As a parent, the safety of your children is likely your top priority. When it comes to the people that care for your children, you should be paying special attention to some specific areas. We’re going to discuss these three areas below so that you can ensure your children’s care providers are keeping your child’s safety and well-being a top priority.
How They Actually Care for Your Kids
This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s a really important aspect to consider. Sometimes we get caught up in titles and environments that we forget to consider how our child’s other providers are actually interacting with them. For example, if you have a toddler, is the nanny down on the floor playing with them or holding them in their lap? If you have a ten-year-old, is the provider engaging in regular conversation with the child or are they simply just letting your child alone. Pay close attention to how the provider acts around your child to ensure it’s a stimulating environment.
What Are Their Policies
We all know that grandparents are supposed to spoil their grandchildren and parents are supposed to be the disciplinary figure. However, when it comes to the people that care for your child on a regular basis, you need to know what their policies are. Are they disciplining your children for the things that you would or not? It’s best for your children to be given the same types of policies in all environments so that they don’t have to try and navigate the fuzzy waters of how to act where. By talking with your child’s providers, you can make sure you’re on the same page about disciplining and rewarding your children.
Do They Use Other Help?
Childcare professionals are just like everyone else. They take days off and have appointments they need to attend from time to time. You should be asking your child’s provider whether or not they enlist the help of other people when they’re not able to work. If someone else is going to be looking after your child, even for a short hour, it’s likely you want to know who they are. Talk with your provider and meet any part-time help they enlist so you know who your child will be around.
Keeping your children safe and happy is your number one priority. When it comes to child care, it can seem like you’re putting a lot of trust in one or a few people. You should always do your due diligence when it comes to those who will be caring for your children to ensure their standards are up to yours and that you’re both engaging your children in the same way.
