Home Responsibilities Lifebabble

Hey, Lifebabblers.

Today we're going to be talking about something pretty important.

Responsibility.

Growing up means people expect you to be more mature,

and to do things you've never done before.

Some fun, some not so fun.

What does getting older mean to you?

Getting older can be awesome.

You get to try loads of new things, like getting a puppy.

Yay.

But growing up means more responsibilities too.

Like cleaning up after a puppy. Ew.

And sometimes that can be a bit of daunting.

The best thing about growing up

is being able to have more control on your life.

You get to try new things

you might not have been able to try before.

I can have my pudding before my dinner.

Take that, teachers.

Learning so much

and also meeting some seriously inspirational people along the way.

So, yes,

growing up means getting to do

lots of cool new stuff.

But it's not all fun and games.

Oh, no.

I'm talking about this.

Repobinssilty.

No, wait.

Sponsierbilyit.

No, that's not right either.

Right, yes.

Responsibility. Because, you know, you're that bit older.

Just when you're about to enjoy your new-found freedom...

-ELECTRONIC MUSIC PLAYS

-"Saima, have you done the dishes?!"

"Have you finished your homework?!"

"Have you tidied your room?!"

Yep, it is not easy keeping up with all those new responsibilities.

So, nobody's a massive fan of doing chores or homework.

But some children and young people have extra responsibilities at home.

They could be looking after a parent, a brother or sister,

or someone else in the family who is ill,

or who might have a disability,

who needs help doing regular, everyday things

such as washing, tidying up or cooking. They are young carers.

PHONE RINGS ANSWERING MACHINE BEEPS

I help to look after my mum, sister and brother.

In the beginning, I didn't realise I was a young carer.

I just thought it was something everyone did on a daily basis.

I started to notice my friends didn't do the same things as me.

I find the life balance sometimes hard,

and will often do my homework as soon as I get it,

so I don't have to worry about it.

I do quite a lot around the house, like do the washing,

feed the cat, do the recycling.

It varies day-to-day.

Even though it can be difficult,

I feel really proud about being a young carer

and think it's important to look after your family.

Having a lot of responsibility at home

can have a big impact on a young person's life.

You might wonder, "Why me?"

And ask why your life has to be

different from other people's.

You might feel like you're missing out on the normal things

that your friends do.

Or people might start leaving you out.

It's normal to feel guilty when you do go out and see your friends.

Angry, that it's not fair.

Overwhelmed, like you can cope.

Or worried about the person you care for.

And sometimes these feelings can be hard to deal with.

But there is help,

in schools and organisations where they work with young people

with responsibilities at home.

Who is it in your life who looks out for you?

Sometimes, it's the little things that people do for us

which mean the most.

That's it for this Lifebabble.

If you want to find out more about responsibilities,

or life as a young carer,

check out the CBBC website.

In the meantime, whatever's on your mind,

keep babbling.

See you next time.