When I tell people I am an elementary education major, they often say that I must love kids. I cement this for them by mentioning my work as a camp counselor, Girl Scout volunteer, babysitter, gymnastics coach, and classroom aide. Then they call me crazy, but that's a different story...
I find working with children to be very rewarding, fun, and just plain amazing, which is why I am here to give you my top 10 reasons to work with children:
1. They're funny.
Kids are seriously the best comedians. I mean, how many shows have been created so the public could laugh at the funny things kids do? And that's not to mention the countless Vines and YouTube videos.
2. They're cute.
Kids are so cute! From their sweet demeanor to their downright tininess, kids and babies can be so cute, you would almost be willing to forget any of their wrongdoings.
3. They tell it like it is.
Want an honest opinion? Ask a kid. They're not lying when they say you look crazy in that hat.
4. They crave discovery
Their little eyes are always searching and their little hands are always reaching for something new. They love to learn and discover, which is a refreshing new perspective on life compared to what we see in most adults.
5. They love unconditionally.
Working as a gymnastics coach doesn't come without its bad days. Thankfully, there's usually a sweet little kid right there to make it better. Surprise hugs or a Valentine's Day Card are just some examples. My personal favorite moment almost brought me to tears - I had thought a little girl I babysit wasn't a big fan of me; I bought her a stuffed animal for her birthday, but she was napping when I went there to give it to her. I came back a few weeks later to babysit and come to find she now won't sleep without it!
6. They trust you (faster than adults).
I can't tell you how many times I've reassured a worried child that if their parents forgot to pick them up from gymnastics (which I knew they wouldn't) that I would take them home and take care of them (which I knew I couldn't really do) and they've been happy or at least comfortable with that. Often they tell me that their mommy/daddy knows me so it's okay.
7. They're silly.
At gymnastics, we make a "pizza" with our legs as a way of stretching, and I always ask what they want on it. It's often a mix of ice cream cones, milk, cupcakes, and a menagerie of inedible items. Would they really eat a pizza like that? Probably not. Is it fun to witness? Absolutely.
8. They're simple thinkers.
If you have a problem, ask a kid. They have the simplest answers.
9. Their needs are (usually) simple.
Are they hurt? A band-aid or a kiss on the boo-boo can work magic. Are they fighting with one another? Make them calm down, apologize, and they'll be over it!
10. They always want you there.
When I broke the news to my gymnastics kids that I would be off to college once the session was over, they threatened to handcuff me to a balance beam. The littler ones said they were going to hide in my suitcases and come with me. Either way, it made my heart swell to know how much I meant to those kids.
All .gifs courtesy of Giphy.com
