I keep forgetting how children "work."

I'm 34 and babysit my niece and nephew at least 1-2 times a week. I love doing it, but I've noticed something that always bothers me. <br><br>When it comes to children you have to keep explaining the same simple things countless times over and over again. You have to be very specific with every instruction and always to a point where it feels redundant. But do it anyway. <br><br>They don't always listen to what you say and will still do the thing you specifically told them not to do. <br><br>You have to remind them simple things as "use a spoon to drink your soup." "Keep your elbows off the table." Or any simple etiquette. <br><br>It's very true that kids "don't listen until you yell," and my aunt always superstitiously says "Don't yell at the kids! You'll break their spirit!" Or "Always speak to children calmly, never yell." I'm guilty of yelling at kids from time to time. I yell to get their attention, to make them stop and think about what they're doing.<br><br>The yelling doesn't help at all. I was at my wits end because my niece kept throwing these foam darts at me for hours straight. I was doing chores and babysitting her at the same time, so I told her if she kept throwing the darts I would take them away. She didn't listen and threw it again while I was vacuuming because it was right next to me. I yelled at her because she wouldn't stop. I yelled very loudly and got mad at her. She cried for like an hour and took a nap. Yes I was a bitch, but it's just so agitating. I yelled to get her attention, but I feel bad after because she says she's scared of me and doesn't want to play with me anymore. <br><br>I know little kids do this and it's normal, but I always forget children are like this. I had a huge wake up call today.