Physical readiness for kindergarten

A child needs to feel independent physically before he is ready to be left alone in a new and strange environment.

• Can your child walk by his/her own?
• Can your child wash his/her hands and eat independently?
• Is your child able to take off and put on outer clothing?
• Will your child be able to indicated that he/she needs to go to the toilet and do so independently?

If your child is not able to do any of these activities, he/she may first need some home training. A child on a wheelchair may need to be taught modified ways of doing self care activities and also trained in using the wheelchair before he is ready to attend kindergarten independently.

Kindergarten social interaction and communication

Many children find it difficult to cope with the social and communication demands faced at kindergarten. Children who don’t have siblings often find it difficult to cope with other children. They find it difficult to share toys, attention and opportunities. Some children who have not developed language skills may find it difficult to express their needs or emotions, and this can be the cause for some behavior problems. Other children find it difficult to stay for long periods of time without their parents , but children usually cope with it in a couple of weeks or so. Children therefore need to be given opportunities to play and meet other children before beings ready for kindergarten. They also need to learn ways to communicate their basic needs to adults.

Preparing a child for kindergarten

Preparing a child for kindergarten usually involves helping a child to be independent in basic self care, and also helping a child cope with social demands of preschool. Giving opportunities to children to play with other children helps develop social skills and helps them cope better at kindergarten. Talk to children about kindergarten and present it to them as a fun and exciting new thing that is going to happen in their life This helps them build a positive attitude towards kindergarten. Shopping for bags,clothes and stationery can also help children look forward to kindergarten.

Supporting your child in kindergarten

Children need a lot of support to help them cope with changes in their life, like the first few months of kindergarten. To help them through this, parents can help by picking up children and dropping them in school. Another approach is to be interactive and interested in the daily activities – ask your child to show the art work or other projects they have done during the day and to put it up in the home where everyone can see it. Parents should talk to the teacher to find
out more about how the child is doing in class. In this way the child knows that they are being monitored and have not bee abandoned in kindergarten.

]]> http://childcarefinders.org/kindergarten-readiness-is-your-child-ready-for-kindergaten.htm/feed 0 http://childcarefinders.org/maths-for-kindergarten-kids.htm http://childcarefinders.org/maths-for-kindergarten-kids.htm#comments Sat, 11 Dec 2010 17:03:49 +0000 Christine http://www.kindergartenparents.com/?p=9 Kindergarten is a time when children build up the basic math skills that they need for life. These skills can be taught in a fun and enjoyable way. Developing math skills at this point can have a profound effect on how a child deals with maths and related subjects, and even impact on career choices in early adulthood.

Early Math Skills

Counting and Sorting

Children in kindergarten start learning math skills long before they are introduced to numbers. There are many other skills which help children understand the concepts of numbers and quantity, and this is essential for them to understand and work with numbers. Counting is the ability to count a number of objects correctly.

Sorting objects depending on their characteristics is one of the foundational math skills. Initially children learn sorting based on one characteristic and then they can be taught to sort and work with objects of various characteristics. Once children are able to do sorting, they are taught to match two similar objects.

Colors and Shapes

The understanding of colors and shapes and associating of the names to the color or shape is one of the early skills that children learn. This too has a role in building a good foundation for math. Colors and shapes can be taught with a wide range of hands on activities, including art and craft activities.

Size

The concept of size involves understanding small and big, smaller and bigger and also arranging objects in ascending and descending order of size. This helps children learn to compare the size of different objects, which will further help them understand the way numbers are used.

Patterning

Making patterns help children learn to work with numbers even before they learn numbers. It teaches them sequencing and order to arrange and even the fundamentals of geometry. In this way, children can learn to make more complex patterns, and practice working with numbers of different quantities.

Number identification

Number identification is basically the ability to look at the written form of a number and being able to say what number it is. Children pick up this skill early, but they usually need more time to understand the relevance of a number. When combined with other activities, a child can quickly move from just calling out a number to being able to work with it in everyday practical terms.

Rote counting

Rote counting is the ability to say numbers in order from memory. Children usually pick this up through games and other activities that they play at kindergarten. This does not mean that a child will fully understand that successive numbers increase in quantity and vice versa, but it is an indication of their ability to memorize and recall number-related information.

Number concept

Number concept is an understanding of how many objects are in a number. This is sometimes more difficult for a child because it is the bridging the gap between identifying numbers and actually putting basic math skills, like counting, into practice. A variety of hands on activities can be introduced to help children practice and develop this skill.

Teaching math to kindergarten children

The basic math skills are actually very few, but need a lot of practice. The more a child gets the opportunity to practice skills and work with quantities and numbers, the better their math foundation. A lot of hands on activities can be used to practice skills. The way a child learns to deal with any new or existing activity will determine their long term association and comfort with the subject matter. With math being the cornerstone of most skilled activities, teaching it in a manner that is fun yet constructive can have a host of effects on the child, adolescent and even adult.

Games for physical development

Races and running games, trampolines, skipping, hopscotch and other sports are all games that help develop physical skills. At kindergarten children further develop their balance and coordination skills.

They learn to skip, jump and hop.

Children also love games like obstacle courses and climbing games as these help children understand more about their bodies and their physical abilities. Thus it is essential that kindergarten children are given opportunities for various kinds of physical activities every day.

Games for development of social skills

Games provide an opportunity for children to learn social skills. Taking turns in games and giving other kids a turn teaches a child to be patient, share and be considerate of others. Team games help children understand the meaning of working in a group or team together for a common goal. When children are paired together as partners for games, they learn to communicate and work with others. All these skills are very essential for children to handle social situations.

In addition to this, games also help develop language and communication skills. Children need to listen to instructions and follow them. Games are a fun and enjoyable way of helping children develop a wide array of social skills.

Games for development of fine motor skills

A lot of board games help children develop fine coordination and fine motor skills. Handling small pieces and moving them require good eye hand coordination. Games like puzzles, building blocks and pick-up sticks also help develop fine coordination.

Games for development of cognitive skills

Most games help develop some aspect of cognitive skills. Games are a great way to help develop attention and concentration skills as well as problem solving, and memory skills. Memory games, chess, puzzles and quizzes are great ways to develop these cognitive skills.

Games for development of other academic skills

Games can also be used to develop various academic skills. Colors, numbers, and vocabulary can be introduced through different games. Games can also be used to practice skills taught to the child. Dice games help a child improve their number skills.

Memory card games help a child develop vocabulary. A lot of other puzzles and games are available that help children to learn alphabets and words. Teachers can also create their own group games that can be played in the classroom to learn or practice skills.

Explaining Sex To Children

Sex education for a primary school child mostly occurs in the way we talk about body parts and body functions, how we teach children to care for, respect and protect their bodies, and when we prepare our children for puberty. Choosing the right age to answer questions such as ‘Where do I come from?’ and ‘What is sex?’ is more about how comfortable your family feels talking about such topics, rather than there being a perfect time.

• Many children will have asked the question by the time they reach school. By Grade 3 they will have a keen interest and will have formulated some kind of theory. Many children will also have made the link between reproduction and sexual pleasure, and will be entering into schoolyard speculation and curiosity.
• Talking about these issues shows children that they can talk with trusted adults. Families lay the groundwork for children to feel OK about their bodies and body functions, and to feel confident to ask questions and seek help.
• School programs are vital to support this process. Developing good sexuality education programs shows that the community takes responsibility for this aspect of children’s growth and development. If families and schools won’t take the subject on, children will turn to other sources of information that may not be reliable such as friends, the Internet or the media.

General Suggestions To Talk About Sex

Suggestions on talking to your preteen about sexual issues include:

• Don’t wait for your child to ask questions. If they haven’t said anything to you by the time they are 10, it is likely that shyness or embarrassment will stop them from this point on.
• Some children may feel more modest by age six and might want privacy in the bathroom. This is a good chance to make sure they know that they can say ‘no’ to touching that they do not want.
• Masturbation is normal and healthy for children and may start long before puberty begins. Children just need to know that it is something to do in private.
• Many parents begin to talk about conception when their children are still pre-schoolers. Certainly it is important to start the conversation by the time they are eight or nine. If your child hasn’t asked, you could try starting with a question such as: ‘Have you ever wondered how you were born?’ Look for opportunities to introduce the conversation – for example, you may choose to use a book or to comment on a pregnant relative.
• Some girls will begin breast development and periods at age eight. By age nine, start a conversation with boys and girls about ‘growing up’ and changing bodies.
• Don’t assume that the lengthy talks you have already had have stuck. You will need to go back to topics (in fact, this is the best way to create open communication).
• Make sure your child knows who they can talk to about embarrassing personal ‘stuff’. Talk with them about who they would talk to if they needed an adult’s ear but were reluctant to come to you.
• Find out what sexuality education your child’s primary school provides and support them in the provision of age-appropriate information.

Basic Biology Of Sex

• Be honest and truthful. If your child asks ‘Why do men and women have sex?’, don’t just answer ‘To make babies’. Explain that people also have sex because they enjoy it and it feels good.
• If they ask about same-sex relationships, tell them that some people have sex with people of the same sex.
• Use age-appropriate materials, such as books, to help explain the issues.
• The Hormone Factory is a website aimed at 10 to 12 year olds that explains puberty, sexual intercourse and sexual issues in a clear, light-hearted way. You could browse through the website together, clarifying any questions your child may have.

Feeling Uncomfortable Talking About Sex?

You may have found that discussing sex with your child was OK in their preschool years, but the extra detail required as your child gets older feels too embarrassing to talk about. Perhaps you’ve been waiting so long for the ‘right time’ that you haven’t talked to your child about sex at all.

• Use materials to help you get started – find some age-appropriate materials, such as books or videos, and look through them with your child.
• Be honest if you feel embarrassed – if you can’t face talking about sex, provide the materials and let your child look through them alone. If your child has questions for you, try your best to answer them. If you are too shy, explain this to your child.
• Use the Internet – log on to a good website like The Hormone Factory. You could browse through the website together, clarifying any questions your child may have.
• Ask someone else – you could ask a trusted relative or friend to talk to your child in your place.
• Explain your own attitudes – keep in mind that your child won’t know about your morals, values and beliefs unless you tell them.

Best Boarding Schools

• Choate Rosemary Hall

Choate Rosemary Hall is a large coed school located in Wallingford, Connecticut just north of New Haven. The school offers superb academics, an I.M. Pei-designed arts center, 32 sports and alumni including such notables as Edward Albee, President John F. Kennedy and Adlai Stevenson.

• Deerfield Academy

Deerfield Academy is a small coed school located in central Massachusetts. It is a very selective school offering small classes, 19 AP courses and a strong community environment. Deerfield is also generous with its financial aid. 22 sports and 71 clubs/extracurricular activities will keep you as busy as you want to be.

• Georgetown Prep

Georgetown Prep is a Roman Catholic boys school located in just over the DC line in suburban Bethesda, Maryland. Strong academics featuring 24 AP courses together with just about every extracurricular activity you could want make for an appealing program. Georgetown has a high ratio of day students to boarders probably because it is located in the nation’s capitol.

• Groton

Groton had its beginnings as an Episcopal school for boys. It has always been a small school with a big impact. Most recently Curtis Sittenfeld set her novel Prep at Groton. It admitted its first African American student in 1951 long before integration became fashionable.

If your child has what it takes to get into this very selective boarding school, he or she will be presented with a veritable feast of academic, athletic and extracurricular offerings. The location of the school a mere 2 hours north of New York City makes it easily accessible from all parts of the globe.

• The Lawrenceville School

The Lawrenceville School is a remarkable institution in so many ways. It was late admitting girls, doing so only in 1987. Now the school has a female Head Master. If you have the right stuff to get into this grand old school, do it. The location midway between Philadelphia and Newark affords several travel options as well. Princeton University is only a few miles up the road too.

• Middlesex School

Relatively young as New England schools go, Middlesex nonetheless has filled the past almost 110 years with some remarkable achievements. Frederick Winsor conceived of the school as being different from the usual religious schools of its day. The school was non-denominational and still is.

• Milton Academy

Milton was founded in 1798 as a coeducational day school. That worked fine for 100 years, at which point boys and girls were separated according to the fashions of the times. Things have come circle now as Milton is once again a coeducational institution. Diversity is a vital part of Milton in the 21st century. And a vital part of Milton’s success as a diverse institution is its ability to fulfill the challenge of its motto “Dare to be true”.

• Peddie School

Religious affiliation: Nonsectarian
Grades: 9-PG
School Type: Coeducational, day school
Comments: Be aware that this is a selective school. You will need what the school is looking for in order to be accepted. Once there you will enjoy a state of the art campus, exciting academic courses, a rich arts program together with some of the best sports programs anywhere.

• Phillips Andover Academy

“Phillips Academy”Daderot/Wikimedia Commons
The greatness of Andover in the 21st century springs from the simplicity of its ancient Latin motto Non Sibi which means “Not for self”. Teaching young people to be aware of their obligation to help those near and far speaks volumes to Andover’s awareness of globalism and community service. Andover is one of America’s best prep schools. Admissions standards are incredibly high. But if you have everything they are looking for, apply, visit and impress them.

• Phillips Exeter Academy

Phillips Exeter Academy is all about superlatives. The education which your child will get is the best. The philosophy of the school which seeks to link goodness with learning, though it is over two hundred years old, speaks to twenty-first century young people’s hearts and minds with a freshness and relevancy which is simply remarkable. That philosophy permeates the teaching and the famed Harkness table with its interactive teaching style. The faculty are the best. Your child will be exposed to some amazing, creative, enthusiastic and highly qualified teachers.

• St. Paul’s School

St. Paul’s was established as a school in a country setting by design. It has benefited from that decision over the years as 2000 acres of land has allowed the school to expand at the same time as it has stayed in harmony with its bucolic surroundings. St. Paul’s began playing ice hockey back in the 1870’s, one of the first schools to do so.

• Stay in areas with other people around. Don’t take short cuts through alleys, deserted parking lots, or vacant lots.
• It’s better to be with a friend or a group of friends than to travel alone.
• Stay alert to your surroundings. Notice who is walking near you, particularly at your side or behind you. Be aware of places you could go to get help from an adult if need be.
• Avoid going into a public restroom alone. If you must, take the stall nearest the door and exit promptly when you’re finished.
• Never talk to strangers. Adults don’t need to ask for help or directions from children. Don’t take things from them, either. Keep a distance of two arm lengths between you and strangers so you are out of grabbing reach.
• Don’t walk or ride your bike near parked cars.
• Possessions can be replaced, but you can’t be. If a bully threatens you on the way home from school, for example, be ready to drop your backpack or books if you have to run away.
• Listen to your gut. If your instincts tell you something feels wrong, don’t wait to find out if your fears are justified. Leave fast and go to a safe area that has adults around who can help.

Child Safety At The Mall

When you determine that your child is mature enough to go to the mall without you, require her to be in the company of friends rather than going there alone. Drop kids off and pick them up in a well-lighted and populated area; a spot near the mall doors is much safer than in the parking lot. Give your child small bills and remind her not to flash her money around. Make sure she has coins for a phone call if she wants you to pick her up early.

Remind her that if her instincts tell her someone might pose a threat, she should speak to a security guard or store clerk. Better to be safe than sorry!

Children’s Safety On Public Transport

Kids in urban areas often use public buses or even subways to go to and from school. If your child feels he’s ready to start riding public transportation, go with him the first time or two to make sure he’s familiar with the stops and has safe places to wait.

Tell him to sit as close to the driver as possible and to pay attention so he doesn’t miss his stop and end up someplace unfamiliar. Make sure he has coins to phone you if he misses the bus or train and will be late.

Talk to him about how to protect himself if someone bothers him, such as telling the person to stop in a voice loud enough to alert other passengers.

Road Safety For Children

• Teach your kids that it’s safer to walk on the side of the street where cars are coming toward them. It’s easier for an assailant to stop his car and grab a child from behind since the child can’t see what’s going on in back of him unless he turns around.
• A child is more vulnerable if she’s listening to a personal tape player through headphones or reading something while she walks. These distractions make it unlikely that she’ll notice someone coming from behind.
• Kids want to be helpful; they don’t want to appear impolite. They’ve probably seen their parents answer a question from a stranger or give directions. Children might encounter a homeless person asking for coins or a street vendor looking to make a sale.
• Teach your child to say “no” (and sound as if she means it) while looking directly at the person and then moving on. She shouldn’t apologize or worry about hurting someone’s feelings. If she doesn’t want to do this, she can walk briskly on without responding at all.The same advice applies to encounters with strangers in places other than the street. If your youngster is taking an elevator, for example, when the door opens she should look at who’s inside before entering; if she feels uncomfortable, she can wait for the next one. If she’s worried about someone who gets on after her, she can push the button to get out at the next floor.

Anytime your child is in public and feels her safety is threatened, her best defense is to yell for help. Assailants understandably prefer not to attract attention.

• Polar Express

When a doubting young boy takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe. Based on the beloved children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg. Rated G. (Recommended for ages 3+)

• Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer

This classic made-for-TV Christmas movie premiered in 1964 and it’s been delighting generations of kids ever since. It tells the story of Rudolph, a reindeer with a nose that lights up. He’s looking for a place where he belongs. Special guest appearances by the Abominable Snowman and the misfit toys make this movie extra-special.

• Frosty The Snowman

An animated cartoon about Frosty the snowman, who springs to life when the children place a magic hat upon his head. We all know the song, “Frosty the Snowman,” and the upbeat wintery feeling it brings. This wonderful favorite is available on the same DVD as “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” (Ages 2+)

• Home Alone

Eight-year-old Kevin McCallister is accidentally left home alone by his family while they fly off to France for Christmas vacation. Kevin loves his freedom, delightedly gorging himself on sweets and staying up late — until he is forced to defend his home from a team of burglars. But Kevin learns that self-defense can be fun too, as he goes about flying to defeat the bumbling thieves. Rated PG. Recommended for kids 8+ (There are a couple of instances of bad language and several scenes involving slapstick violence.)

• Mickey’s Christmas Carol

The DVD Classic Cartoon Favorites, Vol. 9 – Classic Holiday Stories contains several classic animated Disney Christmas holiday shows, including “Mickey’s Christmas Carol.” Honestly, there will never be another adaptation of A Christmas Carol that will ever compare to this one. In this delightful version of the story, Scrooge McDuck learns about the meaning of Christmas from the three Christmas Spirits and makes Bob Cratchit (Mickey) his partner. The film is the perfect length for families, without leaving out any of the important elements of the story. I can’t let a Christmas go by that our family doesn’t watch this one several times. (recommended for all ages) Rated G.

• Miracle on 34th Street

Kris Kringle–unbeknownst to cynical, market-minded adults, the real Santa Claus–is hired to play himself at Macy’s Department Store, New York City. He finds himself in a situation where he must convince an unbelieving little girl, and others, that he is the real Santa. NR (Ages 5+)

Smoking Teenagers: Parenting Dos and Don’ts

These suggestions for parents come from Lyndon Haviland, executive vice president of the American Legacy Foundation (a public health foundation created as part of the 1998 settlement agreement by the states with the tobacco companies):

1. Do take nicotine addiction seriously. “When I talk to parents, I sometimes hear, ‘It’s only tobacco’ or ‘They’re just experimenting,’” Haviland says. “It’s critical to understand that teenagers do become addicted, and it’s critical to intervene. For one thing, research shows that cigarettes can be a gateway to use of other drugs and alcohol.”
2. Don’t assume teens know the dangers. While the latest teen smoking stats are promising, there are still warning signs hidden behind the headlines. The Monitoring the Future study showed that 43 percent of eighth-graders still do not believe that there is a great risk associated with a-pack-a-day smoking.
3. Do talk about (immediate) health consequences and the cost. Teens tend to believe they’ll never get pregnant or die in a car crash, so it may be a waste of time to talk about “someday” dying of lung cancer as a result of smoking. Instead, Haviland and other experts advise parents to focus on short-term health and economic effects: “You get a lot of sore throats because you smoke.” “If you want to run cross-country next semester, you’ll have an easier time if you quit.” “Your teeth are starting to get stained.” Or focus on the money they’re spending: “Gee, you could probably afford your own car if you weren’t spending so much on cigarettes!”
4. Don’t underestimate your own influence. “We’ve talked to teens who say, ‘If my mom and dad really cared, they’d push me on it,’” Haviland reports.
5. Do talk to your child’s healthcare provider, athletic coaches, and guidance counselors. The more caring adults who know your child smokes, the better, Haviland says. “You’re surrounding your teen with support for cessation behavior. There is nothing wrong with saying to a soccer coach, ‘My daughter will be playing on your team in the fall and I want you to know that she began smoking over the summer.’”
6. Don’t turn cigarettes into a “forbidden fruit.” No-smoking rules are fine, but only if they are premised on the dangers associated with cigarettes, not just “Those are my rules and you must obey.” Make sure you tell your teen how much you admire and respect his or her decision not to smoke, or to quit.
7. Do look for help. The American Lung Association has a comprehensive program for teens called “NOT.,” — “Not On Tobacco.” Check their website for details at www.lungusa.org. Or visit www.quitnet.com. This site has a calculator to help teens (and adults!) calculate the savings they reap when they kick the habit.

Each year, hospital emergency rooms treat about 8,100 people for injuries, such as falls, cuts, and shocks related to holiday lights, decorations, and Christmas trees. In addition, Christmas trees are involved in more than 400 fires annually, resulting in 30 deaths, 90 injuries, and an average of more than $17 million in property loss and damage.

Have a safe and happy holiday season by following these safety tips.

Child Care Christmas Safety Tips

Trees

• When purchasing an artificial tree, look for the label “Fire Resistant.” Although this label does not mean the tree won’t catch fire, it does indicate the tree will resist burning and should extinguish quickly.
• When purchasing a live tree, check for freshness. A fresh tree is green; needles are hard to pull from branches and when bent between your fingers, needles do not break. The trunk butt of a fresh tree is sticky with resin, and when tapped on the ground, the tree should not lose many needles.
• When setting up a tree at home, place it away from fireplaces and radiators. Because heated rooms dry live trees out rapidly, be sure to keep the stand filled with water. Place the tree out of the way of traffic and do not block doorways.

Lights

• Indoors or outside, use only lights that have been tested for safety by a recognized testing laboratory, which indicates conformance with safety standards.
• Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections, and throw out damaged sets.
• Use no more than three standard-size sets of lights per single extension cord.
• Never use electric lights on a metallic tree. The tree can become charged with electricity from faulty lights, and a person touching a branch could be electrocuted.
• Fasten outdoor lights securely to trees, house walls, or other firm supports to protect the lights from wind damage. Use only insulated staples, not nails or tacks, to hold strings in place. Or, run strings of lights through hooks (available at hardware stores).
• Turn off all lights when you go to bed or leave the house. The lights could short out and start a fire.
• For added electric-shock protection, plug outdoor electric lights and decorations into circuits protected by ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). Portable outdoor GFCIs can be purchased where electrical supplies are sold. GFCIs can be installed permanently to household circuits by a qualified electrician.

Decorations

• Use only non-combustible or flame-resistant materials to trim a tree. Choose tinsel or artificial icicles of plastic or nonleaded metals. Leaded materials are hazardous if ingested by children.
• Never use lighted candles on a tree or near other evergreens. Always use non-flammable holders, and place candles where they will not be knocked down.
• In homes with small children, take special care to avoid decorations that are sharp or breakable, keep trimmings with small removable parts out of the reach of children to avoid the child swallowing or inhaling small pieces, and avoid trimmings that resemble candy or food that may tempt a child to eat them.
• Wear gloves to avoid eye and skin irritation while decorating with spun glass “angel hair.” Follow container directions carefully to avoid lung irritation while decorating with artificial snow sprays.

Fireplaces

• Use care with “fire salts,” which produce colored flames when thrown on wood fires. They contain heavy metals that can cause intense gastrointestinal irritation and vomiting if eaten. Keep them away from children.
• Do not burn wrapping papers in the fireplace. A flash fire may result as wrappings ignite suddenly and burn intensely.

To feel secure in care, your child needs to develop an emotional attachment to the adults who care for him or her. For this reason it is important to try and maintain continuity of care and to avoid changing carers more than once a year. Younger children will benefit from even longer relationships, so try and keep this in mind when you choose your care provider.

The relationship between your child and his or her carer is an important one for ensuring the success of the child care arrangement. Rest assured, however, that quality care is no substitute for the value of your primary parent-child bond and you should not worry about being ‘replaced’.

Things to Consider When Choosing Child Care

• There should be a good match between your child’s temperament and needs and the carers ability to meet them
• Look for small numbers of children to carers. For pre-school children, it’s ideal to have no more than four children to one carer although this is not always achievable
• Look for a carer with the potential to develop a continuous, strong and positive relationship with your child
• Make sure staff have been trained in health, safety (CPR) and child development

These rules apply no matter whether you choose a nanny, an au pair, an in-home carer, family day care, long day care centre, a pre-school, or a nanny share arrangement. The priority is to ensure your child receives quality, professional child care which accommodates their needs and helps you meet your professional commitments.

All of the child care options available have pros and cons and you’ll need to weigh them up against your family’s requirements to ensure you put your child in the best type of care.

Author of The Working Mother’s Guide to Life: Strategies, Secrets, and Solutions, Ms Linda Mason has done a lot of research in to this subject and after conducting numerous interviews with working parents has shown that it is possible to have a rich and vibrant family culture even when both parents are working.

‘A strong family is one with a deeply felt connection, a sense of belonging and security, and unconditional love. The sense of family is defined by values and connections, not by any particular configuration of individual roles’, she writes.

In her book Ms Mason encourages parents to continuously share their professional world and working life with their children. She says that taking your children to your workplace to see where you work and meet your colleagues will make the whole thing seem more real to them.

‘When we take our children to our workplace, tell them stories about lunchtime and company outings, and explain what we actually do throughout the day, it helps our children shape views of what they want to be when they grow up. They will also be proud of our achievements when they have a better understanding of what we do for work’, she says.

Ms Mason suggests in her book that it’s possible to create a balance between working life and home life by helping children understand that work is a natural part of life and by cultivating a rich and strong family life for the times when everyone is home together.

She says that families can achieve this by intentionally creating a unique set of rituals and traditions which are easy and fun to do on a regular basis and which everyone can get involved with. Some ideas include playing a favourite song before everyone leaves the house in the morning, walking the dog after dinner, Sunday brunch, Saturday cuddles in bed and/or reading a favourite book before bed.

In addition to the family rituals, Ms Mason says it is very important for family members to make the most of the time they have together, even with the competing pressure of work.

‘In the eyes of children, it’s the little things that count the most: the hugs, the conversations, playing together, listening to your child play an instrument, singing a song together or reading a book’, she says.

Ms Mason says for families with working parents it is especially important to share feelings and to be intimate and honest with your children. She says this fosters an open environment which encourages constant communication and allows children to develop a broad range of emotional responses to the things they experience in the world.

‘Sharing life stories, personal interests, and relaxed time with our children can help us appear real and accessible to them. Through this, we create a bond with our child that is based on intimacy and honesty’, she says.

As a final suggestion for creating a strong family culture Ms Mason advises parents to create intimate family spaces which are cozy and inviting for children. This has the two fold benefit of providing your children with a snuggly nook where they can go and read a book or do some drawing as well as a place you can go to share these moments with your children.

‘However we choose to create a strong family culture – inventing unique family rituals, continuous verbal family bonding, or designing intimate family settings – the real values lie in the focused family time spent together. Such occasions will develop into cherished family moments for everyone’, says Ms Mason.