Does Teaching and Working with Kids Keep You Young at Heart?
Teaching and working with kids can indeed help keep you young at heart by fostering energy, enthusiasm, and a youthful perspective. Even as an older professional, engaging with children every day keeps you informed about their world and rekindles your sense of wonder and creativity.
Energy and Enthusiasm
One of the most significant benefits of working with children is the energy and enthusiasm they bring to the table. Kids have a natural curiosity and zest for life that can be infectious. Their unwavering energy can recharge your batteries and help you maintain a positive outlook. Whether it's the excitement of a classroom game, the joy of solving a puzzle, or the simple pleasure of a shared snack, these moments of childlike excitement can rejuvenate your own sense of wonder.
Perspective
Working with children often provides a fresh perspective on the world. Kids often see things through a lens of innocence and curiosity, which can challenge adults to rethink their assumptions and embrace creativity. Their unique viewpoints can prompt you to explore new ideas and approaches in your work and personal life. This constant mental stimulation can keep your mind agile and your spirit young.
Playfulness
Working with children often involves plenty of play, which is an excellent way to relieve stress and maintain a light-hearted approach to life. Play fosters creativity, imagination, and a sense of fun that can be easily lost in the grown-up world. Whether it's organizing a game of Simon Says, planning a scavenger hunt, or simply playing a round of pretend, these moments of play can help you remember what it feels like to be a child, even if just for a little while.
Learning
Interacting with kids can be a continuous learning experience. They teach us new things and remind us of the sheer joy of discovery. Kids have a natural thirst for knowledge and are always asking questions, which can challenge and stimulate your own thinking. This continuous learning process can help you stay intellectually engaged and emotionally vibrant.
Connection and Community
Building relationships with children fosters a sense of community and belonging, which can enhance your emotional well-being. In a world that can sometimes feel isolating, the bonds you create with children can provide a sense of purpose and connection. Whether it's a group project, a shared meal, or a heartfelt conversation, these connections can enrich your life and contribute to a more youthful outlook.
Adaptability
Working with children often requires a high degree of adaptability. Kids are adaptable and resilient, and being in their presence can inspire adults to embrace change and remain flexible in the face of challenges. This adaptability can translate to your personal and professional life, helping you navigate the ever-evolving landscape of your career or personal goals.
For example, I'm an older teacher, but daily contact with teens keeps me up to date on their world—the technology they use, the buzzwords they share, the media they consume, and their interests. Their energy, even on a Monday morning, their humor, and their wide-eyed wonder at times never fail to spark joy and relight the spark of curiosity within me. The constant interaction with younger people keeps me engaged and alive, fostering a genuine connection that keeps me young at heart.
Moreover, I believe that my 'second act' closer to my retirement would involve working with kids again, either as a teacher in a public or private school. I love being around them, and the possibility of seeing their potential and helping them grow is incredibly fulfilling. This role would not only keep me connected to the youth but also help me remain adaptable and open-minded. While my experience hardens certain views, it's equally shaken by the questions and perspectives of the younger generation.
It's a funny thing how history tends to repeat itself. With minor adjustments, I can continue to contribute and learn from the dynamic and exciting world of children. The interaction and exchange of ideas between younger and older generations can be mutually enriching, and I look forward to playing a part in that ongoing process.