Working at a child care facility is something I've always wanted to do because, like most people who work there, I love children. Working in this kind of an environment is definitely interesting, but there's no where else I'd rather work 5 days a week. Here's 14 things every child care worker knows to be true:
1. You never know what's on your shirt at the end of your shift
It could be anything: snot, urine, breast milk, formula, etc., so don't even ask what it is because I don't even know.
2. Keeping extra clothes in your car isn't even an option
Like I said, you never know what's going to be on your shirt or what's going to happen, so keep clothes in your car at all times. Trust me.
3. You have weird relationships with your co-workers
There are things you talk about with your co-workers that you'd usually never talk to anyone other than maybe your mom about because it's that weird. And usually half-way through your sentence you ask yourself why you're telling them about this super weird stuff, and then they cut you off and tell you something even more weird and it's totally okay. It's definitely an understatement to say your relationship is unique.
4. It's not always fun, and sometimes you want to pull your hair out
But then a small child notices your mood change and tells you something really sweet and gives you a hug and your mood instantly changes. And in that moment, you remember why you're working with these children in the first place.
5. Work is never boring
Whether it's a child telling you about their bathroom experiences or a co-worker telling you what a child in their class just did, it's definitely interesting.
6. You connect with some children better than others
Working with these children is a lot like choosing your friends; you connect with some people better than others and those people tend to be your best friends. Likewise, you'll connect with some children better than others, and those children will be "yours."
7. You have "your child" in every classroom you go into
Because you connect with some children better than others, some children tend to listen to you better than other teachers that maybe they haven't connected with in the same way as they have with you. Therefore, if a child makes a "naughty choice," you tend to accidentally give them the mom look and the mom talk.
8. Some parents you absolutely adore, and others... not so much
Sometimes it's just really hard to bite your tongue or keep a conversation going when you know they don't have their life together and you know what goes on at home. And then there are the parents that you admire and don't mind if they sit in your classroom for an hour. But you know, life. It's crazy.
9. Getting attached to a child and watching them move to a new class, or become a schoolager is absolutely heartbreaking
Although there's an overwhelming proud feeling, it's so bittersweet to watch these children grow up. And sometimes, it actually really breaks your heart.
10. This is probably the only job you can walk into work looking like a hobo and it be okay
Getting up at 4:30 or 5:00 a.m. to go to work at 6:00 a.m. is rough. So waking up at 5:45 a.m. and going into work at 6:00 a.m. with your hair pulled up in a bun and your teeth brushed is a successful morning (and one that happens 4 out of the 5 days that you're there).
