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As a therapist, what characteristic is most beneficial when working with kids? #Spring25

I'm currently a high school senior and will be graduating next month. I have been volunteering and interning with younger elementary school kids and found that I love that age group. I am interested in working with kids by being a therapist or social worker. I am interested in hearing advice about how what I should prepare for in different situations.

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Adriana’s Answer

Hi Sophia! Amazing you have found your passion and I applaud your drive to pursue it! Working with kids is so, so rewarding. It can also be very hard. Working with kids, and parents, can be tiring - physically, emotionally, and mentally. Take time for yourself to recharge and reset. There will be days with very high ups, and very low lows.

From my 10+ years working with kids in elementary through middle school age groups, being flexible and adaptable is key. You never know what will happen each day - kids are unpredictable! Be confident and approach each day as a learning opportunity. Experience is what will build your tool box to help you handle anything that comes your way. Embrace your inner child and connect with each child on their level. Meet them where they are at. Be that unwavering pillar of support. Kids thrive when they know they have someone they can always depend on, who will always be there for them for all the struggles, and for all the good. Celebrate the wins - embrace it and have FUN!
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Chad’s Answer

First, it's wonderful that you're interested in helping kids! Fields that connect with kids (teaching, counseling, etc.) can be some of the hardest, but also some of the most rewarding. Some thoughts I would offer as advice: acknowledge that kids have varying family/life experiences, skills, challenges, feelings... the spectrum is vast! No amount of training or studying will prepare you for everything you'll encounter. If you commit yourself to being the best you can be for them, and give yourself space to make mistakes AND learn from them, you'll do great.
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Prachee’s Answer

Hi Sophia!

It is amazing that you have realized the group that you want to work with! Counseling children is satisfying because you can often see the growth and change happening right in front of you.

Some qualities worth considering while working with children are:
1. Children love someone who exudes warmth and joy - Children are naturally drawn to someone who radiates positivity and joy. It makes them feel comfortable and secure.
2. Therapy with children often requires a lot of props- think artwork, toys and so on. Thus, you need to be familiar and at ease with some of these media and you will learn how to use them therapeutically during your coursework.
3. Being able to understand a child's emotions is an important factor in helping the child. Most of the children who come to a counsellor are already facing some emotional/interpersonal/ behavioral underlying issue. Your job as a counsellor is to understand what that is and treat accordingly.
4. Being patient with children is another characteristic. Many children have behavioral issues and dealing with them requires patience.
5. Being able to communicate well with children- engaging with them as well as listening to them is a child counsellor's job every day.
6. You will also have to develop skills to communicate with their parents too.

All the very best to you on journey to work with children!
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