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In a rush? Here’s a quick breakdown:
There are some things that you just can’t understand unless you spend all day with little children 5 days of the week, 51 and a bit weeks of the year (who needs vacation anyway, right?).
Toddlers and young children are the cutest, don’t get me wrong. But, they sure do have energy. I have 5 nieces and nephews and after an hour of trying to keep up with them, keeping the conversation going, asking them questions, and playing with them – I am ready for a break (#auntielife). And I don’t even need to worry about changing their diapers.
That’s why I wanted to take a little bit of extra time to really appreciate all the hard work early childhood educators and staff like you do every day, while also giving you a laugh, chuckle or even just a smile to get through your day.
Because let’s be honest – yes it’s a privilege and an extremely important job to be raising the next generation into kind, considerate, smart, talented, unique individuals - but you deserve way more recognition and appreciation for everything - big and small - that you do. Your talents and expertise matter.
So let’s dig into our list of all those things that you’ll only know if you work in early education…
I bet if you had a nickel for every time someone asked you why you are so tired after a day of “just playing with children,” you would have enough money to travel the world following Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. Your job is so much more.
You're used to hearing stories about “Buddy” or “Snoozy,” and you follow along as if they were just talking about another person. But that’s not all.You don’t just know blankets and stuffed animals and toys’ names, you also remember parents, siblings, pets, and everyone else who matters in the lives of these little ones.
When I was visiting my nieces and nephews, I don’t think I stopped humming or singing, “We are the dinosaurs, marching, marching. We are the dinosaurs, whaddya think of that?” for a good two weeks. Cough, Laurie Berkner, cough.
Or Ms. Rachel’s specific rendition of “Head, shoulders, knees and toes.”
And yet, every. single. time. You put on a smile and act just as excited as the kiddos.
Just like the saying goes, kids say the darndest things. Like, “Ms. Lizzie, you look so tired today. You should go to bed.” Oh… thanks…
I was sitting with my niece outside and we were looking up at the clouds, when she said “I want to move like the clouds.” My initial reaction was “but that’s not possible.”
I’m glad I didn’t respond instantly, Instead, I was able to engage and join her curiosity of the world.
Now, I look forward to hearing all her interpretations. They make so much sense, but they aren’t how I’ve come to learn - or have been taught - to understand the world.
I’m a bit envious of teachers and ECE staff who get to witness that fresh pair of eyes and imagination of children who are experiencing many things for the first time.
It’s a calm time to bond with children one-on-one and teach important lessons like staying still (kinda), about consent and hygiene. Sometimes it’s a nice break from all the noise!
When chatting with children, you’re always pointing out items around you – look at the glitter on the dress! Look at the color of that rock!
It can be hard to switch that off when you are no longer around the little ones. Next thing you know, you're grabbing dinner with a friend and you say, “oh look at how red that tomato is!”
The magic rock Erin found, Nate’s stick, a random Lego brick, half a crayon, and a toy car. Always check your pockets!
You still have that Halloween costume from two years ago that you know you’ll recycle. Or, your go-to St. Patrick’s day and Valentine’s day outfit.
Safeguarding young children is at the center of an early childhood educator’s role. Paying close attention can make a huge difference to a child’s life. You might even save their life. It’s that important.
And sometimes this hyper-awareness can be more exhausting than chasing them outside playing tag.
…Or being present for any achievement, really. The first scribble that looks like a circle, or the first time they point to the correct body parts while singing “head, shoulders, knees and toes.” Being able to witness and celebrate children’s learning and development is a joy and a privilege.
…Ok maybe most of the time this is the best after work plans. After talking and singing and being “on” all day, there is nothing like completely zoning out in front of the TV, or getting some quiet time with a good book.
And to be fair, other nights you just need a glass of wine…or two.
You are not alone. The fatigue is real, and no you shouldn’t feel guilty about it. If anything, it’s really impressive how you show up every day.
If I’m exhausted at the office, I sit behind a screen and avoid conversations. You don’t have that option, and you should know that strength and selflessness doesn’t go unnoticed.
Sadly, this doesn’t happen when you work in an office. Although on the other hand, you do sometimes get greeted with some tears and screams, and that also (thankfully) only happens really rarely at the office.
We all know that no day is ever exactly the same, but it definitely can start to feel like it when working in an office. Coffee, meeting, emails, staring at a screen, more coffee, more emails, more meetings, and so on.
Being such an active part of children’s growth and development is the true definition of “no day is ever the same.” That can be chaotic, but I bet it’s also really fun and exciting. Plus, you probably get a couple of good chuckles throughout the day.
Guidance from the Danish Health Ministry, translated in full to English.
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The full recommendations from a working group of over 70 nursery chains in the UK.
Please note: here at Famly we love sharing creative activities for you to try with the children at your setting, but you know them best. Take the time to consider adaptions you might need to make so these activities are accessible and developmentally appropriate for the children you work with. Just as you ordinarily would, conduct risk assessments for your children and your setting before undertaking new activities, and ensure you and your staff are following your own health and safety guidelines.
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