What does God want me to do?

Hey I'm a teenager and I go to college. I often babysit my sister, but she's got to the stage where she wants me to play with her all of the time. I do enjoy playing with her, and giving up my time to entertain her, but sometimes it feels like I don't get any free time for myself, except for about an hour in the evening. It's one thing I've always been unsure of... Does God want us to spend our every minute on other people? Are we to have time for ourselves sometimes?

Basically, is it okay to say 'no' to my sister now and again, when she constantly wants me to play with her? Or should I feel guilty? Any help would be appreciated, whether it's your own opinion or personal experience, or advice from the Bible.

Thank you and God bless you all

It's okay to say no when you need rest. Even Jesus spent time relaxing. I would suggest though spend your you time wisely. Don't waste it doing unimportant things and you'll be fie.
Good luck
Chilaha

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No. That's how you burn yourself out. I've done that.

Everyone at some point, including children, need to understand that the world does not revolve around them.

Do not feel guilty about doing things you want to do. It's healthy.

Sure, spend time with your sister. But, there should be a balance. You are, after all, in college. You are becoming a young woman. This is a time for learning about yourself, others around you, and figuring out your place in this world.

NewBeliever,

First I have to say that I think it's great that you are in college, that you are spending time with your family and that you care enough about your family and your relationship with God to ask. I have teenage children and I have met many of their friends. There are way too many kids today who would not even bother to spend time at home let alone worry about their little sister and her needs. So pat yourself on the back.

I am a firm believer in "alone" time. As a Mom I know how easy it can be to burn yourself out and put everyone elses needs first. My suggestion to you would be to first go to God in prayer and ask Him what He wishes for you to do. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Remember that you cannot take care of others if you do not take care of yourself. If you are feeling over tired, overwhelmed or stressed you may need to take time for yourself.

May His love bring you peace and understanding.

Thank you so much! Each one of you was a great help and I'll be taking what you all said into consideration. You wonderful people, God bless you.

Help her spend time with her friends and get your parents involved in helping raise their child. You should spend time with her regularly too.

You can try studying and babysitting at the same time, it's a challenge that I never heard or seen anyone do - including myself. Parents want their children to be literate in education so that when it comes to having a career of their own choice, the income should reflect the years of hard work spent during college or university. Even if failure does happen during those young teenage years, failure is really a stepping stone to find other ways where education is really an open door to anyone under the really old age of 100, and where adult education is a good chance for those who want try again because of some could have succeeded if it wasn't for so and so awkward situation. Co-operation from your parents or other adult advice on how to babysit while studying would greatly improve your results instead of taking out all the guesswork yourself, such as keeping the child pre-occupied with a doll inside a cot while you watch over and study your lessons. Playing your favorite pop or classical music to improve your brain-learning performance and at the same time quieten down the nasty loud crying performance of the child's future singing-career voice.:*:.

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I learn to accept Jesus Christ and our God the Father by default.

If we don't take care of our own selves at some point, we cannot possibly continue to help take care of anyone else because of stress, burn out, fatigue, etc... So, don't feel guilty about needing an hour or two in the evenings to be alone and regroup!