Dear fellow interns:
Any position that involves taking care of children that are under the age of thirteen or fourteen is a hard one, and even harder if you are unaware of the standard procedure when taking care of these adorable imps. This last week, I took an internship at my local music school Monday through Friday. However, I do wish I had known more before being dunked into that sea of responsibility. I have to hand it to all the elementary and middle school teachers out there; I don't think I could spend an entire year with the same hyperactive monkeys every day.
The first and by far most important thing to do when taking care of children is to have a plan. Sure, being the spontaneous and fun teacher is cool at first, but it gets boring fast. The kids are expecting a planned out schedule and for the teacher to take charge. On my second day, I had thought up some activities, and ended up asking the kids if they wanted to play the popular "Duck Duck Goose." Guess what they said. "I don't want to!" "That's boring!" And all my authority flew out the window. As an adult, you are placed in a difficult position as the figure of authority, which brings me to my next point.
Kids will likely challenge your decisions. Unless you are blessed with a group of perfect little angels, this is the most likely scenario. There will always be an instigator that is egged on by the opinions of other people in the group (as seen in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest), and this child will continue to misbehave as long as there are other children to watch. Surprisingly, however, once all the other children have left or been taken home by their parents, the instigator becomes a sweet and obedient lamb. This situation can be solved by making the child your "special helper" for the day in order to make gaining your favor an easy task, and help the child prioritize your opinion over that of the others. In my situation, this kid was in the middle of the age group, and became very kind the moment we were alone. He transformed in a witty and thoughtful person, and asked if I would make origami with him. Earlier all he wanted to do was run around and bang on the drums!
Where there are younger and older children placed together in a room, there will always be conflict and most likely crying. Before scolding or reasoning with an upset child, always make sure to soothe them first. If they are crying or not speaking to you, nothing will be resolved. Take the crying child aside from the group, and talk to them in a calm, hushed manner. Let them choose alternative activities like crafts or a hand game so that they feel more in control. During my week, the two youngest children were usually the ones crying and being upset by the older ones. Their faces turned red, and their mouths thinned out-- not a pretty sight. But it is important to deal with this since they see that you are there to take care of them no matter what.
Kids can and will get physical. Whether it's in a game, or they are simply upset, children will punch you in places you would rather they wouldn't. Usually, this is because of anger or teasing. It is important to let them know that this is not okay, and it makes you upset. However, if the child is teasing and testing you in front the others simply for the sake of doing so, then they must be taken aside and talked to. For me, this happened with multiple kids, and especially the instigator. He would often put his hands on my behind, and push me while laughing. Because I assumed that it was just a joke, I did not stop it at the source, and the testing continued throughout my week at work. So, my fellow teenage babysitters, take this advice: don't let them get away with it! It is serious, inappropriate, and will not be tolerated. Remember to be kind, but firm.
And that concludes the things I wish I had known before I'd started working with my devilish little angels. Be sure to do your research before taking on the responsibility that is babysitting or teaching camps, and make sure you know what you're getting into. Stay calm, stay safe, and remember there is always a silver lining!
