Whether you work in a day care, a pre-school, or a camp, there are some things that are universally known by child care staff. Whether it’s your first year or your 15th, anyone who works with little kids can understand these 15 things.
1. You know all about the newest Disney Junior and Nick shows ("Sofia the First," "Paw Patrol," "Miles From Tomorrowland," etc).
2. Not only that, but you can have a legitimate conversation or debate about the characters in these TV shows.
3. You have a playlist on your phone filled with songs that are appropriate for children.
4. All of your work stories start out with “today at work, one of the kids said this or did this.”
5. All your friends know about “that time Michael* finally hugged you” and “that time Tyler* did the cutest thing ever!” and “the time you bonded with this one kid.”
6. Everything any kid does is always the cutest thing ever. (unless it’s gross. Then it’s not cute at all).
7. Nap time is the best time.
8. You know all the words to every Mickey Mouse song and have the entirety of The Wiggles music on your phone.
9. You go shopping and you pass the kids section or the toys, and the first thing out of your mouth or your first thought is “omg, Ethan* would love this!”
10. Talking about bodily functions doesn’t faze you anymore because you deal with diapers, pull-ups, and asking kids “do you have to go potty?” or “do you have poops?” on a regular basis.
11. Dealing with picky eaters is easy. (although, with me, that was easy to begin with because I'm a picky eater). Plain bagel or bagel with cream cheese is always a good backup.
12. You don’t get surprised by strange food combinations anymore.
13. You’ve learned that once one kid asks you to draw them something, every kid will ask you to draw the same thing, so get comfortable.
14. You know they're bound to eventually say something really insightful, and you may not expect it, but it'll happen when you need it most.
15. You know that, while it’s not always easy, seeing the smile on these kids faces when they see you or when they run up and hug you at the end of the day makes it all worthwhile.
*Names have been changed to protect the cute.