This year I started spending a lot more time working with kids. At the beginning of the year, I did an internship at the daycare on campus and this summer I got a job at a daycare back home. And I’ve loved every minute of it. Sure, it’s not a glamorous job (I feel like I spend half my day changing diapers and picking up toys), but there’s nothing better than seeing the kids grow and change every day. Without further ado, here are the top four things about working in a daycare.

1. The kids

I’m telling you, there isn’t much better than walking into a classroom and seeing the kids’ faces light up with smiles. Or to have them run up to you and jump into your arms for a hug. Everyone ends up having a favorite, even though they really shouldn’t. But it usually ends up being the ones who are super affectionate or cute.

2. The people

I’ve met a lot of really great people at both of the daycare centers I’ve worked in. They understand the struggles of getting a group of one year old kids to sit down for an activity or trying to teach a baby that they can play on the floor and don’t have to be held 24/7. But overall you know that they’re basically there for the same reason you are: they want to make a difference in these kids’ lives and help them learn and grow.

3. Arts and crafts time

You’re basically getting paid to play with kids and do fun activities with them all day. It’s like you get to be a kid again for part of the day. And realistically, who doesn’t love a good painting or drawing activity? Yeah, it can get kind of messy. But the kids love it. So that makes the mess worth it. Plus, parents appreciate it when their kids come home with their own artwork. And it looks really nice when the kids’ artwork is hanging up all over the classroom, even if it is just a bunch of scribbles.

4. Outdoor playtime

Who doesn’t love spending some time out on the playground? This is a bit tough in the summer because it’s so hot out, but even getting the kids outside for a little while makes them so happy. We’ve had “water day” a few times now and that’s a ton of fun for everyone. And it’s super adaptable for all of the different age groups that we have. Any kind of outdoor activity is fun though. Obviously kids love being out on the playground, but they also really like just running around and looking for bugs. And it’s a great way for the kids to get a some of their extra energy out before lunch and nap time.

There’s a lot more about working at a daycare that is great, but these are my top four favorite things. It’s sometimes a challenge to work with kids all the time, but I think it’s a fun challenge. It’s a super rewarding job and definitely something that I love doing.