Day care, camp, summer programs, after school programs, life guards. All of these things have a major connection, they all work with kids in some way. I have been working at an after school/ summer program for the last 2 years and in my time I have learned many things from working with kids. Here is what I have learned.
1. Patience
I have learned to have more patience with others because children are not the quickest to do things so you might have to wait a little bit for them to pick up or to grab there lunch from their book bag. The younger the kids, the more patience you need to have for them because they know less than the older ones. I usually have a lot of patience when it comes to the kids, unless I haven't had my coffee but they know not to test me until they see an empty cup.
2. Watching your language
While working with kids I have learned to watch what I say because all of the children are very impressionable. Saying the wrong thing could be repeated by the kids and you really don't want parents to ask you why their kids are using inappropriate language. I have also learned what not to tell the older kids because they will exploit it. DO NOT tell them what you are afraid of cause they will make fun of you and use that information against you.
3. Crafts
All kids do are make when they aren't playing around is make something. These last two summers have been filled with loom bands. All they do with these tiny rubber bands is make bracelets or random charms. Of course if the kids are doing it then you might as well know it too so I have learned how to make the most basic bracelet so I can make it through the day. I can't say these kids don't teach us anything because now I can make a mean loom bracelet.
4. How to Control our Emotions
When working with kids you can't show too much of your emotions because you don't want it affecting their day. Due to the fact that they are so impressionable, if you can't keep your emotions in check than they will think that that is acceptable and will start doing it too. We also teach them how to relax and keep their emotions steady. When they get angry they take deep breathes and we do the same thing.
5. How to Have Fun!
When working with kids you have to tap into your inner child in order to actually connect with them. This includes talking in silly voices, acting like a fool and pretending to be weirder than normal so they can have a good time. You really learn how to have fun when working with children because you always wanna make sure they are having a fun time. There is never a dull moment when you are making a child smile.
There are so many more things I have learned from working with kids but I don't wanna go on for pages and pages about this stuff. I love working with kids and everyone else who works with them can hopefully say the same!
