Children are said to be a gift from God. What a gift. Don't get me wrong; I love kids. But if they're considered gifts, I want the gift receipt. I don't have kids are anything, and I certainly don't plan on having any (the thought of something living off of my insides for 9 months sickens me), but I am always around them. I'm an aunt, babysitter, big sister, and neighbor to so many little munchkins that I had to learn to love them. And I kind of do. They're cute, funny, and interesting little creatures. But, they're also conniving, bratty, and loud maniacs.
I guess you could say I have this love-hate relationship with kids. I love the things they say to make me laugh. I hate the fits of tantrums when they don't get a cookie. I love their chubby cheeks smiling at my horrible comedy. I hate the way their smallness allows them to get into my stuff. I love when they're sleeping and are quite for a few hours. I hate their little drooly fingers tugging at my shirt so I can answer a silly question. Oh wait, I actually kind of like that.
Kids confuse me. But, for about twelve years, they're going to be the strangest, silliest, and cutest things on the planet and I have come to accept that. So to show my acceptance of their existence, I have decided to get down to their level. Listen to what their garble actually means. Watch their kid-centric shows. Eat their food. Play their made-up games. Share in their booger collection. Maybe I'll understand them better. I hope.
