Of the many experiences I have encountered in my 20 years, babysitting has been a commonality between me and many people I know. I have found over the last 10 years of holding a temporary responsibility over children less than half my age, that most of the time they taught me more than I ever was capable of teaching them.

In a matter of time and only a few memories, it doesn't take much to become a part of another family.

Most of us who babysit often find ourselves loving the ones we watch over as our own siblings while feeling so welcome by their parents that you get adopted into the family.

Birth control has never been more real, and more affordable.

As much as my heart's desire is to have children in my life, babysitting babies and children gave me enough reason to understand why I still am not prepared for one of my own.

You are not their mom or dad; don't expect to be looked at as one.

Although you are there to be the primary caretaker and decision maker while the mom and pop are away, it is not your place to be an authority over them.

Patience.

I am not sure how else to even put that word into context to describe the level of patience I have developed being around young ones.

Celebrating the little things.

A round of applause and a bear hug after a clean room or all the veggies were eaten is all it takes to put a smile on the face of a child.

The most important of all, life goes on.

Tears, tantrums and challenges will fill your days occasionally, but a new day brings new beginnings and sweating the little things is a waste of the little time we have together.

If it weren't for the kids I have come to love like my own younger siblings the last 10 years, I don't know if I would have been given the opportunity to apply these valuable life lessons to myself. No favor will ever repay the hearts of the children that taught me so much.