Working with children is definitely not for everyone. Some people love it, while other people simply can’t handle it. I always knew that I wanted to work with children growing up, and I wouldn’t want to have any other job. For those of you brave enough to spend your days teaching and looking after children, you know that the sacrifice you make is worth it. I believe that working with children gives you a better outlook on life by understanding their little perspectives on life and love.
Working with children is definitely entertaining and there is never a dull moment. I have learned many life lessons from the kids that I have the pleasure to work with.
Kids are brutally honest.
They don’t know any better other than just telling you the truth. If you look tired, or if you make them mad or if that shirt doesn’t look good on you they will make sure that you know.
Kids have an ‘external battery.’
They seem to always recharge before nap time. Whether it means having to go to bed earlier or having an extra cup of coffee, you need to do whatever it takes to keep up with the kids because they always just keep on going!
Patience is a virtue.
I have learned the true meaning of patience from working with kids. Patience is a constant self-discipline, but once you begin to master it, life is much more enjoyable.
To always have a smile on your face.
Everyone has bad days -- remember that that 3-year old needs you. When that 3-year old is screaming in your ear, instead of freaking out, you need to keep on smiling. You’re a huge influence on that child’s life; if you’re sad, he/she is also sad.
Discipline.
I don’t mean the kids when I say this. Being around little kids all day can really test your self-control. You learn to hold it together, no matter how crazy the situation can get.
To try new things.
Whether it’s trying a new vegetable, a new game or sleeping in a different spot, children are not afraid to try something new. As adults, we fear the unknown. We have to be able to try new things -- for all we know, we could end up loving it!
To forgive.
Kids get upset and cry at least a dozen times a day. However, they forgive and forget and make things whole again that have been broken. Adults seem to hold grudges, which really just end up hurting us; it's much better to follow that 2 year old and to forgive and forget.
Creativity.
You will realize that not everything works the same for each kid. Sometimes you have to go outside the box and think of interesting ways to relate to each child.
Positive thinking.
Kids respond best to enthusiastic and positive people who are patient with them. When helping kids overcome a problem, you’re teaching them to look at the brighter side of things. Positive thinking is important in all parts of life!
To laugh often.
Children see silliness everywhere! A child can find humor almost anywhere about anything, and they have the ability to find the good and joy in everything. “A day without laughter is a day wasted.”
To notice the little things.
They say that it’s the little things that count, and I think that’s completely true. Children always notice the little things, whether it’s how many legs a spider has or if there’s an extra chair at the table. The world could be a much more beautiful place if we start enjoying the little things.
Don’t sweat the small stuff.
I can’t even count the number of times a day I see a child fall and scrape their knee or trip over themselves. They usually cry, but they just as quickly get up and get right back to playing. Sometimes it’s hard for us to get right back up again. As adults, we have to remember that life is a roller coaster ride and, when we hit a bumpy hill, we should be able to get right back up again.
To love unconditionally.
Nothing is better than receiving a hug from a child and hearing them say that they love you and that you’re the best. They have taught me that, no matter how many times they do something wrong or don’t listen and I have to put them in time out or speak to them, that they will love me and I will love them. Their love seems to never run out, and neither does mine.
Children always seem to look on the brighter side of life. Somehow, we lose that perspective as we move through life. I can’t imagine not working with the kids that I do. The kids I look after and teach mean the world to me. Sometimes, I wonder -- am I the one teaching them, or are they the ones teaching me?
