For those of you who did NOT know, I am/was a nanny.
(Image from capitolcitynannies.com)
I've worked with kids since I was a kid....had my first babysitting job when I was 13, watching two little boys from my church who lived about a block behind my house in the neighborhood where I grew up. I've been a coach, substitute teacher, teacher assistant, camp counselor, daycare teacher; pretty much working with kids of every age, from newborn into high school. Not always easy, sometimes downright ugly. But, I'm sure we all remember times when we were kids that we were downright ugly (and our parents could vouch for it in a hot second!)
Needless to say, each opportunity I have had to work with kids over the years has taught me a lot about myself, relatively what its like to walk in the parent's shoes, and try to understand the mind of a child. One of the major things I've learned over the years is that times have drastically changed from when I was a kid. Some of the things kids get away with these days I NEVER would have gotten away with when I was their age. Nope. Times have changed.
How do we help kids become the best that they can be, reaching their highest potential? (No, I'm not going into some long, drawn out explanation of child psychology and empowerment,) BUT, it does begin with wide open lines of communication and establishing your role as the adult, parent, caregiver, authoritarian, and teacher, etc. When there are clearly defined roles, boundaries, and opportunities for kids to learn, they feel secure and empowered (Ok, so a teeny bit of an empowerment speech!) to be their authentic self, even at a young age.
When you establish yourself as the adult, decision maker, or authority, that provides kids with a point of reference when they have questions or feel unsafe, or are simply navigating life. This is not a dictator role you're playing. But you are the leader, as the adult, not the friend or peer. You can do this with all compassion and love.
Love them AND lead them.
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