Working with children requires selflessness, patience, and empathy. It also requires years of schooling and experience. If you decide to pursue a position working with children, you will find yourself in a career both challenging and rewarding. Consider a variety of careers that involve working with children and find the right fit for your particular skillset.
Teaching
Teaching is a difficult and often underappreciated endeavor, but it’s a rewarding career path for the right individuals. Teachers of different grade levels need to possess a variety of skills in order to be effective. In addition to learning the materials they’ll be teaching, they also learn other subjects like developmental psychology and leadership skills. Teachers often develop a skill in teaching a certain age and subject, and continually learn how to use new strategies and technologies to help improve learning. Teaching jobs are on the rise, so if you’re considering a teaching career, explore an early childhood education degree at GMercyU; this type of degree will provide you with a solid foundation for a variety of educational career paths.
Social Work
Social work is a broad term describing many different practices. The basic duty of a social worker is to help people—individuals, families, and other groups—coexist better and enhance their overall wellbeing. Social workers apply theories of social science and humanities to address life changes. Those who study to become social workers learn about social justice, law, human rights, and psychology. They may even become social advocates who influence societal changes and policy. Social work is almost synonymous with children, because child social work is used often in cases of divorce, adoption, and child’s rights. In these circumstances, social workers may help children cope with divorce, help divorced parents learn how to work together for their kids, aid children in adoption or in foster homes, and call for action if they see any obstruction of a child’s rights.
Child Psychology/ Family Therapy
Both child psychologists and family therapists help children cope with their emotions and promote mental growth. Marriage and family therapists work with the family as a whole; they meet with parents and children separately and together to create a more stable home environment. They may encourage and debrief deep-rooted issues in the family and help them cope with these wounds.
Child psychologists work specifically with children, although they may provide some services to parents. Their focus is to provide therapy in a way that a child can understand. Child psychologists learn how to use specific techniques that get little ones to open up and communicate their feelings. They may use toys like dolls and action figures to help a child “play out” their problems, and observe any cues that they’re suffering. Through these therapeutic techniques, a child therapist can address and diagnose any psychological issues that might be present.
Juvenile Justice
Those who study social work sometimes go on to become juvenile justice attorneys. These professionals are legally allowed to represent minors on their behalf in court. They’re tasked with protecting a minor’s legal rights, and can work as both defendants and prosecutors on a case. They commonly work in divorce cases, but may also specialize in areas such as adoption or immigration law.
Pediatric Nursing
Pediatric nurses specialize in health care for children. They may aid doctors by performing routine check-ups and care for little ones. Being a pediatric nurse is no easy feat; nurses must face the trials of sickness and suffering every day, and while they may help thousands of children get well, they’ll also experience tragedy. Pediatric nurses are always in high demand, so if you’re interested in becoming a nurse, explore some of the nation’s best nursing programs to get you on the right path.
Jobs in childcare are always in high demand and are incredibly important to the community. If you love children, consider one of these rewarding careers.
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