4 answers
Nichole
Student
Cherry Tree, Pennsylvania
2
Questions
Asked
436 views
How does working with kids affect people long term ?
I have been looking into child psychiatry.
4 answers
Michelle M.
Actress
2239
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Nichole !
Working with children in a Psychiatric capacity is not an experience that can be generalized. Each professional has their own life and their own reason for why they went into child psychiatry and for most, it is a calling and they can't see doing anything other because they love the work that much. It will not be useful to pre-guess how your experience would be and there are more effective ways to gain the experience that would shed light on your capacity to be a child psychologist. Instead of wondering about other people's experiences, you can focus on your own abilities to possibly go into this field of work.
Something that you may not know right now is that it is customary for students undertaking a major for psychology (and even social work) or psychiatry actually go for therapy to explore themselves. Being on the receiving end for therapy gives the student insight and also is therapeutic for their own things they need to explore for their own life. Many have said that this has helped them greatly for the future career. Just being on the receiving end taught them many things.
There is a certain amount of vicarious trauma in this field which you will learn about when you are a student for it. You will have a support system all through your academics and career, so there will be many ways you will learn to cope with those times when it seems like you're having a bad day. Everyone is different and deals with it in their own way and so will you.
For now, you can begin testing yourself, your capacity and if this career is for you, by doing volunteer work around a social or community service or a mental health clinic or at a cognitive testing center. It's not a "long run" effect, rather a day by day ability to be professional and having the ability to separate work from your personal life. It's okay to feel empathy and even sadness sometimes, but as a professional in this field, you will know just how to gauge these feelings.
I hope this is something to consider and think about and I wish you all the best !
Working with children in a Psychiatric capacity is not an experience that can be generalized. Each professional has their own life and their own reason for why they went into child psychiatry and for most, it is a calling and they can't see doing anything other because they love the work that much. It will not be useful to pre-guess how your experience would be and there are more effective ways to gain the experience that would shed light on your capacity to be a child psychologist. Instead of wondering about other people's experiences, you can focus on your own abilities to possibly go into this field of work.
Something that you may not know right now is that it is customary for students undertaking a major for psychology (and even social work) or psychiatry actually go for therapy to explore themselves. Being on the receiving end for therapy gives the student insight and also is therapeutic for their own things they need to explore for their own life. Many have said that this has helped them greatly for the future career. Just being on the receiving end taught them many things.
There is a certain amount of vicarious trauma in this field which you will learn about when you are a student for it. You will have a support system all through your academics and career, so there will be many ways you will learn to cope with those times when it seems like you're having a bad day. Everyone is different and deals with it in their own way and so will you.
For now, you can begin testing yourself, your capacity and if this career is for you, by doing volunteer work around a social or community service or a mental health clinic or at a cognitive testing center. It's not a "long run" effect, rather a day by day ability to be professional and having the ability to separate work from your personal life. It's okay to feel empathy and even sadness sometimes, but as a professional in this field, you will know just how to gauge these feelings.
I hope this is something to consider and think about and I wish you all the best !
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian-Nutritionist & Software Developer since 1972 🡆 Optimization Of Human Performance
7220
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Good Day Nichole!
How Working with Kids Affects People Long Term
Working with children can have profound long-term effects on individuals, both personally and professionally. This influence can manifest in various ways, including emotional, psychological, and social dimensions. Below is a detailed exploration of these impacts.
1. Emotional Development and Empathy
Engaging with children often fosters greater emotional intelligence in adults. Professionals who work with kids, such as teachers, child psychiatrists, or childcare workers, frequently develop heightened empathy and understanding of emotional cues. This is due to the necessity of interpreting children’s needs and feelings accurately. Research indicates that those who work closely with children tend to become more attuned to their own emotions as well as those of others (Goleman, 1995). Over time, this enhanced emotional awareness can lead to improved interpersonal relationships and better conflict resolution skills.
2. Psychological Resilience
Working with children can also build psychological resilience in adults. The challenges faced while interacting with children—such as managing behavioral issues or navigating developmental milestones—can enhance problem-solving skills and adaptability. According to studies published in journals like the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, professionals who regularly engage with children often develop coping strategies that help them deal with stress more effectively (Kendall et al., 2010). This resilience can translate into other areas of life, allowing individuals to handle personal challenges more adeptly.
3. Career Satisfaction and Professional Growth
Individuals working in child-focused careers often report high levels of job satisfaction due to the rewarding nature of their work. Helping children learn, grow, and overcome difficulties can provide a strong sense of purpose (Hakanen et al., 2006). This fulfillment may lead to long-term career commitment and professional development opportunities within the field of child psychiatry or education.
Moreover, exposure to diverse family backgrounds and socio-economic situations allows professionals to gain insights into societal issues affecting children’s mental health. This knowledge can inspire further education or specialization within their careers.
4. Social Connections and Community Engagement
Professionals working with children often become integral parts of their communities. They build networks not only among colleagues but also with families and other stakeholders involved in child development (Berk & Meyers, 2016). These connections foster a sense of belonging and community engagement that can last throughout one’s life.
Additionally, involvement in community programs aimed at supporting children’s welfare can lead to advocacy roles for systemic changes that benefit youth populations. Such engagement enhances social responsibility among professionals.
5. Lifelong Learning
The field of child psychology is constantly evolving due to ongoing research about childhood development and mental health interventions. Professionals are thus required to engage in lifelong learning through continuing education courses or workshops (American Psychological Association). This commitment not only keeps them updated on best practices but also encourages a growth mindset that benefits all aspects of their lives.
In summary, working with kids has multifaceted long-term effects on individuals that include enhanced emotional intelligence, increased psychological resilience, career satisfaction, strengthened social connections, and a commitment to lifelong learning.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
1. Goleman D., Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ
This book discusses the importance of emotional intelligence in personal and professional success, providing foundational insights into how working closely with others—especially vulnerable populations like children—can enhance empathy.
2. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry
A leading journal that publishes research on child psychology; it includes studies on resilience building through interactions between adults and children.
3. American Psychological Association
The APA provides resources on best practices for professionals working in psychology fields including guidelines for continued education which underscores the importance of staying informed about developments related to child mental health.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
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|============GOD BLESS YOU, RICHLY ~ SIMPLY BECAUSE GOD CAN!=============|
|==James Constantine Frangos ~ "THE LITTLE OLD AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK DIETITIAN"==|
|==Increasing Your Capacities By Programming For Your Nutrition Education ~ Since 1972!==|
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
How Working with Kids Affects People Long Term
Working with children can have profound long-term effects on individuals, both personally and professionally. This influence can manifest in various ways, including emotional, psychological, and social dimensions. Below is a detailed exploration of these impacts.
1. Emotional Development and Empathy
Engaging with children often fosters greater emotional intelligence in adults. Professionals who work with kids, such as teachers, child psychiatrists, or childcare workers, frequently develop heightened empathy and understanding of emotional cues. This is due to the necessity of interpreting children’s needs and feelings accurately. Research indicates that those who work closely with children tend to become more attuned to their own emotions as well as those of others (Goleman, 1995). Over time, this enhanced emotional awareness can lead to improved interpersonal relationships and better conflict resolution skills.
2. Psychological Resilience
Working with children can also build psychological resilience in adults. The challenges faced while interacting with children—such as managing behavioral issues or navigating developmental milestones—can enhance problem-solving skills and adaptability. According to studies published in journals like the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, professionals who regularly engage with children often develop coping strategies that help them deal with stress more effectively (Kendall et al., 2010). This resilience can translate into other areas of life, allowing individuals to handle personal challenges more adeptly.
3. Career Satisfaction and Professional Growth
Individuals working in child-focused careers often report high levels of job satisfaction due to the rewarding nature of their work. Helping children learn, grow, and overcome difficulties can provide a strong sense of purpose (Hakanen et al., 2006). This fulfillment may lead to long-term career commitment and professional development opportunities within the field of child psychiatry or education.
Moreover, exposure to diverse family backgrounds and socio-economic situations allows professionals to gain insights into societal issues affecting children’s mental health. This knowledge can inspire further education or specialization within their careers.
4. Social Connections and Community Engagement
Professionals working with children often become integral parts of their communities. They build networks not only among colleagues but also with families and other stakeholders involved in child development (Berk & Meyers, 2016). These connections foster a sense of belonging and community engagement that can last throughout one’s life.
Additionally, involvement in community programs aimed at supporting children’s welfare can lead to advocacy roles for systemic changes that benefit youth populations. Such engagement enhances social responsibility among professionals.
5. Lifelong Learning
The field of child psychology is constantly evolving due to ongoing research about childhood development and mental health interventions. Professionals are thus required to engage in lifelong learning through continuing education courses or workshops (American Psychological Association). This commitment not only keeps them updated on best practices but also encourages a growth mindset that benefits all aspects of their lives.
In summary, working with kids has multifaceted long-term effects on individuals that include enhanced emotional intelligence, increased psychological resilience, career satisfaction, strengthened social connections, and a commitment to lifelong learning.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
1. Goleman D., Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ
This book discusses the importance of emotional intelligence in personal and professional success, providing foundational insights into how working closely with others—especially vulnerable populations like children—can enhance empathy.
2. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry
A leading journal that publishes research on child psychology; it includes studies on resilience building through interactions between adults and children.
3. American Psychological Association
The APA provides resources on best practices for professionals working in psychology fields including guidelines for continued education which underscores the importance of staying informed about developments related to child mental health.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
|============GOD BLESS YOU, RICHLY ~ SIMPLY BECAUSE GOD CAN!=============|
|==James Constantine Frangos ~ "THE LITTLE OLD AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK DIETITIAN"==|
|==Increasing Your Capacities By Programming For Your Nutrition Education ~ Since 1972!==|
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
652
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
I think this can be a very fulfilling path, but can also take a toll if you are overly empathetic. Having systems in place to manage your stress and diffuse some of the stress you might encounter
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1326
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Emotional Growth: Working with children often requires empathy, patience, and understanding, which can help individuals develop stronger emotional intelligence. Over time, this can lead to a deeper sense of empathy and improved communication skills.
Burnout & Stress: Child psychiatry, like other mental health fields, can be emotionally taxing. It can be challenging to deal with the emotional weight of children facing difficult circumstances. Over time, some people may experience burnout, so self-care and strong boundaries are essential.
Personal Perspective on Mental Health: Engaging with children’s mental health can change the way you view your own mental well-being. You may become more attuned to mental health struggles and more open to seeking help or discussing these issues, both in your personal life and with others.
Building Stronger Problem-Solving Skills: Working with kids often means thinking on your feet and adapting to various situations quickly.
Over time, this can enhance your problem-solving skills and ability to manage complex scenarios.
As for tips and advice, if you’re considering a career in child psychiatry:
Take care of yourself: Make sure to prioritize self-care to avoid burnout. Child psychiatry can be emotionally demanding, so regular breaks and emotional support are key.
Stay curious and learn: Be prepared for continuous learning. Mental health research evolves quickly, and there are always new techniques and treatments to explore.
Seek supervision or mentorship: Having someone more experienced to talk to can be incredibly helpful when dealing with tough cases.
Have a sense of humor: Kids, especially those facing mental health challenges, can sometimes display quirky or funny behavior. Maintaining a sense of humor can help you keep perspective and reduce the emotional intensity of tough situations.
ALmost forgot my sense of humor:
Humor isn’t just a bonus—it’s the secret weapon in child psychiatry (and honestly, life in general). I mean, even the most serious professionals can’t resist a good laugh, and that’s when the magic happens. Kids love action, fun, and surprises, so if you can mix all that into your approach, you’ll be unstoppable! 💥
So, let’s dive into your epic quest to become a child psychiatrist with a dash of humor and fun. Grab your cape (we all need one in this line of work) and let’s go:
1. The Hero's Journey Begins: Education
First, you'll need to start with your basic training. Picture this like your superhero origin story. You’re going to need an undergrad degree (preferably in psych or something related), followed by medical school (cue dramatic music), and then the psychiatric residency (it’s like your final boss battle before you get your cool psychiatrist superhero title). Along the way, you’ll gather wisdom and skills that will help you in the future, like knowing the difference between "normal kid behavior" and "this kid might need some help."
Tip: Keep your study sessions fun. Who says you can’t make a quiz game out of brain science or throw in some wacky mnemonics to help you remember all those brain chemicals? (I mean, who doesn’t want to remember dopamine by imagining a dopamine superhero fighting off the bad guys?)
2. Patience, Empathy, and Action!
Alright, now that you're in the game, you need the two big superpowers: patience and empathy. Kids can be unpredictable—one minute they’re telling you about their imaginary friend, the next they’re staring at you like you’re a new species of alien. You need to keep calm, keep listening, and—here’s the kicker—keep it fun. Humor helps build trust! You don’t need to be the world’s most serious, buttoned-up professional (unless you really enjoy wearing blazers all the time). Let them see your goofy side; it’ll make them feel more comfortable.
Tip: When you’re explaining something tricky to a kid, use props or metaphors! For example, explaining anxiety like a monster under the bed—super relatable and fun. Or tell them their emotions are like the weather—sometimes it’s sunny, sometimes it’s stormy, and that’s okay!
3. Mastering the Art of Connection: Humor to the Rescue
Here’s the deal: kids are like little truth detectors. They’ll sense if you’re being fake, but if you add humor, suddenly you’re not just “that serious adult”—you’re someone who gets it. Kids can be the best at making you laugh, so don’t be afraid to return the favor. Laughter is not only a stress-buster for them, but also for you! Plus, you’ll get bonus points for making the therapy process feel more like an adventure than a chore.
Tip: Use your humor to make them feel comfortable, not like they’re under a microscope. Try breaking the ice with a joke or silly game. It’s amazing how many serious moments can turn into something positive with a little giggle. And hey, even the most serious adults won’t be able to resist cracking a smile when you throw in a well-timed joke. Trust me, I’ve been there!
4. Problem Solving: Kid Detective Mode
Here’s where you step into full-on detective mode. Kids might not always tell you what’s going on, but you’ll become a master at reading between the lines. Sometimes their behavior speaks louder than words. You have to be curious, creative, and ready to ask questions that lead to those aha! moments. And yes, it can totally feel like you’re solving the biggest puzzle ever, but that’s half the fun! 🕵️♀️🔍
Tip: Get creative with your approach. Maybe use play therapy—kids love toys, and you can learn a lot about their emotions through pretend play. And hey, who doesn’t love a good game of “What’s in the Box?” to get kids talking?
5. Self-Care: Recharge Your Humor Battery
You’re gonna be busy saving kids one laugh at a time, but don’t forget to recharge. You can’t be the funniest, most empathetic psychiatrist if you’re running on empty. Take time for yourself—watch your favorite comedy, do something silly, and get some downtime. Humor doesn’t just help kids—it helps you too! Trust me, it’ll make you an even better superhero in the long run.
Tip: Self-care isn’t just about relaxing; it’s about finding your joy again. Whether it’s hanging out with friends, cracking jokes, or just being silly, keep your spirit light! The more you enjoy the process, the more your humor will shine through.
Final Tip: Be Your Own Funniest Advocate
So, Nichole, here’s the thing—you’ve got a huge potential in this field. Use humor to break down walls, build trust, and help kids feel heard. You don’t have to be all business—have fun with it! The most serious professionals might try to hold back their laughter, but when they see your infectious joy and energy, they’ll probably crack too.
And guess what? You’ll succeed in child psychiatry not because of just your skills or knowledge, but because of that magical ability to make others feel comfortable and safe. You’ve got this! 👏✨
Burnout & Stress: Child psychiatry, like other mental health fields, can be emotionally taxing. It can be challenging to deal with the emotional weight of children facing difficult circumstances. Over time, some people may experience burnout, so self-care and strong boundaries are essential.
Personal Perspective on Mental Health: Engaging with children’s mental health can change the way you view your own mental well-being. You may become more attuned to mental health struggles and more open to seeking help or discussing these issues, both in your personal life and with others.
Building Stronger Problem-Solving Skills: Working with kids often means thinking on your feet and adapting to various situations quickly.
Over time, this can enhance your problem-solving skills and ability to manage complex scenarios.
As for tips and advice, if you’re considering a career in child psychiatry:
Take care of yourself: Make sure to prioritize self-care to avoid burnout. Child psychiatry can be emotionally demanding, so regular breaks and emotional support are key.
Stay curious and learn: Be prepared for continuous learning. Mental health research evolves quickly, and there are always new techniques and treatments to explore.
Seek supervision or mentorship: Having someone more experienced to talk to can be incredibly helpful when dealing with tough cases.
Have a sense of humor: Kids, especially those facing mental health challenges, can sometimes display quirky or funny behavior. Maintaining a sense of humor can help you keep perspective and reduce the emotional intensity of tough situations.
ALmost forgot my sense of humor:
Humor isn’t just a bonus—it’s the secret weapon in child psychiatry (and honestly, life in general). I mean, even the most serious professionals can’t resist a good laugh, and that’s when the magic happens. Kids love action, fun, and surprises, so if you can mix all that into your approach, you’ll be unstoppable! 💥
So, let’s dive into your epic quest to become a child psychiatrist with a dash of humor and fun. Grab your cape (we all need one in this line of work) and let’s go:
1. The Hero's Journey Begins: Education
First, you'll need to start with your basic training. Picture this like your superhero origin story. You’re going to need an undergrad degree (preferably in psych or something related), followed by medical school (cue dramatic music), and then the psychiatric residency (it’s like your final boss battle before you get your cool psychiatrist superhero title). Along the way, you’ll gather wisdom and skills that will help you in the future, like knowing the difference between "normal kid behavior" and "this kid might need some help."
Tip: Keep your study sessions fun. Who says you can’t make a quiz game out of brain science or throw in some wacky mnemonics to help you remember all those brain chemicals? (I mean, who doesn’t want to remember dopamine by imagining a dopamine superhero fighting off the bad guys?)
2. Patience, Empathy, and Action!
Alright, now that you're in the game, you need the two big superpowers: patience and empathy. Kids can be unpredictable—one minute they’re telling you about their imaginary friend, the next they’re staring at you like you’re a new species of alien. You need to keep calm, keep listening, and—here’s the kicker—keep it fun. Humor helps build trust! You don’t need to be the world’s most serious, buttoned-up professional (unless you really enjoy wearing blazers all the time). Let them see your goofy side; it’ll make them feel more comfortable.
Tip: When you’re explaining something tricky to a kid, use props or metaphors! For example, explaining anxiety like a monster under the bed—super relatable and fun. Or tell them their emotions are like the weather—sometimes it’s sunny, sometimes it’s stormy, and that’s okay!
3. Mastering the Art of Connection: Humor to the Rescue
Here’s the deal: kids are like little truth detectors. They’ll sense if you’re being fake, but if you add humor, suddenly you’re not just “that serious adult”—you’re someone who gets it. Kids can be the best at making you laugh, so don’t be afraid to return the favor. Laughter is not only a stress-buster for them, but also for you! Plus, you’ll get bonus points for making the therapy process feel more like an adventure than a chore.
Tip: Use your humor to make them feel comfortable, not like they’re under a microscope. Try breaking the ice with a joke or silly game. It’s amazing how many serious moments can turn into something positive with a little giggle. And hey, even the most serious adults won’t be able to resist cracking a smile when you throw in a well-timed joke. Trust me, I’ve been there!
4. Problem Solving: Kid Detective Mode
Here’s where you step into full-on detective mode. Kids might not always tell you what’s going on, but you’ll become a master at reading between the lines. Sometimes their behavior speaks louder than words. You have to be curious, creative, and ready to ask questions that lead to those aha! moments. And yes, it can totally feel like you’re solving the biggest puzzle ever, but that’s half the fun! 🕵️♀️🔍
Tip: Get creative with your approach. Maybe use play therapy—kids love toys, and you can learn a lot about their emotions through pretend play. And hey, who doesn’t love a good game of “What’s in the Box?” to get kids talking?
5. Self-Care: Recharge Your Humor Battery
You’re gonna be busy saving kids one laugh at a time, but don’t forget to recharge. You can’t be the funniest, most empathetic psychiatrist if you’re running on empty. Take time for yourself—watch your favorite comedy, do something silly, and get some downtime. Humor doesn’t just help kids—it helps you too! Trust me, it’ll make you an even better superhero in the long run.
Tip: Self-care isn’t just about relaxing; it’s about finding your joy again. Whether it’s hanging out with friends, cracking jokes, or just being silly, keep your spirit light! The more you enjoy the process, the more your humor will shine through.
Final Tip: Be Your Own Funniest Advocate
So, Nichole, here’s the thing—you’ve got a huge potential in this field. Use humor to break down walls, build trust, and help kids feel heard. You don’t have to be all business—have fun with it! The most serious professionals might try to hold back their laughter, but when they see your infectious joy and energy, they’ll probably crack too.
And guess what? You’ll succeed in child psychiatry not because of just your skills or knowledge, but because of that magical ability to make others feel comfortable and safe. You’ve got this! 👏✨
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