The summer is the prime time to find a job, and for many high school and college students, the only options involve day-to-day interactions with children. Whether you're a nanny, camp counselor or a swim instructor like me, you can understand all of these struggles (and the many merits, too).
1. You become immune to children's cries.
When you first start working a job like this, hearing a child cry or whine may immediately send you into panic mode. Now, though, you just soldier on because you know they're going to be fine. It's all a game.
2. You question any impulse you may have had to have children.
They are wild, stubborn and don't take "no" for an answer. Plus, they're three feet of uncontrollable energy. No, thank you.
3. And you didn't realize how mean they could be.
Only kids can point out your biggest insecurity without even batting an eyelash. A child once asked me, "Why are you fluffy?" How kind.
4. But their compliments are also sure to make your entire day.
Any time little kids are even remotely excited to see me or give me a giant hug, it's sure to make all of the rudeness go away (at least for a minute or two).
5. Sometimes you're astounded by how rational and thoughtful they can be.
Speaking to them in plain language can be incredibly helpful, and it can be amazing how much they understand things when you just lay it out for them.
6. And other times, you can't believe they have a working brain at all.
Then there are the days where every single thing you say is met by a growling noise -- or, as my friend recounts, saying "I am Groot" in place of real language.
7. Working just a few hours is enough to exhaust you for an entire day.
Have you ever had to explain something to a tiny person 7,000 times only to have them do it wrong again? Or told a child "no" and listened to their screeching for an hour? No? You can't judge.
8. It makes you appreciate even more the teachers, parents and other adults that do this all the time.
I do it for a summer. They chose to do it for life. They deserve medals.
9. You suddenly realize how amazing you are at certain things -- like coloring within the lines and being able to actually go places alone.
Children are in awe of your freedom and independence. Plus, how awesome is it when the kids rave over your artistic abilities?
10. And then you simultaneously feel very, very old when you try to be hip and fail.
Just when you start to feel good about yourself, they crush it. What do you mean you guys don't play with Tamagotchi's anymore?
11. Everyone always asks you why you keep doing it if it's so terrible, and you have to explain how rewarding it is.
Whenever a little kid tells you they love you, or you see the look of excitement on their face when they do something all by themselves, everything becomes totally worth it. Even the senseless screaming.
