I had to say farewell to my summer babysitter last week, and let me tell you, it was an emotional moment. As I waved goodbye, I casually suggested she might pick up more real-life skills with us than she would in four years of college. She chuckled, but I was completely serious. College? Totally overrated, right? To persuade her to stick around, I compiled a list of invaluable lessons she’s already learned that are far more practical than those found in a lecture hall.
1. Mastering the Art of Coexistence
After spending the summer with my kids, sharing a space with anyone else would feel like a walk in the park.
2. Disease Prevention Expert
She’s been stellar at keeping pesky lice and colds at bay. The same logic applies to avoiding STDs: just keep your body parts away from those dirty strangers.
3. Culinary Skills
She’s nailed the technique for creating the ultimate peanut butter and jelly sandwich and can whip up mac and cheese in a snap. Add in cereal and frozen yogurt, and you’ve got a full meal plan for dorm life.
4. Negotiation Skills
From refereeing squabbles between my four- and six-year-olds to scheduling playdates and arranging nap times, she’s got multi-tasking and persuasion down to a science.
5. The Nap Advantage
Those blissful two hours of afternoon quiet time while the boys snooze were a lifesaver. And let’s be honest, napping is just as crucial when you’re in school.
Aren’t these the real gems of a college education? I may not have been the most diligent student, but I think my point is pretty clear. Just as long as my kid doesn’t catch wind of this!
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In summary, there are plenty of life lessons that can be learned outside of the traditional classroom, especially when it comes to parenting. Sometimes the most valuable experiences come from our everyday challenges, proving that real life is the best teacher of all.