I help my mom by taking care of my siblings so she can rest and have more energy for the rest of the day. It can be difficult to babysit my siblings because they don’t always listen. When they don’t listen, I have to come up with another activity to keep them entertained and quiet while my mom naps. I often want to call for help, but I know I shouldn’t because then she can’t rest. Then I get annoyed with my siblings. That is frustrating and hard. At times it’s overwhelming.

I go to the Young Caregivers Association to help deal with stress and be around other kids who understand me and who are going through similar experiences. It gives me a break and it’s fun! It helps to know that I’m not alone. And I love the activities! They’re super fun.

I think more people should know about the Young Caregivers Association, so they know there is a place to go when they feel overwhelmed. It would help them feel better and help them see that not every family is as perfect as it may seem. They would meet other kids who are also going through similar stuff at home.

Being a young caregiver has taught me a lot about caring for other people. In my spare time, I volunteer to take care of animals at a farm. I want to become a firefighter in the future, and I believe being a young caregiver will help me get there.