The Most Difficult Aspect of Working with Children
The most challenging components of working with children differ from person to person. Some adults may find it challenging to connect with children from diverse origins or who have undergone trauma (Lippard et al., 2018). Others may find it challenging to control complex behaviors such as violence, disobedience, or hyperactivity.
Working with children may also require a lot of energy and patience, which can be difficult for some individuals. When dealing with children, it is critical to acknowledge your strengths and limits and to seek help when necessary. Requesting extra training or professional development can help to enhance personal skills and expertise in dealing with children, and requesting assistance and advice from colleagues or a supervisor can help navigate difficult circumstances.
Ways to Cope with Challenges
There are numerous approaches to dealing with the difficulties of working with youngsters. One option is to seek assistance from coworkers or a supervisor. They can provide direction, advice, and practical answers for challenging behaviors or situations. Self-care activities are another approach to coping with the difficulties of working with youngsters. Exercise, meditation, spending time outside, or indulging in hobbies or activities outside work are all examples of self-care activities.
It is critical to prioritize and create time for self-care activities since they may help decrease stress, enhance resilience, and prevent burnout. It is also critical to keep a positive attitude and remember that you’re making a difference in the lives of children, even when the task is complex (Herman, Hickmon-Rosa, & Reinke, 2018; Oliveira et al., 2021). Recognizing and celebrating little victories can help you stay motivated and involved in your job.
Self-Care Strategies to Prevent Burnout
Working with children may be extremely gratifying, but it can also be challenging and draining. As a result, it is critical to emphasize self-care to avoid burnout and retain a good attitude toward work. Setting limits between work and private life is an essential self-care strategy. While it may be tempting to check emails or reply to work-related communications after hours, doing so can lead to fatigue and a lack of work-life balance. You may establish a sense of detachment and replenish your batteries by creating clear boundaries and scheduling time for pastimes or hobbies outside of work.
Physical activity is another essential self-care method. Exercise can help decrease stress, boost energy, and improve general well-being. Finding a physical activity you love and can engage in regularly, whether going for a walk, taking a yoga class, or engaging in a team sport, can help prevent burnout and enhance your overall health.
Mindfulness or meditation is another effective self-care method (Pyhältö et al., 2021). Mindfulness or meditation activities can aid in stress reduction and resilience. Taking a mindfulness course or incorporating mindfulness techniques into your everyday routine with a mindfulness app can help enhance your mental and emotional well-being.
Advice to a Coworker with Burnout
Compassion fatigue and burnout are prevalent issues for persons who work in professions that require them to care for or assist others, such as those who deal with children. It is critical to give support and direction to help coworkers overcome these problems and maintain a happy and healthy work environment. Prioritizing self-care is the first advice you can provide to a coworker suffering from compassion fatigue or burnout. Please encourage them to find time outside of work for things that offer them joy and relaxation, such as physical activity, mindfulness practice, or social support. Self-care is critical for avoiding burnout and having a good attitude toward one’s job.
References
Herman, K. C., Hickmon-Rosa, J., & Reinke, W. M. (2018). Empirically derived profiles of teacher stress, burnout, self-efficacy, and coping and associated student outcomes. Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions, 20(2), 90-100. Web.
Lippard, C. N., La Paro, K. M., Rouse, H. L., & Crosby, D. A. (2018). A closer look at teacher–child relationships and classroom emotional context in preschool. Child & Youth Care Forum, 47, 1-21. Web.
Oliveira, S., Roberto, M. S., Veiga-Simão, A. M., & Marques-Pinto, A. (2021). A meta-analysis of the impact of social and emotional learning interventions on teachers’ burnout symptoms. Educational Psychology Review, 33, 1779-1808. Web.
Pyhältö, K., Pietarinen, J., Haverinen, K., Tikkanen, L., & Soini, T. (2021). Teacher burnout profiles and proactive strategies. European Journal of Psychology of Education, 36, 219-242. Web.