Props to SAHM/Ds of this World

Yesterday, I volunteered to babysit a friend's two-year old daughter. My friend was starting a new job as a cocktail waitress and she had been a Stay-At-Home-Mom (SAHM) for the entire time she had her daughter (call her S), so she asked me if I could watch S at the last minute. I, of course said "yes" but then I quickly remembered I hadn't watched anyone else's toddler-aged kid since I was 12-14 (my babysitting years). I had S for a whole 8 hours- which might be cake for some but not for me. Yes- I do have two kids of my own but I never really knew the true meaning of SAHM status. I always had either the daycare, preschool or a relative watching my kids while I went to work (work meant mental break). Anyways, it was hard work watching S. I had to make sure she didn't get into dog dishes, break something, or eat something she wasn't supposed to. She didn't let the TV be her babysitter, she wanted to color, walk around and throw not roll balls around (around my breakables- good thing onyx chess sets don't break).  Plus, I had change her "pull-up" every so often (not potty trained). I forgot about the "pull-up"/diaper part of life.  I got paranoid by this because I was afraid I was going to have to change a #2 (whew, this didn't happen). By the end of my "Shift", I was ready to give S back. S didn't cry while I had her (what a relief), but when i did give her back her tantrum side went off (sign of being tired). At the end, I was tired (I wanted a nap so bad) and I mentally was exhausted because I had watched the every move of a two-year old.  I truly had forgotten what it was like to have a toddler-aged kid. Props to the SAHM/D who don't get breaks in their lives. I love kids, but watching them - oh so not my forte.

Posted via email from Jennifer's epiphanies