Working with children can be pretty hectic at times, but it can also be a great learning experience. Kids know how to create something out of nothing and they know how to have fun with little going on! Everyone was once a child and remembers how it felt to be free without the adulthood stress. Here are a few pros and cons I deal with while working with children.
Pros
1. Working with children allows you to express your inner "kid."
Working with children allows adults to remember how to have fun and express their inner child. It is okay to be extremely silly; no one will judge you!
2. You get to enjoy children's company.
Not every child needs to be yelled at all the time. Simply sitting around children and talking to them, or even just listening to them, can be entertaining because children make the best comments ever.
3. You have the ability to learn from them.
Personally, I have learned quite a few things about myself from working with children. They can be teachers without even trying to be. Dealing with children is the best way to learn patience, in my opinion.
4. You have the opportunity to expand your circle of friends.
Working with children enables you to meet a lot of people. Depending on how many children you work with, you can meet dozens of parents, grandparents, etc. Not every parent you meet will be strictly professional. Meeting so many parents and family members of the children allows for possible friendship opportunities.
Cons
1. Parents can be a bit paranoid.
Children can be unpredictable and unsafe, so you never know what they will do next. Numerous things can happen with children in your presence. Situations beyond your control might anger parents. This can put people on edge.
2. Children who aren't forced to listen at home won't listen to you
There are always those parents who let their children talk to them as if they were the actual kid. If the parents can't force their own child to listen most likely you won't be able to get them to cooperate at work.
3. More likely to get sick.
Children are germy, especially the younger ones. I know since I have worked with children I have gotten sick more times than usual.
4. Discipline is limited due to school or program rules.
I'm not saying that physical discipline is always the best way to go, but sometimes there are kids who need a good, old-fashioned butt-whooping. Just know their parents will flip if they found out you hit their child without their permission. Plus you'd most likely get fired.
