DECEMBER
Tip of the MonthOne to Grow On…Finding a Caregiver
Choosing a caregiver can be overwhelming, get tips on how to find the right person for your family!
It is important to consider backgroud, experience, references, discipline styles and communication skills while still trusting your instincts and making sure that you feel comfortable with who this person is. The caregiver – parent relationship is intimate and complicated so being very comfortable is critical. Hopefully, you will choose a caregiver that can stay with you for years to come and someone who will be another consistent source of love and support for your growing baby.
If you are struggling with really feeling good about someone but are unsure of her experience, remember that you can always teach an intelligent person about infant cpr, child development, and discipline techniques, but you cannot teach someone how to be kind and nurturing. Keep in mind what qualities are most important for you and your family and consider them when asking your potential caregiver or her former employers questions. On the other hand, if you find that you are drawn to someone with a lot of fantastic experience, be sure you will feel comfortable setting the tone that while you are excited to learn and benefit from her experience, you need her to be comfortable allowing you to take the lead when it comes to making the best decisions for your child.
Types of Questions to Ask a Potential Caregiver:
- Background including family, educational history, interests, hobbies, culture and medical issues
- Experience who she has cared for and why she became a caregiver as well as cpr certification and a willingness to take enrichment classes.
- General Childcare questions such as a day in the life of an infant, toddler or preschooler, playdates, feeding, and activities.
- Child Development questions such as age appropriate expectations, responding to crying, discipline philosophies and play styles.
- Sleep and Routines
- Other responsibilities that you are interested in such as light cleaning, cooking, grocery shopping or any other personal needs your family may have.
- Plans for the future. Is this a transition job before graduate school or a professional sitter? Both are fine but it’s important to know what you can expect.
- References