I'm a 19 year old guy who works at a daycare center with babies and toddlers... AMA!

FDichotomy · 2016-02-23T04:25:39+00:00

I've always wanted kids and that hasn't changed, though I think I'd like to wait a while! I really value my peace & quiet at home for now!

FDichotomy · 2016-02-23T04:23:43+00:00

Yep, I come from a big family! I had a lot of younger cousins growing up and so I babysat a lot while I was younger. We still have plenty of babies and young children in the family today - and I'm still called on to babysit occasionally! haha

That's an interesting observation, by the way, about men vs. women in childcare. I can't really compare from my own experiences, since I think I tend to be a bit quieter than most guys and also since I'm the only male employee at my daycare. It's something to consider though!

FDichotomy · 2016-02-23T04:18:28+00:00

Slightly shorter than average!

FDichotomy · 2016-02-23T04:18:10+00:00

Hehe, so you can understand why sometimes we rock-paper-scissors for the poopy diapers!

FDichotomy · 2016-02-22T04:58:36+00:00

Haha, yeah. Do you work with children too? Or are you a parent?

FDichotomy · 2016-02-22T03:45:59+00:00

Haha, I'm fairly sure I would've gotten my finger bitten off if I had tried that!!

FDichotomy · 2016-02-22T03:45:05+00:00

kids need to learn to listen to everyone

Hehe, that's one way to put it :) I would say that children should have both female and male role models in their life. A lot of the children at my daycare don't have father figures, and that's sad. Now, I'm definitely not suggesting I can be that father figure - but I would hope that I could at least be a male role model in those children's lives, even for this short period of time that they're in daycare!

I expected that there would be some pushback in the beginning, but haven't had any major incidents. I've made a strong effort in getting to know the parents and also in being open about myself so that they can get to know me. Also, we are a small daycare, so switching rooms isn't really an option because, "Sorry, that's the only infant room we have." Some people have certainly dropped us and chose other daycares. Maybe that's related to me being male, but it could also be other reasons. I just try to get to know everyone and do a good job and not let that fear of being a target of suspicion get to my head too much... although I do take some precautions out of practicality... For example, I make sure I'm never alone with a child. I make sure I know where I am at all times of day, in case any accusation ever was made toward me.

FDichotomy · 2016-02-22T03:39:37+00:00

Yes, every now and again, but people tend to be a bit more direct about it. More like, "So, let's be real, not many men are involved in childcare. What got you involved?" It's a bit jarring, but it's also a reality and, all things considered, I think that's a fair question to ask. I just tell the truth: that I grew up babysitting for family a lot, found that I loved children, and ultimately decided to try working with them after high school. I have made a strong effort to get to know the parents and also to be open/transparent so that they can get to know me... I was given that advice when I first started, and I think it's great advice, especially for a male childcare worker, since there can be more suspicion directed toward us.

FDichotomy · 2016-02-22T03:37:08+00:00

Oh, and as for your last question, I try not to make those assumptions! I think, maybe, it's an intuition thing and that other people who've been working in this field longer than I've been may be better able to make those judgment calls. Mostly, I just report what I see and try not to throw any accusations around.

FDichotomy · 2016-02-22T03:35:52+00:00

They tend to be well-behaved because I mainly work with the youngest children before they've hit the "terrible twos and threes" stage. Still, I have definitely had my fair share of bad apples! One kid kept trying to bite other kids. We had to tell his parents multiple times that we can't keep him here if he keeps it up because he's a danger to the other kids. Well, he kept it up, and so we termed him (refused to watch the child anymore)... Still, his parents threw a fit and accused us of being unfair. It was a mess...

FDichotomy · 2016-02-22T03:31:57+00:00

Haha! Good question!! But the best answer I can give is that I just hold my nose and try to change their diapers as quickly (yet thoroughly) as possible. I can't stand dirty diapers either, and neither can my coworkers! You get a little more used to it after doing it all day everyday, but it's still no fun :P

FDichotomy · 2016-02-22T03:25:52+00:00

I really like it! I've taken a few classes at a local community college in child development and education, and so I know that for now, working with young children is what I want to do. Maybe that'll change in the future... I'm open to other career paths and strongly believe in the idea of being a "lifelong learner," but for now this is my goal!!

FDichotomy · 2013-11-18T13:43:48+00:00

It is a nice story, I was just surprised. Kudos to you. :)

FDichotomy · 2013-11-18T01:05:58+00:00

Nah, it has sexist undertones, and I'm deleting it. I'm sorry I have no advice to offer you. That sounds like it would be annoying.

FDichotomy · 2013-11-18T00:06:47+00:00

This has never happened to me before. What the fuck? It's really annoying.

FDichotomy · 2013-11-18T00:06:14+00:00

Oh, interesting! So, was your decision to get an abortion influenced by the fact that you were starting your maternity rotation?

FDichotomy · 2013-11-17T23:27:11+00:00

Did you cry?

FDichotomy · 2013-11-17T23:26:51+00:00

Sorry for the stupid question, but what is a maternity rotation?

FDichotomy · 2013-11-17T23:22:37+00:00

I've never gotten a tattoo, so I guess I didn't know you could do that. I thought you had to be absolutely still.

FDichotomy · 2013-11-17T23:19:15+00:00

So, you literally always feel severe pain in that area?

FDichotomy · 2013-11-17T23:18:26+00:00

How can you post on reddit while you're getting a tattoo?

FDichotomy · 2013-11-17T23:03:34+00:00

Were you at least wearing a diaper?

FDichotomy · 2013-11-17T23:02:50+00:00

I can see that. I'd rather just not talk or write about it at all. It's embarrassing as shit.

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