From infants to teenagers, something is amazing about watching kids grow into full-blown adults. For many, it’s the most exciting thing in the world. Plus, it doesn’t have to be your own kids to be amazing—if you’re a teacher, a nanny, or work in any other profession that traditionally deals with kids, you know how wonderful it is to see a toddler learn to talk or a teen come into their own.
Educators and nannies aren’t the only ones dedicated to caring for our smaller pals, though. In fact, there are plenty of folks who choose a profession precisely because it supports kids. Let’s take a look at a few of these.
Emergency Responders
Emergency responders, or paramedics, are professionals who have completed first aid classes and CPR certification. Paramedics will likely complete local first aid classes and CPR classes. For instance, a paramedic in Colorado may complete a CPR course in Denver. That may not come as a surprise, but did you know that administering CPR to infants and small children is a different process?
Paramedics who respond to an emergency will know this, and many emergency responders get first aid training to do so to make sure that the kids they encounter are well cared for. We all know that pediatricians are healthcare professionals who work with kids, but paramedics are also healthcare providers who work with kids and should be recognized.
Social Workers
Not all infants are born into a situation that allows them to get all the resources they need. Many social workers work with families who have small children to get them all the help they need. Whether it’s help getting the physical workbook or course materials they need to succeed in school or making sure that the family gets federal benefits so that no one goes hungry, social workers are the unsung heroes of child care providers. In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, as many schools have shifted into online courses and leaving the traditional classroom setting or environment behind, social workers have helped make sure that kids, from first grade through high school, have the resources they need to succeed.
Therapists
Kids have feelings, too, and it’s not always easy for them to navigate their emotional world. Some therapists focus specifically on treating children, and you’d be amazed to learn what can be achieved in a few short hours with a counselor. Beyond school counselors (who are also crucial child care providers), private therapists can help kids navigate the pressures of socializing or any peer pressure they may be experiencing. Therapists can also provide online sessions, even for kids, just like online courses can take the place of a traditional classroom setting or environment. That way, you can be assured that your kids are staying safe from the coronavirus and still getting the support they need.
Sometimes we forget all the people who impact a child’s life. Sure, a child’s parents and immediate family are probably the most important people in their life. That being said, there are many more adults who help raise a kid. As the saying goes, “it takes a village.” That village may include aunts, uncles, grandparents, and cousins. It probably includes educators and tutors, too, but we can’t forget the other adults who impact a child’s wellbeing.
From the paramedics who take specialized CPR classes to care for kids to the social workers and therapists who work tirelessly to make sure all kids have the resources they need to thrive, there are a lot of people to thank. Next time you see an ambulance whooshing by or a sign for a therapist’s office, take a moment to smile and thank these heroes for caring for our children.
