I started working at a daycare when I was a junior in high school because I thought I wanted to be a teacher when I grew up.
Well fast forward three years later and I am now a Public Relations major and give so much credit to anyone that would want to be a teacher.
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After working at a daycare I quickly learned that I did not want to do this every day of my life. Although I did love all the kids I worked with I just could not see myself as a teacher.
In addition to learning about my future I have learned some very valuable life lessons. So here are 11 things I have learned while working in a daycare.
1. The crunching of a cheerio is the worst sound in the world.
Sometimes kids don’t have snack so we give them cheerios, and sometimes those cheerios make their way to the floor. When I hear the crack of cheerios under my feet I cant help but sigh because I know I'm going to have to find a way without using a vacuum to clean up those little tidbits.
2. The smallest things to you can mean the world to a kid.
On multiple occasions a kid has come running up to me to say someone took a crayon from them, and yeah it is easy to just brush it off and say go get a new one, but sometimes those little things can change a kids whole day.
3. Always make sure there are wipes before you change a diaper.
The amount of times that I’ve realized I don’t have enough wipe to clean up an explosion of a dirty diaper is actually embarrassing and has left me to call to one of the other teachers hoping someone hears me down the hall.
4. Kids are brutally hones; don’t take it personally.
“Miss Katelin, what is that on your face?” is a question I have gotten in regards to my acne on many occasions. Sure it hurts a little bit that its noticeable but the kids are genuinely being curious, they don’t know what acne and pimples are! They’re five! So my response is “Oh they’re just little boo-boos don’t worry.” And they ask if I can put a Band-Aid on them and the conversation slowly ends. Kids don’t have filters so in their head they’re just trying to get answers not make you feel bad.
5. Kids are the best listeners.
Whenever I walk the kids around in the huge six kid stroller we have also referred to as the “baby buggy” I talk and talk and talk because one, they is no one else to talk to and two, kids really listen and they don’t try and give you’re their opinion so you can just work it out for yourself or if they can talk and understand, they give the most hilarious responses.
6. Little Bunny Foo Foo will never be forgotten.
Any children’s song will never ever be forgotten. Ever.
7. Coloring is the best invention ever.
It keeps the kids quiet for a long period of time and lets me sit down and relax for .2 seconds before I have to take a kid to the bathroom.
8. So is going outside.
This is where all their energy gets released so the best time of the day is when they get to go outside. And if it’s cold or has been raining, it is obvious that the kids are so cooped up from being inside.
9. Santa is your best friend during Christmas time.
Even if the kids don’t celebrate Christmas, they know who Santa is, so pulling the Santa card is a great way to get the kids to listen to me.
Always ask for help if you need it.
These are real life human beings and their lives are in my hands, so if I don’t know something I ask because I'm not trying to be the one who give someone the wrong bottle or whatnot.
11. Sometimes kids are the best teachers.
I have learned so much from kids that are between the ages of 3 months old and 5 years old, so no matter the age, there are always lessons to be learned.
