3 Lessons I Have Learned from Children.

Time spent playing with children is never wasted – Dawn Lantero.

I have said this before and I’ll say it again: I am the luckiest girl on the planet. This is not an exaggerated nor bias statement. It is one hundred percent the truth.

I was in my last year of high school when I scored a work experience placement in a grade six classroom at one of the schools in my small town of Fort Macleod. It was during this experience that felt compelled to pursue a career working with children. Fast forward three years later, I have a certificate in educational assistance, and I am employed as a Childhood Development Assistant at an out of school care program. When I was first offered this position almost two years ago now, I was completely unaware of the impact that it would have on my life- let alone the lessons that someone so small and young is capable of teaching.

This week, I wanted to share with my friends and readers three of the most valuable lessons that I have learned from the children that I work with.

1. Enjoy the little things.

At work, we have a saying that says, ‘the best things in life aren’t things. We live in a world where the majority of us are so consumed with everything that is going on in our lives, that we often forget that it is the little things in life that matter the most. The children that I work with have taught me that time is by far the best gift you can give someone. Materialistic objects bring us what I call temporary happiness. I can’t even explain the joy I feel inside of me when I hear the sound of children’s laughter. The adrenaline rush that runs through my body when I play a game of sea monsters with a group of them on the playground, or when my heart does a flip flop inside of my chest, because a five-year-old girl took the time to give my arm a tug, while I was trying to climb on the jungle gym.

2. Resiliency and Persistence

I have always been impressed with how resilient children are. When they fall, they are often quick to get right back and keep on going. This is something that is extremely rewarding to witness. There are times in life where it may seem much easier to throw in the towel, as opposed to making the choice to continue moving forward, regardless of the challenges you face. Children are persistent and sometimes, maybe even a little stubborn. I think that these are two of the most important qualities a person can have, simply because without them, we would not have the strength and motivation necessary to achieve our goals, dreams and aspirations (whatever they may be).

3. Don’t Judge a Book by its Cover!

Everyone is unique. Children have a way of reminding us to embrace the uniqueness of each human being both inside and out. Children do not see your flaws, imperfections and challenges. For me, this holds a special significance. I have received many questions and inquiries about my disability from the children, some of which were hysterical. One child even asked me if my wheelchair has an airbag.

Children are empathetic. I will never forget when one of them was watching me wiggle my way back into my wheelchair after we had spent some time playing on the floor. I heard his voice pipe up behind me.

Is it hard?"

" Is what hard?"

" Getting back into your chair, is it hard?"

I responded to his question by saying: " No, it's not hard, not anymore. I have had a lot of practice."

Then, he said that he wished that I wasn't in a wheelchair.

I proceeded to get out of my chair and sat down beside him. At first, I did not know how to respond. I explained to him that there was a time where I was upset about being in wheelchair. I am not upset anymore because I have learned that I can do everything everyone else does just in a different way and that is okay. I explained to him that I am not upset and because I am not angry, he doesn't have to be upset for me. Then, he gave me a hug

One of the reasons I decided to work with children was because I wanted them to know that they can do anything they set their minds to, but I think they have taught me more than I can teach them.

Just try to convince me that your job is better than mine!