Looking after a young child and living with a teenager share many similarities.
Both can have a sudden mood change with no explanation, both can be extremely messy, and both are concerned mainly with themselves.
The one obvious difference is that an infant is far cuter than a teenager, and easier to make happy.
You can change the mood of the infant with something as simple as a hug, or a treat, both of which cost you barely anything and are easy to do.
If you are looking after a young child you need to make sure the house is "toddler proof".
Essentially, what this means is that anything dangerous is locked away and that there is nothing that the child can pull down on itself.
You also need to ensure that any precious or expensive items are safe.
Young children will play with anything and they have no concept of value, and there is always a chance they might break something accidentally.
Looking after a young child is tiring work and you have to be patient.
If you take a walk with a young child, you should expect them to want to stop and look at everything.
Often the young child will get tired yet won't want to get in the stroller because it is more fun to be walking on their own.
This can often become a source of conflict between you and the child.
Nonetheless, looking after young children is fun and insightful as they have so much enthusiasm for the world and you can share in the magic of discovery.
They will help you see things you've looked at a million times with fresh eyes and give you that childlike joy of life.
You'll find that your child will develop a strong and loving bond with you.
Also, there is nothing better than getting a great big hug from a child that loves you.