Real Kato Blog: The Paternal Instinct

What? Kids? Me?

I babysat for my friends' two kids today. "A" is not quite four years old. "B" is a little over a year old. For the last couple of days, I was a little bit anxious about doing it. But things went just swimmingly... I might even go so far as to say it was fun.

For a good chunk of my life, I was terrified of having kids. And no one would have even thought to have me babysit anyone. I didn't think I'd know how to deal with them; I figured I'd do something wrong and the kids would end up hating me. But from what I've been told, these days I'm pretty good with kids. I think there are a couple of things I'm finally beginning to understand.

For one thing, I'm realizing I still remember what it was like to be a little kid. I remember just wanting to play "pretend". I remember being curious about things. I remember liking adults who smiled a lot and did funny things. I remember I liked it when people asked me things, and I could answer them. When I remember all that, interaction with kids becomes a lot easier. I mean, it should be kind of a no-brainer getting kids to like you. You don't have to deal with any baggage.

I'm also realizing that kids are pretty darn resilient. They don't tend to hold grudges. You can piss them off by taking away their favorite toy, but that injury will be forgotten within moments. And what's more, kids expect to be given boundaries and rules. In some respects, it's easier dealing with kids than adults. Adults need to have their egos stroked and their needs appeased all the time, and grudges can last for decades.

Now, this isn't to say that I'd willingly give up all adult interaction, in favor of hanging around kids all the time... unless those kids were also trained in making vodka martinis, and pouring a proper Guinness draught. But I am starting to see the appeal of parenthood. There's kind of a magic about it, a magic that's too easy to forget in our hectic adult lives.

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Posted by Ken in: life

Comments

Comment #1 from A and Bs Mommy (Guest)
2005 Sep 25 - 10:48 pm : #

A wants to know when you are coming over to play again. She had so much fun. You are the best babysitter they have ever had. You are really great with kids. Thanks again.

Comment #2 from John C (Guest)
2005 Sep 25 - 11:29 pm : #

I have to say... when I first became a dad, I was terrfied. But now I think nothing of being responsible for Mary all weekend. And I have taken over bath and bed time. It is a blast!

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