Not Allowing Stress to Manage You - Take Control !
Teachers are often asked the question by parents, friends, even relatives, 'How do you manage to work with so many children at a time'? You may also hear a comments such as, 'I can barely manage just one preschooler'. 'Simply managing two...three or more active children on a daily basis, AND their age range from infant to school-age is undoubtedly a challenge'. Some admirers, mainly parents suggest jokingly (at times) they should be awarded a medal for all that they do - honestly and lovingly caring for their children. Even hearing a consistent thank you, parents say would suffice. However, these admirers do admit...great teachers and child care providers really deserve a medal for their work with children. They continue with wonderful compliments, marveling about educators' patience and their knowledge of child development, plus care skills. While you probably smile or nod humbly, affirmations confirm in your mind a truth you already figured out, but it's still good to hear.
First, just getting out of bed and finding your 'center'...a focus point in the mind's-eye takes time. Maybe you rely on that special 'something-something' that will get you motivated. Myself, it's a hot cup of coffee with cream that I nurse to the last sip. Perhaps you take on the role each morning as drill sergeant when it's time to get children, spouse and other family members up. Like a drill sergeant you sound-off with the same old orders as the day before and the day before that one. It's routine...tiring, even stressful, but what you see as necessary to prepare everyone for school and work. Teachers and other early childhood educators certainly come to rely on having that extra stamina needed to keep up with active children. The kind of physical and mental stamina that withstands children's sometimes non-conventional and interesting actions. Their spontaneity overall is viewed as exciting and fun. However, there are times when children's spontaneity plays on the edge, and can tip-tap some stress buttons. Stress levels are tested in relationship at home and at work. Child care providers and educators are tested at work in ways similar to other professionals in different career fields. Of course, it all depends on how you approach and manage stress - tension in various situations. You can find yourself choosing whether to 'fight or flight' contingent on certain circumstances and one's level of stress tolerance. This may be especially true when confronted with conflict. Here are some examples of how child care and development educators stress level is tested at work. Example: Arriving at work and finding out a co-worker in your classroom is out sick. There's no substitute in the room, and you're not sure if one has been scheduled. Already...a nervous feeling surfaces. It just so happens that several children and their parents have arrived earlier then normal. (There's no explanation as to why the change in their regular drop-off time). Kindly enough, you do get this hearty response... 'Good Morning' and a slight wave 'Good -bye'. Next a different parent arrives and notices the increased number of children and your co-worker's absence. This parent decides to quiz you on the state's adult-to child ratio requirements. A tactful way to advise you they are indeed aware of the required number of children to be cared for by one teacher working with young three years old. To add-on to your slightly nervous tension, now turned up a notch - an anxious father waits to get your attention. He has just informed you his twins have changed their medication and need to discuss a new health service plan.
Whether you have identified your stress source as more work related or personal, it often intertwines and it not separate. The dual roles of being a responsible parent, competent and caring child care professional and/or teacher can present pressure. It's not unusual to experience work and family imbalanced. What should you do to level up and reduce tension causing stress? Get back in control and build your stamina. It's true...'not to sweat the small stuff'. Expect and prepare for the unplanned! The most dreaded! Have at least one back-up plan in place for potential flukes; A prudent child care and development educator know their profession. That is...'the good, so sorry and simply not a good fit'. Moreover, understanding which situations have greater potential for actually happening. Whenever those particular situations do occur, it's not any less irritating, but may not reach the stressed-out point. Challenge negative thoughts. Start with a positive - look for the good. Ask your-self, 'How can I make this situation better'? Practice self-control by taking a deep breath and think...do one thing at a time. Cognitive strategies for dealing with anxious parents and/or behavior management with young and older children, is to practice slowing down your words. Depending on perspective, language, meaning word choice, voice tone, including the attitude of others through verbal and non-verbal exchanges can be interpreted as stress triggers. While you can't control what others say or how they choose to behave or interact - you can navigate how you respond. Take time out to do some form of exercise daily. Needlessly to say, working with children can give some of us a bit of a work-out. Include scheduled exercise - real physical and mental rejuvenation activities. Quiet time is great to help win against stress take over. Balanced diet - healthy eating habits are always best practice.
Remember, behavior actions that demonstrate not managed stress can be contagious. How? It can affect others...children, co-workers, parents, family, and friends. Usually, not in a positive way, Manage your stress by identifying which type of stimulus or threat that is causing how you feel. Acknowledge that management of stress is necessary to stay healthy and happy. Stay large and in charge of the situation, it's how you choose to ACT...not react.
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Eartha L. DeYampert