10 Things I've Learned From Working With Children
Start writing a post
Adulting

10 Things I've Learned From Working With Children

They may not even know how to read or write, but the life lessons children can teach you are immeasurable.

56
10 Things I've Learned From Working With Children

Children offer a unique perspective that us old people won't ever be able to see. They rely solely on what they see and hear and make a simple conclusion based on it. They show us what's important in our lives without all the social pressures and noises us adults are exposed to.

1. Live unapologetically. 

Children, especially infants, have needs that only a caregiver can provide. Although adults eventually learn to handle their own basic survival needs, we still rely on others for help, and that's OK. We should stop feeling bad when we expect more from people. We need to stop apologizing over our mistakes. Life is a series of lessons that we will never live long enough to master.

2. Make the not-so fun parts of life fun.

Unsplash

Clean up time just downright sucks. Who wants to put away all those Legos you just spent hours constructing? Not me! So instead, let's sing a song about cleaning up and make it a game. We can learn from this. Maybe we REALLY don't feel like going to work. Maybe the gym just totally drains us, but we know it's good for us. So make it fun! Smile through it. Laugh at yourself. Find a way to enjoy it.

3. Take naps.

You know you want to. Don't feel bad about letting yourself sleep a little extra.

4. Forgive.

Unsplash

Have you ever seen a kid throw a Satanic-like tantrum when another kiddo steals their toy train? Not cute. About two minutes later, though, they are the best of friends. Learn from the kid, get over it!

Ask questions.

Have you ever been in the situation where you want to know the answer to something but you're afraid the question will look stupid or obvious? Same here. If only we could hide behind the vail of innocent child, huh.

Not everything is in black and white.

Teaching children can sometimes be difficult because explanations are not always as easy as they can understand. For example, I was trying to explain to the kids that they cannot walk in the street no matter what. Then, a biker cycled beside us and they asked why bikes were allowed in the road. Try to explain to a child that there are certain things adults do that they can't, they don't get it. They're FIVE for Pete's sake, they are mature now!

7. Life is worth getting excited over.

One of the greatest joys of being surrounded by children is the excitement they get over the simplest things. A 3-year-old boy was literally shaking when the firetrucks came to visit one afternoon. Let yourself experience excitement in its rawest, most innocent form.

8. Ice cream really IS that good.

Treat yourself some times! You know for sure that you want a second helping of the chocolate fudge ripple, so just get some.

9. Let learning excite you.

Unsplash

Some people have a fear that if they begin the journey of learning something completely new, they will fail or seem stupid. Not little kids! They ask what they are curious about and practice their little butts off.

10. Allow yourself to make wholesome, f-ed up mistakes.

I'm not talking about tripping up the stairs or butchering the pronunciation of a word. I'm talking an epic fail. Let yourself try something brand new like that Bodypump class and drop a weight loudly on the floor. Try and try until you learn!

Report this Content
Featured

Did NYC's CUNY student give 'hate-filled' commencement speech against Jews?

Fatima Mohammed, a law student, is accused of demonizing Israel. Others say she used her right of free speech and college should a secular space to discuss these issues

1077
Did NYC's CUNY student give 'hate-filled' commencement speech against Jews?

City University of New York and its law school came under scrutiny for a commencement ceremony that featured a keynote speech seen as discriminatory against Jews. The school system, better known as CUNY, released a statement condemning the remarks as “hate speech” following a widespread outcry and calls for the college to speak out.

Keep Reading...Show less
To Boldly Go Where No Man Has Gone Before...

One of the things that I love most is space. I am a HUGE space nerd. Literally ask any of my friends. I was first introduced to space when my dad dragged me to see Star Trek. Since walking out of that movie theater in 6th grade, becoming an astronaut hasn't been just some wild dream that could come true.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

The Stories Behind Scars

Some tales of tribulation with permanent impressions.

2215
The Stories Behind Scars
fanpop

Everybody has scars. Usually these marks carry a negative connotation because they mark up skin that was once smooth.

Keep Reading...Show less
writing
Green Chameleon

Welcome to June on Odyssey! Our creators have a fresh batch of articles to inspire you as you take a break from campus life. Here are the top three response articles of last week:

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

No Boyfriend, No Problem

Why it is okay to not be in a relationship when you are 19

3356
No Boyfriend, No Problem
Blakeley Addis

I think that as a 19 year old girl that is in college, we often get caught up in the idea of being in a relationship.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments