The choices we have to make….

Pheww…finally I’ve made it! My first article for January 2010!Hope it’s not too late to wish you a Happy New Year and let’s hope it’s going to be more prosperous year !

Babysitter or nursery?

Most working full time mothers (WFTM) don’t have the luxury of tending to their children 24hours a day except for weekend, like me. For me, I feel fortunate since I live inside the compound of my workplace and so does my babysitter. . It’s quite fuss free, I can even send my baby 15 or 10 minutes before I punch my card! Plus, there are no trapping in traffic since her house is behind mine only! Some families hire a maid to assist in house chores and taking care of babies. Some WFTM are living with their parent or in laws and that also helps. However, not all working mothers live with parents and manage to find a suitable babysitter or nursery near their house. Here, I want to share what I’ve read in an article.

How to choose a good(great) babysitter

Usually you will get recommendation from families or friends. This may give you confidence, however, not all babysitters up to perfection or suits yours expectancy. Finding a baby sitter not only based to recommendation, house cleanliness, friendliness and their expertise. Here are several points to ponder when finding a babysitter:

1. Find out about the babysitter themselves, how do they interact with your baby  and see their approach of caring babies/children.
2. Visit their house before you send your baby/child. Is it clean?Is it baby proof?
3. How many children does the babysitter care for including their own children?( less other children, more focus to yours!)
4. If the babysitter have babysit before or have other children under her care, you can ask their mothers, neighbours or friends about how does the child behave.
5. Is there any family members living under their roof? Nieces, nephews, cousins etc?
6. Is the babysitter have other businesses that could interfere/make her less focusing on  with babysitting?
7. Is the babysitter have cats/dogs in their home? If your child have an allergic to cats’ and dogs’s hair, you want to be precautious about this.

Most of babysitters are hired based on trust, since their  don’t have licence. You might be considering to make unannounced visits to their house to check on your baby/child.

Checking on child nursery

If the above choice  is unobtainable by you, you can opt for nursery. However, since there are many choices, you have to list a few potential nurseries and then, do the checking by yourself, besides getting recommendation by family and friends.

Here are what details you might wanna check for:

Do they have licence?

The utmost important part of finding a good nursery is to get information about licensing. In Malaysia, every nursery must be registered by Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat. You can also ask whether the  nursery staffs have attending training classes/seminars/ workshops etc with Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat.

I come, I see, I evaluate

You also might want to check for:

1. cleanliness/ sanitary
2. bright and seems fun
3. spacious enoughfor kids to play/ do activity
4. good ventilation

And you might also check whether the nursery is childproof and safe for your child. Look for sharp edges, and small toys that can be swallowed.Also,  make sure the toilet are clean and suitable for children use.

Monitor!Monitor! Monitor!

Look at how the staffs there and the children interact with each other. Does the children seems happy and productive?Does the nursery staff  are responsive to the children needs?

Schedule: Packed or Fun!Fun!Fun?

The schedule for activity must be suitable for the age and capability of the children. It must includes not only academic activity, it must also have playtime and rest.

Ongoing care

Children will develops brightly if the care their receive at the nursery are the same as at home. You can also ask the nursery about the value, discipline or policy of tending children.

Parenting is something cannot be substitute with other person. You and you spouse must play your role to tend children and care for them. Parent have to sacrifice a lot in order to success. Make sure you are able to spend lots of time with your children. You must do whatever you can to ensure your child gets the best not only from you, but also from their carer.

Tips to deal with separation anxiety

Babies tends to get separation anxiety or fear of you being away. This is normal because at birth, babies don’t have their own personalities yet and they see themselves as a part of you. At six months, they will begin to realize they are totally a different person form you and starting this age, they usually want to do things their way. If you have to leave them to go to work or else, please do not sneak from them or go out when their not looking . If they see you going out, maybe they will cry a bit but, they know you are away. If you go out by sneaking,babies will tends to search for you after a while and this can be frustrating for them for not able to findyou. Separation anxiety usually disappears when babies are 1-year-old. Some babies are taking until 2-years-old to deal with this. You must remember, every baby is unique in their own term and their develops differently.

Some tips from a child psychologist, Penney Hames,.

Wave  goodbye

You can make things more predictable (and therefore less stressful) for your baby by saying goodbye when you leave – that way at least she won’t be taken by surprise when you are not there. Once you have said goodbye, leave. If you hang around you’ll make her more anxious still; she may get the feeling that you don’t think she will be okay without you, or that there is in fact something to feel worried about.

Play peek-a-boo

You can also help your baby come to terms with your coming and going by playing games like peek-a-boo with her, where you hide behind your hands and then pop out with a ‘boo’. Generally, until your baby is well into her second year you should be prepared for a lot of clingy behaviour and hesitancy about leaving you or being left. Your baby will learn to manage without you more easily if you are calm, loving, and confident in the way that you say goodbye.

~Only the best for our children~

Catlina

Related Posts | Have You Read?

• No Related Posts

Tags: babysitter, nursery