Q&A: Working with Children
One of the number one questions I get asked is, "what's it like working with children?". Well... it's rewarding, stressful, inspiring, annoying, and everything in between lol. But most of all, it's a blessing. I decided to do a Q&A to hopefully give some insight on what it's like working with the little ones. If you work with children feel free to answer some of these with your own experiences in the comments below!
What's the best thing about working with children? I feel like this is such a big question because there's so many great things about working with them. For me, I love watching children grow up and come into their personalities. I enjoy the things they say because the words of a child can make you laugh, can make you cry, and can teach you some of the most important things in life. Children really do have this innocence about them and it's a joy to be around in a world full of chaos.
What's the hardest thing about working with children? I really don't like being in situations where you know a child is going through a circumstance that you can't change to make them happy (ex: parents divorcing, custody battles, etc). Usually, it has something to do with their home situation that you can't control. In these cases, as someone in their life, you try to make the time you have with them as enjoyable as possible. Personally, I struggle with trying to be the “superhero” in a child’s life and feeling like I have failed them or failed myself. Trying to remember that I can’t do everything is challenging sometimes.
How did you get into family services? I used to babysit for family and friends when I was a teenager and once I got to college, I actually didn't intend on working with children at all - I wanted to be a nurse. I started taking early childhood education classes and I found them to be really interesting so I ended up switching my major to family studies. After working a few random jobs, I was asked to apply to a childcare program that I used to attend when I was younger. By then, I figured it would be a good baby step for me to see if I wanted to work with kids. Through that job and several family/child related classes, I realized more and more that I wanted to work with children.
Have you ever had to report to CPS? Personally, I have not had to report anything that I saw or heard about from a child directly but I have assisted other people in reporting different situations. I've seen reports on neglect and physical abuse the most, unfortunately.
Was there a time where a client/child/parent tried to mix personal with professional and how did you handle it? I had an internship where I tutored elementary students who struggled with reading/language arts and I had a student who would ask me a lot of personal questions during our sessions. It was uncomfortable because she kept saying she wanted me to be her sister but I would politely remind her that I'm just her tutor and our focus is to help her with reading, and I would redirect her to our activity. I've had parents offer to pay me under the table for tutoring at my job or do random jobs for them on the side and I respectfully decline and let them know we aren't allowed to accept payment like that. I had one parent ask me if I had kids and when I said no, he asked if I'd be interested in being a stepmom... sometimes you just have to decline and move on lol.
Are there any kids that have left your program that you still keep in touch with? Yes!! I have a few kids that I still keep in contact with and there a handful of families who I have known for years that I will baby/house sit for from time to time. It's the best thing when parents trust you with their children and want you to be apart of their lives for years to come.
Any advice you would give to those who are thinking about working with children? Be patient and have fun! Understand that you may feel overwhelmed or underappreciated sometimes, but it’s (in my opinion) one of the best jobs out there. Remember that you will have several opportunities to change or impact little lives, but don’t feel defeated if you come across something challenging or if you feel like you’ve failed at something. Teach the children, but let them teach you too. Have fun, have fun, have fun!
I hope this was helpful… if you have other questions please leave me a comment or send me an email! (: There are so many ways to work with children and/or families and the benefits far outweigh the challenges. Whether you’re a teacher, a social worker, a counselor, childcare provider, whatever you are, know that you make a difference and you’re appreciated!
“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from Him.” Psalm 127:3 NIV
All My Love,
Tyler