I have spent the past five years volunteering and working with children in various capacities. The more I look back on my experiences the more I realize how much I have learned. We expect to teach the children we are around, but often fail to give credit to the lessons they teach us. Here is 14 lesson's I've learned from many little people.
1. Flexibility is key
The only thing that is certain when it comes to working with children is things will not go as planned. It is hard to account for all possible reactions of adults, but even harder to plan for what children will say or do. It teaches you to stay on your feet and be willing to adapt.
2. How to receive honesty
Children are often brutally honest. They will tell you when they are not happy and they will share their opinions. Adults often sugar coat or hold back their honesty. However, working with children teaches you everyone has their own opinions and they may not agree with yours. (Sometimes that could mean they don't like your hair or that they think you could do a better job.)
3. The importance of a smile on your face
It goes a long way with children and in life in general. Often, a smile can be an open door to friendship. It can also be what someone needed to feel welcomed. It is a small thing that impacts people in beautiful ways.
4. Discipline
I do not mean the behavior management of the kids. I mean self-discipline. A summer spent running a children's program taught me how to control my actions, even when those around me are not.
5. How to love unconditionally
Loving someone is hard. Loving someone who does not show you the same love is even harder.
6. Anger is often a coping tool
The more I worked with children the more I learned that anger was often a response and coping tool for a variety of emotions. It can take the place of what we deem as healthy coping mechanisms. It is also a natural response to fear, anxiety, and frustration. It also hard to replace with healthier alternatives.
7. Fear is controlling
I always knew fear can be a factor in many choices. However, I did not realize how much fear can control someone until I have seen children too afraid to eat or even speak. It can become a knee-jerk reaction and control someone's every move.
8. Nobody likes to feel left out
No matter your age, it's hard to be faced with the feeling of being alone. It's even harder for children to process. But handling your emotions and often fears of being left out can be a great tool.
9. Take time to rest
Rest is important. In children, rest is often in the shape of a nap. But rest is important for all ages. It recharges our moods and often health.
10. Making friends can be as simple as "do you want to join me..."
I have seen many friendships created from a simple come join me. I have also tested this theory with people my age. It's an easy beginning and a good ice breaker.
11. Growth is not always measurable
It can be hard to measure and compare growth. But is it really something we have to measure? Or can we just let it be?
12. Creativity
Anything can be a game if you try hard enough (even cleaning.)
13. The power of laughter
It is a bonding tool and it can be a perfect ice breaker.
14. Having fun is an important part of life
Life is challenging and hard. It is important to place value on having fun. It creates experiences that make everyday worth it.
Life is crazy, but community and learning from each other can help us make sense to life. I am so grateful for all the ways I have learned and grown from the lessons children have taught me.
