Family Matters Newsletter - October 2008

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Positive Communications with Child Care Providers

By: Donna Liess, Colorado State University Extension, Weld County

Most young children participate in early education and childcare programs in either a childcare center or family home setting. Everyone who cares for your child is part of a team to nurture him intellectually, emotionally and physically. Childcare programs play a key role in promoting child development and learning.

A positive and professional relationship with your childcare provider benefits everyone. This individual shares in the parenting of your child. Experts agree that the decision to have someone care for your child can challenge your parenting attitudes, values and decisions.

Positive communication is the basis to ensure that your childcare programs are of high quality and offer a safe, healthy and nurturing environment for young children. Be confident as your child's parent. Talk with your relative, friend or professional provider from a position of mutual respect. Understand that there is no one "right way" to parent. Ask questions. Understand the expectations and responsibilities of the childcare facility as compared to yours as the parent.

Use the opportunities of the pick-up and drop-off time conversations to share daily pleasures regarding your child. Listen to your provider. You may have to hear about your child's negative behavior, be positive. Childcare is hard work, notice the successes. Show appreciation for what he or she does. Respect the rights of other children's parents. Keep shared information confidential.

Setting this base level of communication of a working relationship will be an asset when a conflict occurs. Conflicts can occur for many reasons. Differing parenting values, behavior, conditions or learning atmosphere are a few examples. Handled constructively, conflict management can yield greater understanding and individual problem-solving skills.

It is important to think through and define the issue before confronting the provider. Separate the conflict into two aspects: emotion and content. Then, set a meeting time with your provider to discuss the situation, issue or concern. The meeting time should be one when children are not present or included in the conversation.

Focus on the emotions - Respect your provider. Listen to her details and emotions on the issue and policies of the facility. Listen until you understand your provider's point of view. State your own views, needs, and feelings in honest "I" statements. For example, "I feel sad when Sam tells me the other children hit him."

Focus on the solution - Define the problem in terms of needs. Share some possible solutions. Select a solution that will best meet both parties' needs. Plan who will do what. Agree on a deadline. Implement the plan. Discuss the resolution later to determine if it is working.

Communicating with your provider will help you feel more involved with your child's care. Communication is an important key to quality care. It is essential for both you and your provider to develop a positive parenting relationship.

References:

  1. Communicating With Your Provider, Rose Allen, and Joan Sprain (Extension Educators) and reviewed by Ron Pitzer, (Extension Family Sociologist) University of Minnesota, 2008.
  2. What Do I Expect from My Child Care Provider, by Joan Sprain, reviewed by Ron Pitzer, University of Minnesota Extension, 2008.

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Healthy Kids - Check it out - Action for Healthy Kids

Action for Healthy Kids is a non-profit organization formed specifically to address the epidemic of overweight, undernourished and sedentary youth by focusing on nutrition and increased physical activity.

Colorado Actions for Healthy Kids programs include Parents Are the Power. This program empowers parent advocates to create healthier environments for children in schools by making sustainable changes to physical activity and nutrition programs.

ReCharge! Energizing After-School is an After-school program in community-based sites to provide safe environments where students can stay active after the school day. For more information on these and other programs in your communities, link to: www.actionforhealthykids.org

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Active Kids - Provide Opportunities

Adults other than parents care for more than half of all young children regularly. Having a supportive relationship with your childcare provider will have a positive effect on your child's active upbringing.

Young children are naturally full of energy. They should be given many opportunities to be active. You can help them stay active and safe by communicating with your child's caregiver often. Let the caregiver know of any physical or health problems, or emotional situations that may limit your child's participation in physical activities. Tell the caregiver that you want to be informed of any unwillingness or resistance on the part of the child to participate in physical activities so that you can determine the cause.

Be sure that your child has the right clothing for any physical activities they may participate in including outerwear, and shoes that are comfortable to move in. Frilly dresses and patent leather shoes may look pretty, but would prevent girls from participating in sports for example.

You can also lend support by volunteering your time when needed for field trips, parties and other group activities.

Information provided by America On the Move. Visit: www.americaonthemove.org.

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Safe Kids

Use a thermos to keep hot foods at a safe temperature for several hours. Clean thermos and fill with boiling water prior to filling with the hot food. Check stopper seal to make sure it fits tightly, replace if it leaks. Keep food above 140° F (liquid hot to the touch) to be safe. Do not prepare more than will be consumed. Discard leftovers from the thermos as soon as you can. Clean thermos and dry completely for storage.

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