Open Communications, Common Philosophies Important
6. Talk specifics about your child to your relative.
Does your child only sleep on her left side or does he always want his Scooby Doo blanket when he naps? Does your daughter like to put on her own shoes without help or do you let your son put his own peanut butter on the bread? Habits and traditions are very important to a child, and let your family caregiver know as many of these preferences as possible to help ensure success and communications. You want your child to feel comfortable about the caregiver setting, and want to diffuse any situation from becoming a problem simply because grandma doesn't understand what your child wants or needs. Share favorite activities and routines as well as sleep times, bathroom habits, and eating preferences.
7. Let relatives be just that when not in the official child care setting.
Don't take advantage of your loving family by expecting them to watch your child at family functions and other events. Let grandma go back to being grandma, and not the "caregiver" during holidays and other special events. Maybe you don't want "grandma the caregiver" to give your child treats, but if you spot her sneaking one at a party, you might overlook it. After all, unless there is health reason why it should not be given, family members also treasure their special relationship just as family and not as the caregiver in charge.
8. Don't let personal or family disagreements sour the caregiver relationship.
You as the parent may have to extend special effort to ensure that "family" doesn't come between what otherwise is a very effective child care arrangement. In other words, try and avoid or minimize family gossip and any situation that could cause stress between you, your child, and the relative providing care. This arrangement often requires special nurturing, and you don't want a family spat on Saturday to cause an unwelcome mat to be placed outside when you require care on Monday morning. It is a good idea to have a conversation also about your resolve to maintain a loving, comfortable, family relationship and how you are committed to making this arrangement work. On the other hand, if the arrangement doesn't seem to be working, you should not feel afraid to end it, but remember that family is still family even if members are not serving as your child's caregiver. While honesty is the best policy, you should temper it that you feel a different relationship might be better all around and allow you to maintain that close relationship with family without throwing child care into the mix.
9. Be sure to tell your family thank you!
Don't take family care for granted, and be sure to thank your relative who is providing child care often. Always remember that "being family" is no reason to have to care for your child, and you value the special relationship and care. Think about ways you can thank them--and it doesn't have to cost much money. Maybe you and your child can help weed the garden or plant seasonal flowers. How about renting a beloved movie or grooming the dog?
10. Reassess the arrangement and your child's development on occasion.
Sit down occasionally and discuss your child and her growth and development. Talk about any concerns and goals. Plan together any future needs or special activities. Rmember, relative care can provide an optimal child care setting filled with love and care.
Does your child only sleep on her left side or does he always want his Scooby Doo blanket when he naps? Does your daughter like to put on her own shoes without help or do you let your son put his own peanut butter on the bread? Habits and traditions are very important to a child, and let your family caregiver know as many of these preferences as possible to help ensure success and communications. You want your child to feel comfortable about the caregiver setting, and want to diffuse any situation from becoming a problem simply because grandma doesn't understand what your child wants or needs. Share favorite activities and routines as well as sleep times, bathroom habits, and eating preferences.
7. Let relatives be just that when not in the official child care setting.
Don't take advantage of your loving family by expecting them to watch your child at family functions and other events. Let grandma go back to being grandma, and not the "caregiver" during holidays and other special events. Maybe you don't want "grandma the caregiver" to give your child treats, but if you spot her sneaking one at a party, you might overlook it. After all, unless there is health reason why it should not be given, family members also treasure their special relationship just as family and not as the caregiver in charge.
8. Don't let personal or family disagreements sour the caregiver relationship.
You as the parent may have to extend special effort to ensure that "family" doesn't come between what otherwise is a very effective child care arrangement. In other words, try and avoid or minimize family gossip and any situation that could cause stress between you, your child, and the relative providing care. This arrangement often requires special nurturing, and you don't want a family spat on Saturday to cause an unwelcome mat to be placed outside when you require care on Monday morning. It is a good idea to have a conversation also about your resolve to maintain a loving, comfortable, family relationship and how you are committed to making this arrangement work. On the other hand, if the arrangement doesn't seem to be working, you should not feel afraid to end it, but remember that family is still family even if members are not serving as your child's caregiver. While honesty is the best policy, you should temper it that you feel a different relationship might be better all around and allow you to maintain that close relationship with family without throwing child care into the mix.
9. Be sure to tell your family thank you!
Don't take family care for granted, and be sure to thank your relative who is providing child care often. Always remember that "being family" is no reason to have to care for your child, and you value the special relationship and care. Think about ways you can thank them--and it doesn't have to cost much money. Maybe you and your child can help weed the garden or plant seasonal flowers. How about renting a beloved movie or grooming the dog?
10. Reassess the arrangement and your child's development on occasion.
Sit down occasionally and discuss your child and her growth and development. Talk about any concerns and goals. Plan together any future needs or special activities. Rmember, relative care can provide an optimal child care setting filled with love and care.
