10 commandments -* The Canadian Association of Family Resource Programs - Contributed by Donna MacKinnon, President of the Independent Child Caregivers Association (Ottawa, ONT)
1. Honour Thy Caregiver's Schedule. Yes, There is life after caregiving. Caregiver's have appointments to keep, dinnner dates and shopping to do. Resist that temptation to stop for a few groceries; arrive on time to pick up your child. Both Children and caregiver will appreciate your punctuality, and if you are unaviodably late one time your caregiver will be understanding.
2. Thou shalt not delay payment of pre-arranged fees. Caregivers base their budgets on a predictable cash flow just as you do. Post dated cheques may be convient for both of you.
3. Thou Shalt not keep thy concerns to thyself. If something is bothering you, talk to your caregiver. Then work together to provide a solution. Likewise, don't hesitate to tell her when you are pleased with her efforts. Communication is Key.
4. Thou shalt not knowingly expose caregivers and children to infectious diseases. Yes, I know bosses aren't always sympathetic when you need to stay home with a sick child. But Remember, the guidelines on illness that you are asked to follow also protect your child from exposure. Even if not still infectious, a child should be well enough to take part in program activities. Would you want your child to miss a special event because another child was not well enough to participate?
5. Thy shalt bring thy offspring to caregiver in a well-rested state. All children have bad nights occasionally. But a regular bedtime and a good night's sleep mean the child will be cheerful, energetic and ready to fully participate in an active program. We want him or her to have fun.
6. Thou shalt negotiate and respect a reasonable contract. Having requirements in writing clarifies expectations for both parents and caregivers.
7. Know thyself and thy needs. Before you start interviewing prospective caregivers, think about what is important to you with regard to enviroment, location, schedules, child guidance philosophies, etc. Then choose a program that meets your requirements. Don't expect a caregiver to change her views or program (minor adjustments excepted) to match yours.
8. Thou shalt take the necessary time to ease thy child into and out of any child care arrangements. A schedule of visits lets you, your child and caregiver become familar and at ease tieh each other. Leaving a caregiving arrangement also requires preparation.
9. Thou shalt say good-bye to thy child in a loving manner... then leave. Some good byes are not easy, but if you act calmly and confidently, your child will accept those feelings and settle after you have gone. If you keep returning for one more hug, you may transmit feelings of uncertainty and your child will respond accordingly.
10. Thou shalt respect thy caregivers professionalism. A caregiver who offers a nuturing, safe, stimulating enviroment with well-planned activities is not "just a babysitter". She is contributing to the optimum development of your child and deserves to be treated with respect.
1. Honour Thy Caregiver's Schedule. Yes, There is life after caregiving. Caregiver's have appointments to keep, dinnner dates and shopping to do. Resist that temptation to stop for a few groceries; arrive on time to pick up your child. Both Children and caregiver will appreciate your punctuality, and if you are unaviodably late one time your caregiver will be understanding.
2. Thou shalt not delay payment of pre-arranged fees. Caregivers base their budgets on a predictable cash flow just as you do. Post dated cheques may be convient for both of you.
3. Thou Shalt not keep thy concerns to thyself. If something is bothering you, talk to your caregiver. Then work together to provide a solution. Likewise, don't hesitate to tell her when you are pleased with her efforts. Communication is Key.
4. Thou shalt not knowingly expose caregivers and children to infectious diseases. Yes, I know bosses aren't always sympathetic when you need to stay home with a sick child. But Remember, the guidelines on illness that you are asked to follow also protect your child from exposure. Even if not still infectious, a child should be well enough to take part in program activities. Would you want your child to miss a special event because another child was not well enough to participate?
5. Thy shalt bring thy offspring to caregiver in a well-rested state. All children have bad nights occasionally. But a regular bedtime and a good night's sleep mean the child will be cheerful, energetic and ready to fully participate in an active program. We want him or her to have fun.
6. Thou shalt negotiate and respect a reasonable contract. Having requirements in writing clarifies expectations for both parents and caregivers.
7. Know thyself and thy needs. Before you start interviewing prospective caregivers, think about what is important to you with regard to enviroment, location, schedules, child guidance philosophies, etc. Then choose a program that meets your requirements. Don't expect a caregiver to change her views or program (minor adjustments excepted) to match yours.
8. Thou shalt take the necessary time to ease thy child into and out of any child care arrangements. A schedule of visits lets you, your child and caregiver become familar and at ease tieh each other. Leaving a caregiving arrangement also requires preparation.
9. Thou shalt say good-bye to thy child in a loving manner... then leave. Some good byes are not easy, but if you act calmly and confidently, your child will accept those feelings and settle after you have gone. If you keep returning for one more hug, you may transmit feelings of uncertainty and your child will respond accordingly.
10. Thou shalt respect thy caregivers professionalism. A caregiver who offers a nuturing, safe, stimulating enviroment with well-planned activities is not "just a babysitter". She is contributing to the optimum development of your child and deserves to be treated with respect.
