Being a waitress is not always as easy and fancy as you think it is. It takes a toll on life, and you start to question everything when someone is rude to you. But one of the most unexpected joys of this job is the kids. Seriously, I love it when these small little creatures walk in and are filled with energy. There’s something about interacting with kids that makes life seem fun, lighter and vibrant. Although many of my coworkers dread seeing a high chair coming out, I silently light up, knowing that there’s a kid here.

What I love the most about kids is that they’re honest, brutally honest and unfiltered. They dont care if the restaurant is packed or that I’m juggling five tables; they want to proudly show me the drawing that they do and ask me if I have seen the most unusual animal, which I had no idea existed. I so love that energy; it’s real and refreshing. It helps us break from the busy routine we have and makes us appreciate the small things in life.

Every Sunday, this little girl comes in with her parents, and she always has the same order, ” pancakes with extra happiness”, which puts a huge smile on my face. I sprinkle a few more chocolate chips than usual, and she lights up like I handed her gold. Her smile is worth more than a tip sometimes. But always worth the effort. Sometimes, the kids play pretend. One boy gave me a rock once and said it was “payment.” I pretended to scan it and thanked him for his generous tip. His mom laughed so hard that she did leave a generous tip. Win-win.

And, of course, not every child is so easy and calm. There are so many who throw tantrums not to eat and spill a drink all around the place while screaming at the top of their voices. But even then, I try to remind myself that this is a whole new world for them, and they are just beginning their life here. Restaurants feel like adventures: big chairs, new foods, shiny spoons, busy grown-ups. If I can make their visit fun, I’ve done something good.

Sometimes, the most amazing part about kids is that they see me, the real true me, not the waitress in the uniform serving them delicious food. Adults can be polite or dismissive or completely ignore me. But kids? Kids ask me my name, tell me their favorite animal, or ask if I have a dog. They look you right in the eye and treat you like a person. That makes you feel visible and heard in this busy world. You think at least a kid wants to know what’s happening in my life; You’re relieved in that sense.

It brings back my hope that in the fast-paced life that we live today, there’s always some room for connection, laughter and a little magic. Most of this comes from a random kid who’s colouring outside the lines of the book, waiting for chicken nuggets, which gets to me every time.