I recently went to an event and volunteered to help out with their children’s activity room. I did not plan it that way, but I was in put in charge of the room. And I had no helpers.

I am an anti-contact paedophile. I have aesthetic and romantic attractions to young children, mostly girls. I have not acted on those attractions, and I will not. I am in control of my actions.

I have worked as a babysitter in the past, but only for one or two children at a time. Suddenly I was in charge of a room of people from about age three to age fifteen. Parents stayed with their younger children, while the teens showed up by themselves. Thankfully parents were able to watch the room for me long enough for bathroom breaks. There were games, art and craft materials, and toys. At some point we hit critical mass, and I was running around just trying to make sure no one got hurt or damaged the building.

The three-year-old girl was painfully cute and had the sweetest smile. Even some of the older kids thought she was great. My favorite moment was when she left and gave me a big hug.

At the end of the event, I was exhausted. I felt good that I had helped provide a fun and safe activity room. It was also a good dose of reality. It is a lot of work to care for children, and each is an individual with their own needs and challenges. I think some people idealise children or put them on pedestals like little angels. The reality is much different. And it can be rewarding. I think I will volunteer again next year.