As moving experts, we understand that moving is one of the most vulnerable times in a person’s life and that you need to be able to trust whom you hire with your belongings. One of the things that sets us apart from other moving companies is that we comprehend the important relationship people have with their items. We know you want your things to be taken care of and treated with respect. However, one of the most important possessions many people have is not one we handle or care for. We know children aren’t material items, but they are a gift on loan to parents for a very short period of time. One of the struggles we all face as parents is figuring out the best care for our kids.
Searching for the best care for your kids is an extremely vulnerable time in parents’ lives. Whether it’s one parent returning to work, you are exploring preschools or after-school care programs or just a date night or occasional sitter, it’s hard to relinquish care of your kids to someone else. Let’s explore some of the different care options available for kids!
Family Members
Some families think that if mom or dad can’t be there, the next best option is of course, Grandma! One of the silver linings to having family members care for your kids it that this option is often low-cost or free. Nevertheless, one of the drawbacks to having a grandparent or other family member care for your kids is that the line between grandparent and caretaker can become blurred. Grandparents may prefer to care for your kids with a more relaxed or permissive style because they have been parents before and now it’s their turn to experience the joys of “grandparenting”. If no money is trading hands, you may not want to demand too much from your family members. However, you may want certain rules and structures you have worked hard to put into place to remain consistent. The best way forward with this option is strong communication between all parties involved. No one wants to feel taken advantage of, taken for granted, ignored or dismissed. Strong and upfront communication will help all family roles and relationships stay intact. Depending on your family and the relationships, this could be one of the best (or least desirable) options.
Nanny
The title “nanny” confers a more formal and frequent relationship than say, a babysitter. Typically, a nanny might provide care in your home. This may be a more convenient option for parents, but it could also be pricier. A nanny-share is an excellent way to make this option more cost effective. A nanny-share is when one family may use the nanny on Tuesdays and Thursdays, while the nanny may provide care for the other family on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. A nanny-share could also work when two families with similar aged children share the same nanny. However, this is someone who you will want to consider thoroughly, especially since you will be trusting him or her with your kids. Ask for references and observe how the candidate interacts with your child.
The Occasional Sitter
If you don’t need long-term or frequent care, an occasional sitter is a great option. You don’t have to use the same sitter every time and your kids may enjoy the variety. If you have elementary-age kids, a responsible high school or college student that lives in the neighborhood may be the perfect match. If you find a great sitter, you may not want to share his or her number with other parents, because then the favorite sitter won’t be available on Saturday night! We kid, but the occasional sitter is a great way to give parents a break every now and then.
Daycare
Daycares can run the gamut from bigger institutions run by companies to small private daycares run from personal homes. Since there are so many options, you are sure to find one that meshes with your parenting style and that you feel aligns with your core principles. When considering a daycare run out of someone’s home, don’t be remiss in checking that they are licensed through the state and have the proper paperwork in place. Certain parents prefer daycares that provide a similar structure to school, to help little ones get a head start. Some children enjoy the socialization that comes with having many different playmates, while other parents prefer for their kids to get more one-on-one attention. Some parents may feel that daycares are a benefit because they can help your kids build up their immune systems, while other parents may shy away from all the shared germs. Tour different facilities, interview the caretakers and teachers and don’t be afraid to ask other parents about their experiences with different daycares.
There is no right or perfect solution; the ideal choice is the one that works best for your family!
Original source: https://squarecowmovers.com/the-best-care-for-your-kids/