One of the fundamental lessons I have learned from working with kids is that you never know what to expect from them. Every day comes with another creative art project, an imaginative story, or crazy new game. So many ideas race through their minds and the world seems to be filled with wonder and excitement. The smallest object can be the source of immense joy. I have never seen a person be so consumed with a dead leaf as I have this past week. It never ceases to amaze me how children can see a generic object and transform it into something radically different.
Working with kids is one of the most tiring jobs I have experienced, it has also been the most inspiring. Watching them learn and grow into better readers, skilled drawers, or professional lego architects makes everyday worth it. They find joy in everything and get along with everyone (most of the time). Even though they can’t always run fast or open their ranch packets at lunch, sometimes I feel like they have life figured out more than I do. They can see that friendships are easily built, learning is hard but necessary, happiness is everywhere, and naps are the best part of the day.
Being raised Christian, I have heard the following Bible passage read to me more times than I could count:
Matthew 18 2He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. 3And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.
I always figured it meant something along the lines of seeing God as a parental figure and honoring him. Some pastors I have met have claimed it was more metaphorical and it could also be read as if saying, “Children are young and impressionable, needing guidance and proper teaching.” I think both of these interpretations hold true but I think there is more to be said about the nature of being childlike. It is more than just being young or listening to your parents. In fact it’s about rediscovering our sense of joy, thinking of everyone as a friend, sharing your animal crackers, and always be open to learning something new.
As educators or childcare providers, it may be easy to think about what we can teach our kids. However, taking the step further and asking what we can learn from them may be a little bit harder. Not only should be learn from them but we should aspire to be like them. In the simplest ways, I would love a day filled with toys and naps. Not only that but I want to view the world as an unlimited source of possibility instead of danger. Friendship instead of fear. Joy instead of repetition. I only hope that working with kids may bring me one step closer to that sense of life.
