The business of caring for children is not an easy one. Providers: You can remember these nine suggestions for making your home a more loving and supportive place for your day care children.
- Tell the children that you love them. Do this often, even when you are angry or frustrated with them.
- Use every available chance to spend unstructured time with the children. Take a walk after lunch or help the child work on a particular task.
- When speaking to children, look them in the eyes and touch them on the shoulder. Be aware of the tone of your voice.
- Find at least one thing the child has done right each day. Make a positive comment about it, even if the rest of the day has not been all that fantastic.
- Create a sense of fun. Your activities do not have to be rigid. Fun can be had in the car, at home, or at a pizza parlor -- but it should definitely include everyone.
- Plan special activities. Take a short trip to "explore," rent a wholesome movie, or just plan to spend time on something special.
- Acknowledge individual children in a special way on a special occasion, such as birthdays or after winning a game.
- Make the house a safe place for every child, and insist that each child is treated with dignity and respect.
- Recognize your day care "family" as special and unique. Establish your own traditions and celebrate them.
From the May, 1995, issue of The Teddy Bear.
