The complete set of 198 Hints are available in paperback from the CYC-Net Press store.
ListenPeople often list what they consider to be the important qualities of a Child and Youth Care worker.
Ernie Nightingale (https://www.cyc-net.org/CYC-Online
/cycol-0500-editor.html)
suggested this list: They have a twinkle in their eyes (as defined by Al
Trieschman), they have commitment, know their territory, are eager to learn,
have the ability to change and adapt, the ability to see small changes as
big news, and the ability to take responsibility for their personal lives,
they risk and sacrifice to support each other, and they have a spiritual
depth.
Thomas Linton and Michael Forster (https://www.cyc-net.org/quote2/quote-27.html)
felt that a list of these qualities would have to include the following:
Idealism, pragmatism, intelligence, empathy, commitment and courage.
Varley Weisman (https://www.cyc-net.org/today2000/today000421.html)
reported that kids listed these desirable personality descriptors: strength
of character, independence, physical attractiveness, sense of play, tact,
style, class, genuineness ... not a front, a kid at heart, and good heart.
Ellen Bacon and Lisa Bloom (https://www.cyc-net.org/quote2/quote-202.html)
listed qualities which kids looked for in teachers: Be patient; be friendly,
open, and listen to what students say; have a sense of humour; have a
positive attitude; be helpful; and be nice, no swearing. In addition, they
said teachers of behaviour disturbed pupils needed to: control their own
emotions so they don’t take it out on students at school; deal with their
own anger; don’t be paranoid; and don’t overreact to students’ behaviour.
All of which adds up to a tall order. And what about curiosity to top off those lists? In our practice today we do not want to be "know-it-alls". We all benefit from sense of discovery and wonder at how and why things happen, how we could learn more about them and how to work with them. Our curiosity is contagious – instead of the put-downs we inflict by having quick and slick answers for everything, we become partners in enquiry and models of problem-solving when we get alongside the children and families we work with – to learn more before we make decisions, and to find as much information as we can about things that affect all our lives.
Yes, put curiosity on your list.
