I have loved children my whole life. For as long as I can remember I babysat my younger cousins and have dreamed about being a mother someday. It wasn't until I was in high school that I started babysitting and nannying as a job. I quickly realized it was more than a "job" to me, it was my passion. The dozens of children I've worked with have taught me more than I ever thought I would learn in a lifetime.

They've taught me more than I can put into words, but these are 15 things I've learned from working with children:

1. Patience.

Working with children requires a tremendous amount of patience. Patience isn't always easy, but having patience with a child is essential to providing extraordinary childcare.

2. Selflessness.

Children have taught me so much about selflessness. It's so important to put a child's needs before your own. There's nothing I wouldn't do for a child in my care.

3. It's impossible to believe you aren't making a difference.

By being a loving, kind, caring, and thoughtful sitter/nanny, you are impacting the lives of children. You become a part-time mom, baker/chef, nurse, counselor, and a forever friend. I have a special place in my heart for all of the children I've cared for.

4. Innocence is a beautiful thing and preserving it should be a priority.

Children have such beautiful imaginations and pure hearts. Their hearts have been untouched by the pain of this world and I would do anything to prevail this.

5. To play is to learn.

Children learn through playing. They learn by running around and climbing and jumping. To hold them back from playing is to hold them back from learning so many skills.

6. It's hard to say "no."

When a child bats their eyes at you and pleads for another cookie, it's very hard to say no. However when you have to say no for their sake, it's easy to do so. Even if they get "mad", I promise, it's worth it.

7. No two children are alike.

Not even if they're twins. Learning the little things about a child will make it easier to learn how to care for them.

8. Perfection is impossible.

That perfect craft on Pinterest was not done by a child, I promise. Having the "perfect" day is practically impossible. However there is something good and beautiful in every day and it's important to focus on that.

9. Life is a miracle.

It should be cherished always. Every breath is precious and shouldn't be wasted.This child who is perfect in your eyes is a miracle from the Lord. It makes me tear up when I think that some day that little boy will become a father and husband, or that little girl might become a teacher because she looked up to you.

10. Nothing will ever go as planned.

"We plan, God laughs." No matter how hard I plan, everything is in God's control. It's important to "go with the flow". This has proven so important in my life. With children, you have to keep up a positive attitude. This mentality has allowed me to find something positive out of every situation.

11. Technology can ruin the relationship between caregiver and child.

While you're looking down at your screen, you're missing moments...moments that you'll regret. There's nothing greater than seeing a child's face light up when they finally understand something. When you pay attention, you can later on retell the story to their parents and share in the excitement of hitting new milestones and achieving new skills.

12. Nap time is golden.

After running around and learning and playing for hours, nap time is a very sacred time. Plus, children look so peaceful when they're napping.

13. Always go along with what a child says, don't ever correct them.

If they're two years old and telling a story about sailing the twelve seas, don't tell them they're wrong. Instead, encourage them and go along with the story. This makes for some interesting stories while encouraging their imagination.

14. Smiles and laughter make every struggle, hardship, and heartache disappear.

They will bring you out of any "slump" and will put a smile on your face without even trying.

15. Falling in love is easy.

Children make it easy to believe in true love. Their pure and nonjudgmental love makes my heart rejoice and makes me dream of someday having children of my own.

At times it might be difficult, but working with children has changed my life. It's made me realize my true potential and has given my life so much meaning and purpose. I have been blessed with the opportunity to babysit and nanny on so many occasions. I have even had the opportunity of being a teacher at a Mother's Day Out Program. My students inspired me to be the best version of myself and my experiences with children have driven me to pursue a job in Social Work.