21 Dec
Child care is one of those things you assume you don’t need to think about for awhile since most moms are off for a year maternity leave. Unfortunately this is not the case. Many child care options need to be thought about 6 months to a year ahead. Here is a list of some of the options available with a few of he pros and cons of each. They are in no particular order.
1. Family
Some new parents are lucky (or unlucky) enough to have a family member that is available to watch the baby. This can have some financial benefits as well as some emotional ones too. Many family caregivers are happy to help out and do not expect much in the way of payment. They are also usually someone that your baby is familiar with so the transition back to work can be an easier one for parent and baby. Some of the challenges could be differing discipline styles and a sense that this is a ‘favor’ they are doing for you and you could feel that this is being held over your head. This option does not need a lot of early planning but discussing the expectations on both sides will be helpful.
2. Live in nanny
Live in nannies can be a good option for families that want their child to be in the home but don’t have the option to be a stay at home parent. Many of them become so close to the employer that they seem like part of the family. Some of them also do cooking and housecleaning which can be extremely helpful to a family where the parents are working full time. This is a hard option if you do not have the space in your home to give them a room or do not want to share your living space with them. You can look for a nanny that is already in your area or you could sponsor one from another country. Sponsoring can take anywhere from 6 months to a year so look into it early if this is something you are interested in.
3. Live out nanny
A live out nanny can be a good option if you want to have your child in your home but don’t have the space or desire to have a live in nanny. They are more expensive than live in nannies and may not want to do much in the way of cooking and cleaning. You will want to start looking 3-4 months before you need to go back to work.
4. Daycare centre
Daycare centers are a popular option for many parents. Children are able to build social skills because they are surrounded by other children. Be prepared for many sick days during the first year however. It is inevitable that with children sharing toys, they will also share germs. Many children that have gone to daycare tend to adjust to school easier and have built a healthy immune system by this time ;). Daycare can be quite costly in many areas and the ones with good reputations have long waiting lists. It is best to start looking while you are still pregnant and get on as many list as you possible. You can always take ourself off the list when you have settled in to a centre you and your baby is happy with.
5. Home daycare
This is a great option for families that want the family environment but the benefits of having a few other children around for the social benefits. Home daycare costs range greatly. Thy are also something you want to be careful about if they are not registered.
Regardless of the option you choose, you want to do your homework. Whether you are going with a nanny, home daycare, or daycare center you want to choose a good one. Here are some tips on where to start:
- Ask friends and family if they have anyone they would suggest. Posting on Facebook is a great way to reach out to people and get a few names to start with.
- Search for places near by and set up interviews. This is a great way to compare different places.
- Call references. Always a good idea to check up on who you are considering. A quick call to references will give you a better sense of who they are. Ask open ended questions and ask how they dealt with certain circumstances. For example, you could ask if they’re child ever got hurt in their care and what was the caregivers reaction. Children are bound to hurt themselves but how it is responded to is really important. Another thing to ask about is how their child was disciplined. It is important that you find caregivers that share the same discipline strategies as you so your child has consistency.
- Observe the caregiver in action. If you are interviewing a nanny, have them have a bit of time when they are watching the child while you are at home. Then you could try some short errands out. See how your child responds. If you are considering a centre, go there with your child and watch how they interact with the teachers and other children.
- And finally…don’t be afraid to change caregivers if it tuns out it is not a good fit. It is important for both you and your child to feel comfortable with who is taking care of them
Good luck in your journey and feel free to post your references on our Facebook page www.facebook/HelpingHandsDoulaRMT
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