4 answers
maddy
Student
Grafton, Ohio
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what are the drawbacks of being a child care worker
#social #children
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4 answers
Carrie Eigbrett
6
Answers
Rochester, New York
Updated
Carrie’s Answer
While I was still in college I also was working in childcare. I would spend days working and nights in class so that I could pay for school. While I found myself easily falling in love with all the kids in my class, I also found it hard because not all kids have what they need, have parents that will take care of them the way they deserve and if you are meant to work with kids, you adore them all , so your heart always wants to help them. You will have to work hard to find the balance in helping and minding your own business.
Another thing to remember is that working in childcare is big responsibility and often a thankless job. Kids spend most of their waking hours with you, they become attached to you as they do family members and look to you for guidance. It is hard to help raise these tiny humans as your career while not impeding on their parents own parenting choices. You also have to remember that the choices you make in their presence become part of what they believe is acceptable ie language, how you treat others, etc.
If these things are all things you find that you can maneuver through easily, you will find that all these tiny humans later in life will remember you as that person who was there for them. I know people who have stuck with this field (and seen some with my own children) who have the privilege years later of their students who were once toddlers inviting them to their graduation or their weddings. Good luck!
Another thing to remember is that working in childcare is big responsibility and often a thankless job. Kids spend most of their waking hours with you, they become attached to you as they do family members and look to you for guidance. It is hard to help raise these tiny humans as your career while not impeding on their parents own parenting choices. You also have to remember that the choices you make in their presence become part of what they believe is acceptable ie language, how you treat others, etc.
If these things are all things you find that you can maneuver through easily, you will find that all these tiny humans later in life will remember you as that person who was there for them. I know people who have stuck with this field (and seen some with my own children) who have the privilege years later of their students who were once toddlers inviting them to their graduation or their weddings. Good luck!
Chelsie Lorenzo
Small Commercial Field Underwriting Consultant
14
Answers
Granby, Connecticut
Updated
Chelsie’s Answer
Hi Maddy,
I did not go into that industry however I have many friends who did and the struggle they have found is that there is not a lot of room for growth within the childcare world unless you intend to open your own center or school. Many of my friends ended up switching careers after 10 years of working due to lack of benefits and room for growth/promotions after a certain point. I have also heard it can be very taxing on your emotional health depending on the area you are in, especially in areas that lack funding and many spend a lot out of their own pockets caring for kids who have needs that are not able to be met by their parents/families.
However, I have some friends how have stayed in the industry happily and feel very rewarded from what they do, so I suppose it is really dependent on the person and their goals and overall outlook on life.
Hope this helps!
I did not go into that industry however I have many friends who did and the struggle they have found is that there is not a lot of room for growth within the childcare world unless you intend to open your own center or school. Many of my friends ended up switching careers after 10 years of working due to lack of benefits and room for growth/promotions after a certain point. I have also heard it can be very taxing on your emotional health depending on the area you are in, especially in areas that lack funding and many spend a lot out of their own pockets caring for kids who have needs that are not able to be met by their parents/families.
However, I have some friends how have stayed in the industry happily and feel very rewarded from what they do, so I suppose it is really dependent on the person and their goals and overall outlook on life.
Hope this helps!
Suresh Menon
Sales & Marketing
2
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Suresh’s Answer
Hello Maddy
I have not worked in the child care field, however from our current pandemic experience, understand the importance of this work/sector. We constantly read about how parents were finding it difficult to continue working or being unable to balance their work routines with kids at home. So this field is super important for us as a society/community.
The biggest drawback I would see is for folks who are immunocompromised and interested to pursue this field. You will be constantly exposed to diverse kids and we all know that kids tend to be exposed to more germs. When my son first started pre-school, we as parents were often sick. I remember the doctor stating, one of key reason was our son's adventures at pre-school and what he was bring back to the house.
So for you or others like you, who have inherent traits and behaviors of a giver/provider, this could be a field where you can find accomplishments on a daily basis. More importantly you can be providing a safe and strong foundation for future generations.
Wishing you the best and hope this view point helps.
Warm regards,
Suresh M.
I have not worked in the child care field, however from our current pandemic experience, understand the importance of this work/sector. We constantly read about how parents were finding it difficult to continue working or being unable to balance their work routines with kids at home. So this field is super important for us as a society/community.
The biggest drawback I would see is for folks who are immunocompromised and interested to pursue this field. You will be constantly exposed to diverse kids and we all know that kids tend to be exposed to more germs. When my son first started pre-school, we as parents were often sick. I remember the doctor stating, one of key reason was our son's adventures at pre-school and what he was bring back to the house.
So for you or others like you, who have inherent traits and behaviors of a giver/provider, this could be a field where you can find accomplishments on a daily basis. More importantly you can be providing a safe and strong foundation for future generations.
Wishing you the best and hope this view point helps.
Warm regards,
Suresh M.
Natalie Cellini
Graphic Designer
30
Answers
Havertown, Pennsylvania
Updated
Natalie’s Answer
Hi Maddy! I've been working in childcare for about five years now. I work in an aftercare program for elementary school students. Childcare can be a rewarding job and a fun experience, but it definitely has its drawbacks sometimes. Especially now with the pandemic. It's sometimes difficult to get kids to follow all of the safety guidelines for covid-19. The thing that we struggle with where I work is keeping the kids spread apart so they're not too close to each other. Another thing that's sometimes difficult is that every kid is different in terms of their behavior and their needs. Some kids will listen and follow the rules for the majority of the time, but other kids may be more challenging and you have to find ways to communicate with them. But the longer you work with children the more you get to know them.