During the summer, many teenagers and adults alike will pursue part-time jobs in the childcare industry. Sometimes, it can be a job similar to nannying and babysitting and other times it’s more like a counselor at a summer camp. Either way, there’s a chance to work with children of all ages and enjoy the excitement that comes from another child’s energy. Many childcare jobs have kids that’ll have specific qualities that are the very similar to other kids-- granted, this will not be the only quality the kid will have, but it’ll be a prominent one. Here are some of the kinds of kids I’ve seen while looking after kids.
1. The Chill Kid
This is the kid that is just down to do whatever. You won’t get back-talked by them, you won’t get any sass from them-- it’s all good in the hood when they’re around. Definitely let them be an example for all of the kids that don’t want to play the games you’re trying to start.
2. The Hyper Kid
This kid will absolutely be bouncing off of the walls. They want to do everything you have planned for the day at that specific moment. For some kids, it's because they have some level of ADHD, but for others, it’s because of pure excitement… and a little bit of impatience.
3. The Sarcastic Kid
Here is a kid who’ll have problems following directions without making comments of their own. Sometimes, it’s not a bad thing; other times, it’s the one thing that has crossed the line. Letting the comments have no effect when necessary will be annoying to the kid, but at least it won’t affect the situation too much.
4. The Jokester
They’re the classic class clown. Like their name implies, jokes will always be the schtick this kid uses. It can be anywhere from jokes out of the blue to jokes about their caretakers-- it’s not fun. Encourage them to make fun jokes when the time is appropriate, and pay no mind to when the joke is at the wrong time or more along the lines of bullying. Rightfully-timed encouragement is key.
5. The “What?” Kid
The “What?” Kid is a surprise to almost everyone who takes care of them. Something about them is atypical; it’s neither good nor bad, but it’s off-putting if it’s unexpected. They will say something odd or have an odd habit that’ll catch the other children’s attention. They are incredibly nice children, though –– they listen pretty well and will be kind towards the others. Let them be unique in their own way.
6. The Troublemaker
Whether it be due to disrespect towards figures of authority and towards the other kids, the Troublemaker always makes the job a little bit more difficult. There’s just something that’ll make them want to cause a disruption. Sometimes it takes a firm approach (stern voice, serious consequences) to have them follow directions, but sometimes it just takes time to sit down with them and understand what is bothering them.
7. The "No" Kid
This kid just doesn’t like being told “no.” Similar to the Troublemaker, they will react to being told that they cannot do something/cannot say something/etc. It could be because they are never told “no” at home, or maybe there’s something more to it. It’s some more tough love to look after this kid, but they need to learn how to take “no” without rebelling against it.
8. The Worth It Kid
Honestly, this can be any kind of the kids above and then some –– it’s the kid that serves a reminder as to why this job is so worth it, even if only for a moment. There’s a breakthrough of some kind, whether it’s a kid finally following directions, of having a good day without tantrums, or of a kid just learning why it’s important to be kind. It just makes the day much, much better.
However, all of these definitely make the job worth it. Whether it be for a short time in order to gain some spending money or gaining more experience to consider working with children as a career, childcare makes every day interesting. The variety of kids keeps carers on their toes and always allow for interesting stories to be told later on.
