If you work with children, read this

WORKING with children is a big responsibility; almost the same as being a parent. Children spend the best part of their conscious day in your care, and, just like parents, you are meant to teach, guide and support them to the best of your ability. Children don’t care whether you are having a good day or a bad day, or whether your husband, partner or teenager is stressing you out at home. All they care about is the communication, the interaction, and the interest you portray to them while doing your job.

Everyone who works with children has the responsibility of guiding their behaviour in a positive, supportive way. This may be easier with younger children when the care worker is dealing with small issues that can be easily addressed, such as sharing, pushing or hitting another child. Older children may need guidance, too, but it can be more difficult and time-consuming to support older children, especially when they are influenced by their family members and home environment. Working with a particular child, who has problems or who needs extra help, may seem like an uphill battle, however, this is the time when you must be patient, stay calm, and not give up.

Children rely on adults, whether they are cognisant of this fact or not; they need adults to give them an extra push in the right direction. They need adults to take the time to talk to them, and to guide them towards their true potential. It is an adult’s ‘duty of care’ to be able to do these things, along with all the other elements that make up their job description. While the caring for, and teaching of, children may be far from a ‘walk in the park’, it does have its own rewards. Children always remember those who made a positive input in their lives, and when it comes to nation building, once you have something positive to offer, you, too, can be an educator.

Sometimes it may seem as if there are not enough hours in a day to take on all the little things that need attention or need to be put right. In addition, contending with less than cooperative parents can be a deterrent from going the extra mile. But, bear in mind, children do not ask to be born into any given circumstance, and they simply comply with whatever they are given. If you are able to instill one positive attribute in a child’s life per day, you have done plenty; remembering, of course, that you do not always see the fruits of your labour immediately, or receive overnight results. Sometimes it takes a little time for the penny to drop, especially with behavioral change.

When you work with children, from time to time, it is good to do some introspection. None of us are perfect and above board; there is always some room for improvement. When care workers or teachers say demeaning things to a child such as, ‘You does proper fret me’ or ‘You’s a disgusting child; what I gan do with you?’ it does not help. Some children are told enough derogatory things at home without care workers jumping on the bandwagon and being insensitive during the day.

Some people who work with children fail to recognise the special role they play in a child’s development and, therefore, their life. You may hear them say things like, ‘Me ain’t like he; that child is a cross’ or ‘Me spirit ain’t tek that child at all’. Care workers or teachers who feel this way are failing the child in their care. due to their personal hang-ups. Whatever a child does wrong can be corrected, and whatever attribute a child lacks can be nurtured. Children are a work in progress, and each one has potential.

When possible, it is best to concentrate on turning negatives into positives. Instead of saying, ‘Don’t run in the corridor’, you could say, ‘Take your time and walk’, and instead of shouting at a child, talk to the child. There is a big difference between ‘talking at’ and ‘talking to’ a person: The latter shows tolerance and respect. Children watch everything their care worker or teacher may do, so set a good example; they are aware of how you cope with frustration and anger. They see your interaction with others, and know whether you are pleasant and polite or whether you are rude and short-tempered.

Always be aware that some children may not be growing up in the best circumstances, and every day they are being exposed to, or coping with undesirable events over which they have no control. Most adults have the intelligence, the experience, and the opportunity to assist children; even more so those who work with them. Working with children is a big responsibility.
If you are concerned about the welfare of a child call the CPA hotline on 227 0979 or write

to us at childcaregy@gmail.com
A MESSAGE FROM THE CHILDCARE AND PROTECTION AGENCY,
MINISTRY OF SOCIAL PROTECTION

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