Caregivers

Caregivers

I've been thinking a lot lately about this work we do as caregivers. As someone with aging parents I’ve spent a lot of time recently with people on the other end of the caregiving spectrum - I can't let go of how our words, body language, and actions affect the loved ones of the people we care for each day.

We all have challenging days, but it's important to remember-

When we are rushed or overwhelmed, our response to concerns may feel to others like we don't care.

When we are annoyed that we need to fill in for another teacher, it may seem to others that we don't care.

When we respond to a question with "I don't know" instead of "I'll see what I can find out," it may seem to others that we don't care.

When we want so badly to convince a child's family that we know what's best without really listening and asking questions, it may feel to others like we don't care.

When we don't acknowledge how impossible it feels to be a parent, it may feel to others like we don't care.

I don't want this to sound harsh, but if you don't like spending your days with young children (or understanding their needs), you should not work in early childhood education. On the other end of the spectrum, if you don't like spending your days with the elderly (or treating them with dignity), you should find another profession. Caregiving is a noble profession. We aren't always treated like professionals, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't act like professionals.

It is essential to understand your strengths and limitations, ask for the support you need, pause & respond (instead of reacting), and remember that you have the privilege of being one chapter in the novel of a child's (and their parents) life—make sure you are not the villain.

Are looking to dig deeper into your work as a caregiver?

Ask yourself the following reflection questions:

1) How do I take into account the needs, perspectives and opinions of parents and their children?

2) How could my team members or program leader help me understand my role as a caregiver?

2) What am I challenged by? What am I curious about? What am I confronted by?

Read this Powerful Book:

Illuminating Care: The Pedagogy and Practice of Care in Early Childhood Communities