Baby Care and Parenting Tips

Times have changed but here in 2011 we are still worrying about some of the same things we worried about in the 90′s, maybe even the 60′s or 70′s. Something that has not changed much in my opinion is raising our children. The bottom line is we want the very best for our children in all areas of life. Even though we may disagree with how we want our children to be educated early in life, we still agree that children need a good and strong foundation to start with. Children are our future. We have heard that time and time again. It is a true statement.

Who knows we may be raising the future president of the United States, or another Bill Gates. We as parents never know how our children will turn out or what they will become. We pray that they will be achievers and make a positive difference, but realistically we know that is not always the case. Parents you have to lay the foundation for your children and it must start as early as possible.

It starts when you have to make a decision as to who will take care of your young child or children when you have to work. Finding a childcare provider or a baby sitter that you can trust to instill some of the same values that you want your child to be raised with, is indeed a daunting task to say the least. The thought of leaving your child with someone you don’t know like the back of your hand is hard. Most times we don’t have a choice. We must find someone in order for us to work to pay the bills unless, we are fortunate enough to stay at home with our little ones until they are school age.

I remember the very first time I had to take my two years old to a preschool/daycare that was recommended to me. It was a preschool/daycare in a church and it had good reviews through word of mouth. When we got there on the first day, my heart was in my throat when my daughter started to cry and begged me not to leave her. I t was all I could do to hold back the tears myself and to encourage her to stay. I reassured her that she would have fun and I would pick her up when I finished work.

This is what parents have to go through, it is the worst thing in the world when you have realized you might have made a wrong choice and your child is not in good hands. That is why it is very important that you make sure you check out the provider or preschool/childcare center very carefully. Word of mouth is one of the best forms of reviews for childcare. Sometimes it is not enough and I don’t think that should be enough. Ask many questions until you are sure that is the right environment for your child. Observe the surroundings make sure there is a large enough yard for play and there is playground equipment. Some questions to keep in mind when you interview the potential daycare/preschool you are interested in for your small kids.

1. Find out what your child will be doing all day long (schedule)
2. What curriculum will be used (if formal teaching)
3. Do they toilet train (if needed)
4. Is lunch served (what type of lunch is it a balanced meal)
5. Snacks (what type and how many, are the snacks healthy)
6. Discipline (what happens when your child misbehaves what is done about it, type of discipline)
7. If child gets sick or an emergency (is parent called, emergency numbers over the phone? )
8. Child staff ratio (is it according to state requirements)
9. How long do they play (sufficient play time is important, especially outside)
10. How long do they sleep for nap time ( nap time no more than an hour)

(Elane Smith)