In a fast-paced world, it can be so easy to take the simple things for granted. A person’s most cherished memories are often not of extravagance and grandeur, but the quiet moments surrounded by loved ones. Shannon Paulsen of North Judson knows how important it is to spend time with the people that bring you joy. For Paulsen, that means spending a lot of time with some tiny tots.
“Family is everything. It’s the most important thing,” Paulsen said. “One of my favorite things is having my family over for dinner. We try to have Taco Tuesday for my daughters to bring their children over and eat dinner once a week.”
Paulsen is a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. Her love for her family radiates from her in everything she does. Though part of her family lives in another state, Paulsen makes visits a priority.
“I have 10 grandchildren. You think you love your children, but wait until you have grandchildren,” Paulsen joked. “You get to have even more fun. You don’t have to feel like you’re raising them. You’re just having fun with them.”
Paulsen has spent her life in Northwest Indiana. A graduate of San Pierre High School in North Judson, Paulsen is now contributing to the town through her work in daycare.
Ten years ago, Paulsen heard of an opportunity with her aunt, Margie Amedei Born. Born decided to open her own home daycare businesses in North Judson. Following her passion for helping children, Paulsen soon began working at Country Kids Daycare.
“My aunt needed a helper, and I needed a better job. I’ve always loved kids,” Paulsen said. “I was so excited to be able to hang out with babies all day. You get to play, you get to know them, and you get to laugh at them, though I think they laugh at me just as much.”
At Country Kids Daycare, Paulsen helps care for children from infancy to age 5 when they are ready to transition to kindergarten. When Paulsen began, it was clear that it was a great fit for her and for Country Kids.
“The best part is the funny things that the kids say,” Paulsen said. “Sometimes, they don’t even know that they’re being funny.”
When not working, Paulsen enjoys coming back to her most beloved people, her family. Paulsen and her husband enjoy taking their camper on adventures, and she often invites her children and grandchildren to tag along.
With a powerful love for her family and a strong bond with the children at Country Kids Daycare, Shannon Paulsen shows that, sometimes, it is the tiniest people who can have the biggest impact on a person’s heart.