Since it's founding in 1997, the CYC-Net discussion group has been asked thousands of questions. These questions often generate many replies from people in all spheres of the Child and Youth Care profession and contain personal experiences, viewpoints, as well as recommended resources.
Below are some of the threads of discussions on varying Child and Youth Care related topics.
Questions and Responses have been reproduced verbatim.
Listen to thisHello all,
So often we, as Child and Youth Care workers, direct the vast majority of our time,
effort, and attention toward the children and youth in our care – a
level of dedication that is admired and emphasized in classrooms and
training programs. Is it any wonder then that our profession is
plagued by such a high burn-out rate? In striving to be as
effective as possible are we forgetting to care for ourselves? I
ask because I think the ideal of personal development and self-care is a
professional competency that is too often neglected. For my Child and Youth Care class I have to prepare a presentation regarding one of the competencies
put forth by the ACYCP; I chose to focus on personal development and
self-care. I was really hoping to get as much input from other Child and Youth Care workers as possible. What are your thoughts about the importance
of personal development and self-care? Is this a neglected competency?
Do you actively seek to develop personal attributes such as
self-awareness, wellness, and so on? How? How do you deal
with work stresses (e.g., exercise, meditation, journaling)? What
about the separation between personal issues and professional issues?
I know that’s a lot of questions but I’m hoping to be able to get a good
feel for what other professionals are thinking, experiencing, and
wanting. Any and all feedback is greatly appreciated!
Take good care,
Matt Fasano
...
Hi Matt,
As CYCs I believe it is extremely important for us to implement
self-care.
As professionals we have to model behaviour that is healthy and
effective for children, youth and families. As an ECE (and Child and Youth Care student)
I make sure to take the time I need for myself when I find myself
getting overwhelmed. I actively try to search out personal tools to help
me relax and take care of myself. However, the duties of life often take
control and self care is put on the back burner. I've started taking a
relaxation yoga that I absolutely love. I am still working on the
motivation to do it every day, but even just looking forward to my
weekly class, and leaving everything at the door, is a big part of my
self-care!
When we're working with children, youth and families, whether in crisis
or just in day-to-day interactions, wer'e going to be faced with things
that are triggers for us. We're going to feel overwhelmed, stressed, and
burnt out at different times throughout our lives and for different
reasons. So we have to realize how important self care is and practice
that. How much more we can support and help others if we can support and
care for ourselves?
Katie Kump
British Columbia
...
Hi Matt,
You asked several questions so I will address the issue of self care. I
agree that this is something that is very important but often neglected!
I believe this can be helped by a combination of the employer and the
employee.
Some places I have worked for before offer a personal day paid each
month, vacation time, and pay for workshops. These can all refresh an
employee and take stress away from the workplace. Unfortunately not
every employer sees the need or has the resources to do all these
things.
Some things I do personally to take care of myself are: take time for
myself outside of work (leave work at work as much as possible), ask for
help from coworkers when I feel overwhelmed, and go for runs to
de-stress after a hard day at work. I have found running to be
particularly helpful because it relaxes me and takes my mind off of
everything that is causing me stress. I can make goals for myself and
feel like I am doing something just for me.
Take care and good luck on your assignment!
Callie Zerr
...
Hi:
I totally agree with Katie. I am a Student Support Worker (and Child and Youth Care student) for our local school board. I service students and their
families of African Nova Scotian descent and First Nations/Aboriginal
heritage. The job is very challenging at times, and for my
self-care I have decided to take a few weeks off from my job to be just
a 'parent'. We have finalized an adoption and I am needed at home.
Now that I'll have some time to focus on 'me' and my own family, I can
get balanced again and be a better support for my families and
students.
It is true that burn out happens within 5 years of being Child and Youth Care worker....I'm not ready to be burned out, just need to take care of 'me'
so I can take care of 'others'.
April Hiltz
