With this past weekend being Mothers' Day, I thought about how although I am not a mother, I have had the opportunity to take mothering roles through babysitting children since I was 12.
Over the years of babysitting, I became the family babysitter. I went to Utah for a week and took care of my niece Kaylie when she was just 7 months old. Two years later, I took care of her again 5 days a week 8-5 while her parents worked for 2 months. That definitely was a challenge because babysitting never seemed to end! Although I was no longer in charge, Kaylie would still want to play with me. Babysitting/Daycare never felt more like motherhood at that point in my life.
As the years have passed, I have been the one to babysit my nieces/nephews over night, all day, and a few weekends while parents got away. I learned some lessons about parenthood. I would say that the experiences I've had babysitting my nieces and nephews while studying child/human development helped me to realize that no matter how much research and text books I read, there are moments where you just can't be the exemplary textbook parent. Tempers get lost, instincts often overrun what you know to be right, and sometimes, you find yourself yelling over the two screamers to make yourself be heard....I confess that I have definitely had some less than shining moments as an aunt. Thankfully, I've also learned that children are forgiving and usually within minutes or by the end of the day, they like me again and I have regained my fun aunt status.
My love for kids has not disappeared despite the days and weeks spent babysitting. If nothing since getting married 3 years ago, it's intensified. I have come to be content being childless, especially at the end of the day when I once again am in silence, allowed to sleep in, and keep a clean house. I am grateful for women (particularly my sisters) who have given me a glimpse into motherhood, letting me see what 24/7 parenthood is like, and above all, learn things that will hopefully make me a better parent. No not better than them, but help prepare me in ways that I wouldn't have been prepared for had I not been given various opportunities. Allow me to explain with some imagery that is precious to me:
I've learned from these two girls that if you have paper, glue, tape, scissors, you have everything you could possibly need play. I've helped build a WebKinz Hotel out of a cardboard box and put together a Harry Potter Lego set. I've also learned a little bit about managing Diabetes, giving shots and counting carbs and that in some situatations, the only word to describe a moment is "Awkward!"
I've learned that there is nothing better than holding a sweet infant in your arms and watching it learn to explore the world around them. I've also learned that my husband is pretty much a natural when it comes to holding kids. (He just wouldn't agree!)
I've learned that you can never be fancy enough! Sparkles, crowns, and bracelets make everything more fun!
I've learned that even little ones can be musically inclined...and that at some point, you have to draw the line at sharing germs.
I've learned that there is no such thing as "no room" on Aunt Brittany's lap.
I've learned that twins takes some crazy juggling but is twice the fun simultaneously (most of the time).
Most importantly, I've learned that no matter the age difference, the distance, or gender,there is nothing better than family!
So thank you sisters, friends and family who have allowed me to learn from you what motherhood is like, and for trusting me to take care of your precious little ones. I can only hope it will make me a better parent one day.
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