My Path to Childcare

[Susanna West]

I didn't know where to put this thread, so here it is.

I'm not seeking advice or anything, but all feedback is welcome and I would love to know of others who have had similar experiences. It's difficult to put this in a few paragraphs, but I will try to keep it as brief as I can.

I have always felt a calling to work with children. When I was a kid I was mistreated, to say the least and I vowed to never forget the experience of being a kid. I would dream of someday being able to help kids who were going through what I was going through at the time and to do a better job than the mindless adults failing to help me.

As an adult, I have wandered from one mindless job to another until I just stopped working altogether. Depression is one thing that held me back, as well as the message that I couldn't amount to much. Then I decided to go to school to get a certificate in Early Childhood Education so I could teach preschool. This was interrupted by a back problem that took years to deal with and since then I felt working with kids was out since I now have this injury to deal with.

Since then I have tried other directions...office work, computer work, etc...all the while being presented with childcare opportunities, such as babysitting. I applied for disability, hoping that would help me get on my feet to start my own business.

Last week I volunteered for an expressive arts camp...which was presented to me by my aunt who works at the school that was doing this. I grabbed at the opportunity despite my fear that I wouldn't be up to it. The week was fantastic and I was in my element...probably the hardest working volunteer there. The kids loved me and the staff loved me and I patted myself on the back for following through and not chickening out.

Now I have found out that my disability claim was denied and my mother (who was pushing me to get on disability in the first place) is now telling me she thinks I should pursue childcare.

I'm confused about how to feel about the denial of disability, and feel the Universe is telling me my path is to work with kids. The trouble I have with working for adults is simply that I don't give a shit. But when it comes to kids, I care more than I could ever express. I don't know what obstacles lay ahead. I guess I am seeking encouragement because while I know this is clearly a sign telling me where to go, I am still very afraid and doubt my ability to do it.

[bluewaterdance]

Good luck. Life is too short to spend it trying to fit yourself into other people's boxes. Go for it!

[h0bby1]

your fucking path to child care is that adult stop actiong so seriously !!!!!

[Achilles, Ines.]

Go for it Susanna, go for it!!

Your experience in that camp art shows a lot how u can do it!

I understand u perfectly about doubting ur own abilities....

Just ... do it!

You know why... cos U can! even when u doubt, u can!

... Just... let u go... flow... U will become more secure as long as u are walking in that path.

And I think u have the most requirable requisite... And is that u care a lot.. for kids.

Ur heart is big enough for the kids...... and that's enough indeed....

Seriously...... is the only thing u need.

The kids will be so happy with u because of that and u will be so happy with them, and the moms will be so happy too!!

What else is needed?...

Ur big heart for them, ur hands for them, ur mind focussed on them...

Just ..do it!

This is the follow ur heart thing!! Throw ur heart in that direction and ur body will follow. ... No doubt!

... Sometimes fear is like a ghost... but .. like ... a blanket.... that we think is a ghost.... and we are afraid to be.. near to it.... And is always around... making the buuuuuuuuuu noise... But one night.... u get enough courage and u go and grab the blanket.... and.... there was no ghost... It was just a blanket.... moving with the air.....

u don't have to fear it. It's gonna be fun, so much fun!!!

[Achilles, Ines.]

double post!

[Susanna West]

Thank you for your posts! I've felt so yanked around lately...one direction and then another...and it's maddening. I feel like I need to find one direction and stick to it. Each time I find myself finally feeling like I'm on a path, something comes and yanks me onto another. The more I feel yanked around, the more I just want to ignore it all and go hide. From all the directions I've been pulled though, I feel like this is the one that keeps coming back, echoing again and again, a little bit louder each time.

It truly helps to know that others have had this happen, when the door opens and you find yourself in a place you didn't know you wanted to be. To others out there also going through this transition, I hope I can put that message out there - that they are not alone. Thanks for the support!


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[Patryc]

I'm sure you will love it

I already do - I just started my prac side of my Early Childhood degree and the children are great

apparently (according to their teacher) I am like honey to bees, the kids being bee's

I sit on the mat with them when the teacher is talking to them and they all sort of gravitate towards me, some even fight be next to me

it's soooooo cute

their sheer enthusiasm and love for life is so refreshing and invigorating - I am sure you will love it once you get back to working with the children

the only part that is tedious is the assignments but the kids make that worth it too

go for it

[bluewaterdance]

Our kids need more like you. And some of us worn parents would love to have teachers like you to count on to help nurture tender souls. THANK YOU!

[Susanna West]

A six year old told me he wants to be a Homeopath and drive solar-powered cars when he grows up. Kids like this give me hope for humanity.

[Patryc]

Do you also get the kids going up to you for hugs before they will do anything else? Kids are cute! I had a few that spent more time with me or at my table than with the teacher (on my days in their classroom).

(side note: I actually use to get "reminded" of what time I was supposed to be on the playground for duty. One of my classes would not let me leave before everyone came up for a hug...even if they would see me on the playground 5 minutes later.)

At the same time, kids are inspiring. Sometimes, it's the things they say or make. Othertimes, it's moments of insight as you try to teach.

ya I get a lot of that

some just come up and give me spontaneous hugs

unfortunately the school policy is rather strict in regards to the teachers hugging them back or touching so I have to give them a sort of stunted hug back and kind of pat them on the arm etc

I have to be even more careful because I am a guy almost every teacher I meet warns me on this

one day when I was outside with the kids kicking the footy a little girl befriended me coz I was drawing her lots of pictures to color in

she kept playing around me and backing up to me just to sort of lean on me

I had to be careful with the footy

she started joining in though and even started kicking the footy after a while. First girl in the class to do that