I think it's safe to say that anyone who has had the experience of working with kids knows it makes you love them and want to strangle them all at the same time.
Whether you're a camp counselor, a Sunday School teacher, an avid babysitter, a nanny or just love spending time with your younger cousins, you understand the lessons those little buggers teach you about childhood, growing up, patience and love.
For as long as I can remember, I've loved being surrounded by kids. I started watching them when I was around 13 years old, even if it was just being a mother's helper for the mom across the street or being in charge of my younger brother. I never had a problem keeping kids entertained.
From lots of babysitting jobs came the opportunity to be a Sunday School teacher and the Children's Music Leader at my church. I'm also lucky enough to have earned a job in my college town being a teaching assistant and tutor in a second grade class.
And I can honestly say it has been one of the most testing, but rewarding, experiences of my life.
There are a few things I have learned from working with kids. Some things I've discovered about myself, but others have made me understand how important it is to be a positive presence in the lives of the crazy little ones.
1. Kids aren't always going to listen to you, and that's OK.
Kids are stubborn as hell, and the majority of the time what you tell them is going to go in one ear and out the other. But, if they choose not to listen to you, it's OK. Because they'll just have to learn some lessons you're trying to teach them on their own. One day they'll thank you for teaching them, even if they don't hear it the first time.
2. Kids will test your patience.
They're just plain nuts. They'll fight with you, probably throw fits, talk while you're talking, lay on the floor. You name it, we've most likely had to deal with it. But, remember that we acted just the same when we were that age. It's part of being a kid. So regardless of how many headaches you get by the end of the day, keep your patience.
3. Kids will bring you some of your greatest joys.
At least for me, seeing a kid smile or laugh brings me so much joy. I love when I teach them something that clicks with them or when they enjoy what I'm doing to keep them entertained. Making them happy makes me happy.
4. Kids will make you feel like a superhero.
If you're a constant figure in a kid's life, they're going to look up to you. They want to look like you, be like you, act like you and talk like you. You have to be a good role model because they're watching your every move. It will make you feel like you're on top of the world knowing you're the person a little girl or boy in your class or who you're babysitting wants to be.
5. Kids need you.
Structured love is so important during childhood. Kids have to be taught most everything that will carry them through their lives, and we're the ones responsible for leading them down the right path. From the moment they're born, they need guidance. Kids come to adults for everything, especially the ones they look up to. They need you. Be there for them.
