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Considering Issues That

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A Message From Kathy.

It's not enough to have your child enrolled in pretty surroundings if those surroundings don’t have any positive impact on their all-around well being.  So, aside from all the other things you have to consider, the overall features of their play space / classroom along with the teachers and providers in attendance should be evaluated with the following things in mind:

Are the physical spaces set up so that your child is free to explore in a safe setting?  Is the floor area spacious enough to spread out and play? What about the furnishings, are they child-sized? Are bathroom fixtures child-sized?  If not, are they designed for a child’s ease of use and accessibility? Are there nooks and cozy corners available to them to enjoy reading, snuggling up to listen to music, or just for the added enjoyment of some alone time?

Toys, as well as art materials, books, and their cubbies all should be within easy access of every child.  Observe the staff to see if they’re attentive to each and every individual, responding quickly to their needs in a positive and loving way. Do you hear them encouraging interaction to settle disagreements and create friendships? Do you see them setting clear behavioral limits when necessary? Teachers should assist the children in getting the utmost from their play experiences by asking often about what they are doing and offering encouragement when they need it. Redirecting children when necessary is another of their important functions.  

Most good facilities have teachers and providers that have a respectful attitude towards children and parents, and yes, toward each other. They are dedicated caregivers with training in child development, updating their knowledge base periodically through seminars and advanced courses. Ask them about these things.  

All in all, if your Caregiver choice has a classroom that includes activities appropriate for the ages of the children, with challenges enough to offer the excitement of achievement without creating frustration, a curriculum that focuses on them as a whole being, their interests, their learning, and their overall development, then you can feel confident that your choice will be a positive influence on your child that will foster a life long commitment to discovery and continued learning.

I’ll write more about this and other subjects that affect your child’s well being through child care in subsequent articles. I’ll try to familiarize you with things that affect you as a parent; each child’s unique form of communication, their security issues, recognizing problems they might have, and all the concerns that arise as they pass from infant to toddler to preschooler.

What to consider before you commit; read:

Considering Issues That Matter Before Your Child Begins Their First Day In Child Care.

★ CHILD CARE Tips

Mommy, I’m A Big Kid Now.

It seems that your once totally dependent infant is excitedly moving on to toddlerhood.  Our children are always moving from one stage to another, but at this one we are being notified officially by our child that it is happening now.

As parents, one of our primary goals is to help our kids to become both curious and independent. Now, as they move into toddlerhood, they become more aware of their individuality as well, and in the process, more capable of doing things for themselves.

But there is a downside to this for those busy parents on a schedule, especially during those times of the year when we’re trying to get everyone out of the house in the morning --on time. Many times, this is when our easy-going child decides that he won’t wear any shirt, even his favorite baseball shirt in favor of keeping his pajamas on. This can also be called the “I do stage”. When getting dressed, you now hear, “I do it”, and they mean it.  So set aside a few more minutes and let them (with minimal help from you as needed) get dressed on their own.

Another example might be, that right after asking for a cup of juice, they say “I do it” as you are pouring. Embrace this new request by helping them accomplish this skill: Pour a small amount of juice in a small plastic measuring cup and have your child pour it into their cup. Now if it spills, it’s only a little mess. Help them by getting a sponge or paper towel, showing them how to wipe it up. In this way you get to teach them two related skills for the price of one. The look on their face will reflect just how proud they feel when they’re able to “do it themselves”.

Remember: Offer choices that you both can live with. When it comes to clothes, I used to leave out two outfits for my daughter. She picked them both out in the evening and we left the on the dresser, so that when I awakened her in the morning we had no arguments over which, shirt, skirt, etc.

Talk about feelings and how to cope. For example, “I see that you spilled your milk. Let me get a paper towel and help you clean it up”.

Offer your child ideas for how to best manage strong emotions. “I see that you’re really upset that Sue is playing with your favorite car. Let’s go find another one until she’s done”.

One of the big “I do it” moments happen at about nine months old. Many babies are able to drink from a sippy cup and eat with their fingers. This new independence can have him deciding he no longer likes his baby food and only wants foods like the ever-popular Cheerios and bananas, which he can self-feed. So, instead of having a “food fight” with him, give him cut-up, bite-sized pieces of whatever you’re having for dinner and enjoy this new stage.