Teachers have feelings too

Today I was placed on a "highly recommended" mental health day because of a situation I was placed in last week that I hope to never encounter again in my entire time remaining in this career.  I won't go into details because it's unneccessary, but if you're an E.C.E and reading this, think of some horrible, insulting times you've been placed in - and compile that into one day.  You feel like shit and want to quit your job..well, that was me; enough to scare my employer that resulted in a day off and a gift certificate for a manicure and pedicure.

Like any job, you encounter your bad days just as much as you do with your good ones.  Typically in this field, every child care worker can tell you that it's not so much the kids that are the problem, it's the parents.  And time and time again, us child care workers learn this and are proved right.  For me and my experience last week, I finally had a set of parents who drew the line and it almost pushed me to quit my job.  Not because I don't have a solid support system from the school itself, but because of how I was left feeling after a conversation with a parent who chooses not to take responsibility for their child's and own actions.

Despite the tears and emotional rollercoasters you go through, a person who chooses to work with children also knows they are choosing to work with their parents and what it entails and I will tell you, it's not all lollipops and flowers.  We know what has and will be thrown at us; we have been called every name in the book, we have been told we don't know what we're doing or saying because some of us may not have children of our own and "have no idea what it's like".  We have been lied to, disrespected, and ignored.  We have been thrown up on, name called, and told "I don't like you anymore!".  Some of us are labelled as "glorified babysitters"; we get looked down upon because that's all they see childcare or any form of it as babysitting.  We don't have the best salaries or even benefit packages - sometimes none at all.  We change poopy diapers, clothing that's been peed in, and wipe snotty noses.  We do alot of things people will hire nannies for.  And yes, depending on the situation, it can feel degrading. 

However..

We have been told we're fun because we like to play and listen to them.  We get hugs good-bye at the end of the day because we actually spend time with them.  We keep good secrets and bad secrets.  We wipe away the tears, give a little tender loving care, and send them back on their way.  We are their friend who they can always rely on, even if we're over the age of five.  We smile, do a happy-dance, or give a high-five when a child has learned a new skill and it's all because we taught it to them.  We are their advocate when they need us most.  And we know we are appreciated when we receive ample amounts of Christmas Starbuck gift cards, Valentines, and 'Thank You' cards with bouquets in June.  We get compliments that pertain to 'knowing what you're doing' and being speechless when asked "how did you get them to clean-up?".  There are individuals who respect us and what we choose for a living.  We get told "Thank You" by those who we want to hear it from most.

It's all those things that will determine a good day from a bad day.

Remember ladies, and gents, who work as a childcare worker, preschool teacher, nanny, babysitter, or any other kid-based paid position: YOU are good at what you do.  YOU know what you're talking about.  YOU are who they depend on.  YOU will be remembered.  YOU do make a difference.  YOU were meant to do this job.