7 Things I Have Learned As A Child-Care Provider | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

7 Things I Have Learned As A Child-Care Provider

Because #1's and #2's are my life

34
7 Things I Have Learned As A Child-Care Provider
Acid Cow

Oh toddlers, babies and children. The countless crying and screaming sessions. The numerous diapers I have had to change. I hope, with all of my heart, that my fellow daycare workers out there relate to this list.

1. Scoping the room for possible poopy diapers has become a way of life for me. I will find the diaper and it will be changed ASAP.

Ever since I began working in a child care facility, I feel like my spidey-sense, (aka my poopy-diaper-sense) tingles every time I catch a whiff of something horrid. It is my responsibility to make sure when their parent arrives, they have not been walking around with a number two coming out the sides of their onesies. Gross.

2. I am used to coming home after a long day at work with questionable stains on my shirt.

From holding drooling babies to snotty-nosed cries on my shoulder, I have learned to just let it be. Not once have I came home from work without a white crust on my shoulder. I could have gotten to the tissues sooner, but when you're hawk-eyeing the room full of toddlers with a snotty baby in your hand, sometimes you just don't have the time. I need to invest in some stain-proof clothing.


3. Becoming friends with coworkers is KEY.

You need a shift covered? BAM, your new friend/coworker will gladly take it. I think getting along with your coworkers is incredibly important step in creating a bonded-work environment. A parent does not want to drop their kid off in a hostile work environment. Now, lets get in a circle and sing Kumbaya.


4. Listen to the parents.

I have endured countless helicopter parents in my time working in childcare. If a parent lets you know that they have trouble getting along with other kids, you don't place that child in the mix of toddlers fighting over trains. Along with that, it is important to make sure you are clear on what the child is allergic to, nap patterns, feeding patterns, etc. Our mission is to provide the best service for the kids and parents possible. No, the moms dropping off their child are not crazy, they just want the safest experience for their child.



5. Sanitize everything

I will never forget my first week of working in child watch, it was incredibly hectic. But of course, I ended up with a cold after my last shift of the week. Keeping my health up is so incredibly important while working around kids. And we all know kids are the best at stirring up germs. Hand Sanitizer, aka "Magic Soap," has become my best friend. And making sure every toy, table, seat and chair is clean by the end of the day is crucial to maintaining a safe environment not only for the kids, but for the staff.


6. TFW a parent loves you

When you've been working in childcare for a while, you start to bond with the parents of the kids you are watching. I have fallen in love with almost every baby/toddler/kid I have watched. I think that it shows when I get a little depressed when their parents come to get them. The best feeling in the world, however, is when a parent tells you that their child constantly talks about you once they leave. Making an impact on these little ones is my favorite thing in the absolute world.


7. You wouldn't choose any other job.

Being an early childhood education major, I have grown to love kids. Being surrounded with them everyday, however, is something that has made me grow as a person. I love the kids, the parents and the amazing coworkers I get to have fun with every single day. I would take endless poopy diapers over a desk job any day.

Attribution for Gifs: Giphy.com

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
people  in library
Photo by redcharlie on Unsplash

College involves a whirlwind of emotions, whether it’s from the stress of an assignment (or twenty), or from fighting with your roommate. It can be overwhelming at times and it’s important to take a step a back and calmly think things over. Maybe gain some perspective. The following aren’t foolproof tips and may not apply to you, but I was able to find success with them (hope you do too!)

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

How The Holidays Have Changed

It all started when we learned the truth about Santa.

2186
best wishes for Christmas
Pinterest

It is no secret that many American traditions have changed over time. As we grow older we change in so many ways that it only makes sense that we also change the way we celebrate special occasions. Of course when it comes to the holidays there are some family traditions that many of us still excitedly look forward to, whether it is eating your favorite dish or seeing favorite cousin. However, we all know that the holidays have overall changed a little from what they used to be.

Keep Reading...Show less
theatre cast

Everyone who has done musicals knows that once you go there you can never go back. It's like a virus. It never leaves and you find yourself attracted to all types of theater things. You're drawn to it like a moth to a flame. There are certain things you know to be true, whether you did a musical once or have done them your entire life.

Keep Reading...Show less
couple winter
Pexels

When you come home over Christmas break, it's hard to find fun in your hometown. During the winter, it's hard to find the motivation to go out and find things to do. However, there are plenty of fun things to do in almost any town, and there are tons of fun date ideas that aren't taken advantage of. Here are nine fun winter dates to go on.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

25 Things To Do In The 25 Days Leading Up To Christmas

The best holiday deserves an entire month of celebrating.

4330
Christmas Socks  Fireplace
Wesley Tingey

Christmas is arguably one of the most popular holidays of the year. Whether you think Christmas celebrations should be strictly reserved for December, or you're setting up your tree and lights on November 1st, Christmas time is the best time. Filling an entire month with Christmas activities seems like it could be impossible, but I am here to fix that for you. Here are twenty-five of the best things to do in the twenty-five days leading up to Christmas.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments