment of it.
Is it demanding, yes. But, I do love kids.
Moral of the Story: The Brick Family gave me a cute graduation tile contraption that says "Nurture little people, grow big dreams." That is my intent.
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