Lessons I’ve Learned from Working with Children

Children are such a blessing! From my teenage babysitting days to my first job working in a daycare, it is clear that children and I have always had a special connection. My eyes are drawn to them automatically whenever I am in their presence and, thankfully, most people allow me to “ooh and ahh” over their little cuties all the time.

Over the past 12+ years I’ve been working as a Speech-Language Pathologist and for 10+ of those years I’ve worked with children and teenagers in the healthcare setting. As much as I absolutely love children and love being an Aunt, I never actually “planned” to work with kids for as long as I have but I am so grateful that God orchestrates my life, knows just what I need, and times it exactly to when I need it!

I thought in celebration of my 10 year anniversary with my current workplace I’d write a special blog post on just some of the things that children have taught me over the years! There have been difficult and trying days, no doubt about it, but through those times I’ve grown in patience, endurance, and grace. We can learn a lot from children and I hope this post is a reminder and a blessing to you as well!

The Lost Art of Hello

There is nothing like the joy you get when a child sees you from across a room, yells out your name with their eyes sparkling, and starts barreling towards you for a hug! Sure, some of my patients have trouble with social skills, but after we work on our goals, there is nothing more rewarding than a sweet “hello” from them and a quick smile.

Takeaway: I am encouraged, as I hope you are too, to remember that our ability to make someone feel loved and seen is easier than we think. This could mean saying “hey” first and asking someone how their week has been while really listening to the answer. We aren’t able to talk to every person in the room but, I promise, being warm to those we see can make more of an impact in their heart and souls than we will ever know.

Everyone Needs a Reward

At my job we have a sticker station and a lollipop jar. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been able to get a patient to complete a task all from reminding them of their treat at the end of our time together. Never underestimate the power of a toy box and a bottle of bubbles…haha!

Takeaway: As adults, we still need treats and things to look forward to! Maybe this is a reward for a long day at work, meeting a deadline, or just having a minute to yourself and taking a walk in the middle of the day. Whatever it is for you, remember how good it felt getting that gold star back in your school days and resurrect that anticipation again!

People Come First

Working with children that have disabilities, one of the first things we learn in college is how important it is to use “people first” language. That means that we always acknowledge the individual first giving them respect and then describe the condition that they are working through or have attained.

Takeaway: As adults we can have a tendency to box people into stereotypes. Remembering that we are all God’s children first will do us all good when we come across others that have opinions, backgrounds, or lifestyles that are different from our own. We have more in common than we think and we are called to love one another, first.

Little Victories Add Up

First sounds, raspberries, pushing a button to turn on a toy, tapping fingers together for a ball. What sounds like small tasks can add up to meeting long term goals in the world of speech therapy. Sounds become words, pushing buttons becomes taking turns and playing with a friend, and tapping fingers can become using sign language to communicate.

Takeaway: As adult believers, our goal is to be constantly metamorphosing into greater versions of ourselves for the glory of God. Don’t minimize the things you do for others and for Christ. What looks small or unnoticed in your eyes can snowball into someone’s salvation down the line. We may not always see the final results, but God sees it all.

Angels Among Us

If you’ve been following my writing for a while you know I experience what I call “God-winks” a good bit! One day at work, I was thinking about my Papa that passed away when I was 2 years old. When he would watch Mr. Rogers or Sesame Street with me he would sit in his chair that was next to the TV and cup his hand around his ear to help him hear better. Well, a patient came in for treatment later that afternoon and as we began working on our goals for the day he suddenly cupped his ear, came in close to me, and smiled. Wowza, right?!

Takeaway: God is always talking to us! Sometimes it’ll be directly to you and other times he will use His angels to bless us (Hebrews 13:2). Keep your eyes open and ears listening to everything around you. Don’t get so set in your routine that you miss a God-wink moment.

Sometimes Your Plan Goes Out the Window

If you have been around a child long enough you know as well as me that sometimes our best laid plans mean nothing when you get down to it. Maybe the patient is having a bad day and they are more physical or have increased sensory needs. Maybe they are crying or get fixated on a certain toy or phrase. As the speech therapist it is my job to find where they are that day and do my best to meet them where they are and lead them toward progress…with love and a quick set of reflexes, of course.

Takeaway: Plans are great but hold them loosely. We want “xyz” out of life but typically other people are not aware of our plans. Learn to go with the flow as much as you can, always be prepared, but look to Jesus for the final say.  

I’m the Boss of My Mouth

When I am working with my patients in articulation or voice therapy, I often tell them that I can only show them how to say the sound but ultimately they are the “Boss of their mouth” and have to use the strategies by themselves. I have happily had some patients with a quick wit that when I ask, “Who is the boss of your mouth?” they say, “God!” Haha! Smart kids!

Takeaway: Out of the heart, the mouth speaks, right? (Luke 6:45) Who is the “Boss of your mouth?” Do you let finicky emotions dictate what you say to others and to yourself? Do you take inventory of your heart when you are speaking negative words? This is a reminder to me to be on guard with protecting my mind and heart so that the words I say are a pleasing balm to whomever listens.

Faith Like a Child

Children trust, hope, love, and have faith stronger than a lot of us adults. We can all learn so much from a child’s innocent heart, ability to have fun wherever they are, and their childlike faith. I can’t tell you the amount of times a child has met me and within 10 minutes they have dropped their guard and set in to have fun with a new friend! Their hugs are endless, their trust is secure, and their love is pure!

Takeaway: I want to be more like a child! I hope this has been a great reminder to you that we are all still children at heart and we all have more in common that we know! Even Jesus said it himself that we are called to receive Him with faith like a child. Let this remind you that it’s ok to have fun and let your light shine at the same time!

“People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” (Luke 18: 15-17)