I have spent years taking care of kids. I started babysitting at thirteen years old. And I spent most weekends watching kids because as the daughter of a preschool teacher, many parents trusted me right away. I think I was a pretty good sitter - I loved reading The Babysitters Club book series, and followed their example of having a bag full of toys and books that I always took with me to my jobs. As a result the kids wanted me to come back to play with my toys. Once I reached college I decided that I could make some good money as a nanny, and I really needed it to help with the expense of college. So I spend my college years as a nanny. I cannot begin to describe how many life lessons I learned through a job with so much responsibility. I am trying to remember those lessons as I raise my own kids - like potty-training tips, and the need for patience in abundance!
All that time with different kids taught me one thing, it is a myth that a mom and a dad can raise kids completely on their own. It really does take a village, okay well maybe not a whole village, but at least a strong supportive family and many friends. Parents need friends to be adults with and friends that can help them be better parents! Not to mention the friends you need who have kids near the ages of your kids in order to help your kids socialize. As a quiet, wallflower-type, this lesson is one that is more difficult for me. It stretches me daily.
I feel this blog is the perfect chance for me to share my experiences. Sure it's a nice chance for out-of-town family and friends to stay in the loop of our lives, but I hope to meet some adults that agree that the stronger your support system is the better your parenting techniques become. I am open to hearing any thoughts you might have in regards to my stories. I have learned that through the stories of other's experiences I can become a better parent. I hope you agree! Feel free to leave comments on any post.
