Working with tiny humans is a beautiful experience. It is full of laughter, learning, and the occasional moment where someone cries because their banana broke in half.

Sometimes that someone is the child.
Sometimes… it’s the teacher.

Early childhood classrooms are wonderful places, but they can also test the emotional strength of even the most patient educator. One minute you are reading a story about forest animals, and the next minute someone has poured glue into their hair while another child proudly announces they are feeding crayons to the class dinosaur.

In moments like these, I remind myself of one important strategy: pause.

Taking a deep breath can work wonders. Not only does it help me stay calm, but it also models emotional regulation for the children. When they see an adult handle chaos with patience, they learn that big feelings can be managed without turning the classroom into a tiny tornado.

Another strategy I use is reflection. After a challenging moment, I ask myself questions like:

“Why did that happen?”
“Was the child tired?”
“Hungry?”
“Or did they simply decide today was the perfect day to test gravity by throwing every block in the room?”

Understanding the reason behind a child’s behavior helps me respond with empathy instead of frustration.

Of course, teachers also need support. Talking with fellow educators can be incredibly helpful. There is something comforting about hearing another teacher say, “Oh yes, one of mine tried to throw his cup in the trash today.”

It reminds you that you are not alone.

Outside the classroom, I rely on small habits that keep me balanced: preparing materials ahead of time, staying organized, and occasionally enjoying a quiet cup of coffee before the tiny humans arrive to ask a gazillion of questions before 9 a.m.

Working with young children means navigating big emotions every day — theirs and sometimes our own. But it also means witnessing incredible growth, creativity, and joy.

And every once in a while, a child will say something so unexpected and hilarious that you remember exactly why you love this job.

Because teaching tiny humans is never boring.