Working with children, whether in a professional or volunteer capacity, requires a unique and specialised set of skills. Those who wish to teach, counsel, coach, or care for children in any role must develop certain competencies to be effective. Today, we will explore some of the most essential abilities needed to productively engage with children and support their growth and development.
- Build Rapport and Trust
One of the fundamental skills for working with children is the ability to develop rapport and build trusting relationships. Children need to feel comfortable and secure with the adults in their lives to open up and engage meaningfully. Practitioners should have strong interpersonal skills, be approachable and authentic, and show genuine interest in understanding each child as an individual. With open communication, active listening and unconditional positive regard, adults can gain the mutual understanding and respect necessary for impactful interactions.
These skills aren’t just important for job roles involving children, they are also important for parents and foster carers. While fostering in London is more of a calling than a job, you still require similar skills to provide excellent foster care.
- Patience and Compassion
Working with children also requires seemingly endless reserves of patience and compassion. Practitioners must be able to respond calmly and sensitively to children’s ever-changing needs, emotions, and behaviours. Rather than reacting out of frustration or judgment, adults should lead with empathy, seek to validate children’s feelings and reinforce positive conduct through gentle guidance. Extending patience and compassion, even when tested, enables constructive relationships.
- Creativity and Engagement
To capture children’s attention and imagination, creative thinking and engagement techniques are invaluable. Singing, storytelling, hands-on activities, visual aids and elements of surprise or fun can greatly enhance children’s learning and development. Practitioners should know how to structure activities that stimulate curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Making learning experiential through interactive games, experiments, performances, or projects helps children actively process information and skills.
- Child Development Knowledge
A strong understanding of child development is crucial. Having realistic expectations for children’s capacities at different ages and stages allows practitioners to provide appropriate support and stimulation. Recognising developmental milestones and respecting the individual pace of each child prevents pushing them beyond their abilities. Practitioners should also be able to identify potential developmental delays and seek interventions as needed. Knowledge of normal child development trajectories informs responsive, effective practice.
- Safeguarding and Welfare
As the protectors and caregivers of children, practitioners carry an enormous responsibility for safeguarding children’s welfare. Comprehensive training in health, safety and child protection is required to mitigate preventable risks. Practitioners must know how to provide first aid, administer medications safely, and identify signs of illness, abuse, or neglect, then follow proper reporting procedures. Ensuring children’s basic needs are consistently met and that they are not subjected to foreseeable harm are paramount duties.
Working effectively with children in any capacity demands specialised abilities developed over time with experience. Building rapport, extending compassion, engaging creativity, applying child development knowledge, and safeguarding welfare are essential competencies. With a dedication to actively cultivating these skills, practitioners will enrich their practice and make positive impacts on children’s lives.
