Working with children can be rewarding in a multitude of ways. There is something about making a child smile that can brighten your day. Regular interaction with children can keep you in touch with today’s generation. Plus, the cares of the world just seem to drift away when you are in the presence of young minds. I have found this to be true in any industry, as children make great entertainment!
Places to interact with children
When I worked in a children’s toy store, there was never a dull moment with the many children who walked through the door. Some were too cute for words, others would have you in stitches with their antics. Certainly it was always a joy to see their excitement in finding just the right toy for themselves or for a friend’s birthday party. I learned a lot about how kids think, from talking with them, and seeing them play with the many toys on display.
Working in a school is another area that enabled me to help shape young lives as they climb the ladder of education. Assisting in a classroom can draw upon your strengths in communication, listening, and instruction. Shelving books in a school library can give you the chance to share your favorite books with children who love the same genres you did at their ages. The discussions I had with children regarding their favorite books and mine proved instrumental in their desire to read for themselves.
Other places that compassionate and invigorous personalities are encouraged to apply in dealing with children include children-oriented retailers, child-care facilities, amusement parks, medical offices and hospitals, family and social services offices, or even museums. While such places might not always pay a lot, the job satisfaction is irreplaceable. You don’t have to be a professional to make a difference to a child, either. Janitors, clerks, bus drivers, and receptionists can interact with children in similar fashion as do doctors, social workers, or teachers. The great thing about children is that they are not partial - they are accepting as well as honest.
It’s all in the personality
Long before I ever became a mom, babysitting was my passion. While most of my peers were out on dates and hanging out with friends, I chose to earn some extra money through watching the children in the neighborhood. I developed long-lasting friendships with many of the parents and the children as they grew up, learned a lot about myself, and developed an empathetic nature and the ability to think clearly in an emergency. As an adult, I eventually turned to other fields that didn’t directly involve children. But when I became a parent, I felt inclined to surround myself with children again. There are days when I want to be only around grown-ups, but that’s normal. We all have our moments.
As much as I advocate working with children, not everyone is cut out for that endeavor. I realize there are personality types that are nervous or shy around children, or who don’t have the patience to do so. I respect that - but keep in mind that no matter who you are, you will cross paths with children at some point in your life. And when you do, there’s no reason why you cannot be kind to them - it might even make you feel better about yourself. So the next time you’re on the street, on a bus, or at work, make eye contact with a child today and smile, wave, or strike up a conversation. But do everyone a favor and don’t force yourself to be around children, either. If you’re uncomfortable, it makes everyone else miserable. If you are in a child-related industry just for the money, but your heart isn’t in it, it will show. And chances are, if you have a hard time tolerating children, adults also might find it difficult to handle you.
