Working with toddlers have taught me to appreciate the little things and beauty of life, something we all should have and encourage each other with everyday of our own lives.

This past year I have had the pleasure of working at a daycare every day after school. When first offered employment, the position being offered was as the afternoon toddler teacher, and I was terrified of that kind of responsibility.

One year later though, and this past week I was crying my eyes out as I said goodbye to my toddlers as I prepare to head off to college. As I've reflected on this rewarding experience and all that I've learned, here are 7 skills you learn working with toddlers.

1. How to change diapers in record time.

Whether it's changing the squirmy kids standing up or dealing with the kickers on the changing table, I have mastered speedy diaper changes. Once, I even changed 28 diapers in the span of 4 hours, as the cliché says "Practice makes perfect!"

2. Becoming a pro at tuning out loud noises.

From waking up cranky kids from their nap or dealing with hangry toddlers who scream on top of their lungs, it's almost inevitable that in the beginning months of being around toddlers, you'll walk out with a headache or some loss of hearing. However, I can testify that it does get better and before you know it the daily screams become background noise and you can better focus on meeting their needs.

3. Good communication skills.

Parents. Half the battle of caring for toddlers is pleasing their parents. The endless expectations can be a lot to live up to. However, I have learned the best way to deal with parents is to communicate, be honest and diligent in communicating with them.

In my personal experience, I was fortunate where I was able to develop really good relationships with many families because I made sure to be diligent in communicating and keeping the parents up to date. It was daycare standard that through an online system I sent home a daily report for every child; however, in addition, I would talk to the parents at pick up and communicate any behavior issues, noticed growth, and would continually reassure the parents that I am so thankful to work with their children and that they are loved in this classroom.

4. Develop a higher tolerance of grossness.

Chasing toddlers in the heat. Being thrown up on. Wiping their noses. Changing their diapers when the stomach bug is going around (oh yeah, that was a really fun time). Having kids sneeze inside of your mouth. Sacrificing yourself to sanitize your classroom when infections or viruses were going round. Basically, you just deal with smelling weird and feeling gross and look forward to that nice, hot shower when you get home. Hey, at least you build up a strong immune system!

5. Not just patience, but *extreme* patience.

Toddlers are about 18 months to 3 years. In my experience, I worked with 18 months to 2 years. These kids are so young that it isn't fair to hold them to high expectations. By no means am I saying that toddlers shouldn't be disciplined or that we shouldn't encourage them in their listening skills. Rather, I am saying that there will be times when the toddlers will look you right in the eye and do exactly what you told them not to do. Or the times where the kids who were behind developing their speech skills were frustrated and crying and you have absolutely no idea what they want. However, through extreme patience you learn not to get frustrated but to love the kids and reward them when they do listen and show them what when we don't, we don't get to join the fun.

6. Accept humiliation isn't always a bad thing.

I used to always be the type of person that was insecure to be silly; however, when you work with toddlers (or kids in general), you will thrive being silly. From singing to dancing to having multiple personalities during story time, they love it. Trust me, there has been times when a parent has walked in and there I am sweaty, red faced from being on my 20th repetition of "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes," but in the end you look back, laugh at yourself and smile because the kids smile.

7. To appreciate the little things.

From the first moment that one of the toddlers in my class had finally learned my name, from the running hugs I received every time I stepped inside my classroom, the toddlers I worked with taught me to appreciate the little things in life. Their contagious smiles and endless excitement over building a big tower or when I recognize their artwork, among the many other things, all showed me how these children have a love for life. Working with toddlers have taught me to appreciate the little things and beauty of life, something we all should have and encourage each other with every day of our own lives.