Childcare Providers-Essential to Essential Workers

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Just like everyone else, at home childcare givers are in unchartered waters! The Corona Virus has caused us to re-adjust our policy books and contracts. It has caused us to become gamblers of making the right decisions concerning our family and the families of the children in our care


I am part of many childcare groups on social media. These groups are a great source of information, encouragement, advice and most of all, positive support when making a choice that is right for me and my daycare. At the start of the Corona virus, we all bombarded the sights seeking out what each other felt and what they were choosing to do!

From the beginning, I had moments of concern for all involved. I had moments of panic, worrying about the young infants in my care all the way up to the grandparents who picked them up. 

  

Some caregivers immediately shutdown, I can respect that. Other childcare providers went in the opposite direction. These caregivers took on more children in their quest to do their part for essential workers! I can respect that!

I chose to stay open only for the families in my care at the present time. I know my fellow caregivers respect that decision. My decision was based on the fact I know my families, and I can trust their behavior. My parents follow the rules set forth to maintain the safest environment possible for all the children in my care. This is what I felt was right for my daycare children and for my family.

 I am a very fortunate childcare provider. I have great parents who are incredibly thoughtful and able to continue paying for their child’s daycare space.  The financial security this provides frees me up as a caregiver to maintain a safe and healthy environment for those children still attending, and for the children returning. 

I know there are people out there who applaud our efforts to stay open, and those who are totally against it. But, let me gently remind you of this, we are in that catch 22. We have no bail out, unemployment or grants to cover our expenses. Even if we did, we are essential to the essential workers. We know these little ones and we love them. They are our extended family. I know caregivers who have taken on twenty-four hour care (without overtime pay) to keep these children safe and secure with someone they know, love and trust!

When you see someone in the store with lots of paper towels, toilet paper, milk and bread it could be a childcare provider! This is our normal shopping! If you see the disinfectant spray and wipes being saved out for us, please just understand. We can’t get to the stores in time to snag these items! 

Most of all, I want you all to understand how much we love our daycare children and families. Know we are happy to be there for those who need us. We are essential to the essential workers!

Stay Safe! Stay Well! We are in this together!

Teri

Late for work!

One of my favorite phrases from others, when learning that I have a daycare in my home is, “You’ll never be late for work!” Of course, I smile and say that is somewhat true! But really, it isn’t true. I can be late and when that happens, I just cringe!! I hate being late for my kiddo’s!                  

Now, please keep in mind, these are my own convictions, and I am not judging others who also have daycare homes! I just have certain things I feel we owe to the parents, to the kids and to our peers who are trying to get society to view our career choice as a legit, respectable business!

My must do, not be late, be prepared list is not that crazy!

Get up, get ready, smile and greet those kids as if you waited by that door all night! Now, when I did this in my twenty’s, this all took place 15 minutes before the kids arrived. Well, not everything…. I changed clothes and brushed my hair!

As I matured and gained experience, I realized I owed more to these little people in my life! I also learned I owed it to myself to give ME time to start the day right! Now I am up 2 hours before my first child arrives. It is so much better than that extra sleep (that we could tack on before bed!)

I go to the gym, I shower, I eat breakfast and most of all, brush my teeth! Kids will tell you if you don’t brush your teeth! Kids will know if you ate a candy bar for breakfast! If I don’t do these things, I am late for work!

Now I know there are some of you that are saying this is not happening for you, Mom’s included! But I challenge you to give it a try! You will enjoy your day so much more! You will enjoy your kids so much more! And others who love you will like you so much more! 

Here’s to being on time for yourself and those you love!

Teri

My Little Girl

I began my childcare experiences before having my own children. Now, keep in mind, I was living in a computer, cell phone, technology free world. We did not always know when we were doing it right or when we were totally blowing it! The best part, neither did anyone else! When my first little one came along, I was ready! I had this! I was going to rock this Motherhood gig! Then along came my daughter……………

We had been living in San Francisco for two and a half years. It rained a lot but was still pleasant. We had experienced a few shakes of the earth, which was a bit freaky! The morning I woke up to labor pains, was the one and only thunderstorm (with all the bells a whistles) we had experienced since living there. Lightening, thunder, wind and rain! Little did I know that it was a message (possibly a warning) from the heavens, to buckle up! I was on the biggest, scariest, most thrilling roller coaster ride ever! Little miss thunderstorm lived up to that very warning, I mean message!

 Once we arrived home with our little bundle of joy, we settled into the perfectly decorated Teddy Bear bedroom. It was gender neutral due to the fact our gender reveals back then always took place in the delivery room! Little did I know, I would not need a crib, bassinet, swing, baby seats… BECAUSE SHE DID NOT SLEEP! I only needed a car seat and gas money!! If only red bull was available back then, maybe I would’ve survived a few nights! She is now 38! The line in her baby book that says, “First time I slept through the night” is still blank!

By 10 months, I was questioning the Doctor if eating wood cribs was harmful to her digestion! The girl only used her crib as a giant teething toy! Soon she climbed out and toddled to my room and caused me to scream in fear!  I thought there was a wild animal crawling on the floor and ready to pounce! There was… sort of! She did pounce on my bed wildly, as if it were a sunny early morning playdate! It was not sunny, there was no playdate, however, once again it was early morning! 

As I sat in the Doctor’s office, with my 10-month-old wild child in the waiting room with Dad, the Doctor asked me if I was feeling tired lately. Of course, I responded yes, I’m tired all the time. He said I have good news for you! There is a reason!  

You’re pregnant! 

You will hear many other adventures of this beautiful child of mine!
At least the ones I have not erased from my memory......

Hang in there Moms, I’m still standing!

Teri

It's not always possible to.....

USE YOUR WORDS!

I have some very verbal children in my care! I love to have conversations with these little talkers! We discuss anything from superman underwear to why they don’t like bees. They have a lot to say! However, when these little ones get tired, upset or frustrated, they have no words! THEY TRULY HAVE NO WORDS!


How often have I heard, no! No hitting, use your words! Or ,stop crying and use your words! What words do you want them to use? Superman underwear and bees will not help them right now. Those are their words! What you’re really asking is for this child to explain their feelings! Seriously! Some adults spout off in anger and I don’t often hear them explain their feelings! They just blast off! But, we do not give these angry little monsters the same privilege!


The truth is, they need grownups to give them words for what they are feeling. This crazy, out of control moment is actually a great teaching moment! Think about moments you’ve been really angry! Were you angry or were you hurt more than angry? You are an adult and have to figure things out with your mature brain! Their brains are still developing! Don’t expect something from children that they cannot deliver! So let’s start today being an adult kids can count on! I suggest a quiet voice and possible hug before you start.


So, here’s an approach that may help. You start by acknowledging their feelings. Say their name quietly and ask, “Are you feeling angry or sad?” I would like to help you work it out. Let’s think about how we can work this out together. The very phrase “let’s think about it” is a good seed to plant for the future emotions of an adult! As you develop the relationship with your child, they will in turn trust that you are going to help! Don’t let your negative emotions enter into this moment. Even at this young age, you are guiding these children on how to build coping skills for the future. You’re provided words to build on. You are giving these children a positive alternative of what to do instead of hitting or whining or whatever the situation.


The most important thing to remember is to remain calm! Do not to add to the negative situation due to lack of patience or understanding on your part. You are these little ones security! They need to be able to count on you at all times! They should never fear a negative reaction out of you! If the child’s behavior is making you completely nuts, go find another job. Because, quite frankly, these behavior teaching moments ARE YOUR JOB!


I’m not saying you will never have a bad day! But when you do, apologize and own your crappy mood! Make it up to them! Don’t let them walk out that door until they are totally secure in your loving relationship with them!


Stay positive, stay sweet, stay calm!


Teri

Sleep Snuggles and Snacks

Not necessarily in that order!

I would be crazy to say that cranky kids just need sleep, snuggles or a snack! There are a million and one reasons why kids cry! It could be anything from pain, or not liking the color of their socks! It has been my experience that pain is the one real reason for crying, however, the other million are usually due to needing one of these three “S’s” and socks not being one of them! Sleep, snuggles or a snack! Usually a combination of the three can bring peace unto the land once again.

I have a little one in my care that cries within 10 minutes of arriving. At first it was simple. He would climb on my lap and snuggle back to sleep. After several months went by, snuggles and sleeping wasn’t working. Being an early arrival, he was hungry way before breakfast at 8:15. Now I keep a snack ready and my little one knows where to get it. Has the crying stopped completely? No! Is the crying quickly resolved? Yes!

When you have a room full of cranky pants kids, and the “rules” are no snacking till its time, it’s tough! Especially if you are working with that one lead teacher who is the regulations queen! I will tell you my way around her/him. I would have a box of cheerio’s ready and play the song, “We are the Dinosaurs.” There is a verse in that song that says, “We stop and eat our food, when we’re in the mood”. I put cheerio’s out for them to eat…and eat and eat and eat! They are not having snack time, but it is satisfying their hunger mood! 

We as adults, reach for our coffee, our candy bar or favorite treat when we are hungry or just want to eat! Why do we get frustrated at our littles who get fussy and whine because supper is late? Or how about that favorite excuse we give, “no eating now, it will ruin your dinner!” The whining is already ruining it! Don’t let them go so long that they are beyond reason! GIVE THE KID A SNACK! I would rather sit at the table with a happy kid who only ate half his supper!

Give it a try next time! Sleep, snuggles or a snack! It might just work out for you and your little one!

Here’s to the snicker bar in your cupboard!


Teri

Cottage Hill Daycare now has a blog!

Home daycare is a life style, not a job! It's a calling for the strong and brave! It only suits those with a big heart (and strong stomach!) 

I am a NY State Licensed Group Family Daycare Provider. I have cared for children most of my life whether at home, in Childcare Centers, or volunteering in a church or other social situation! I loved raising my own amazing kids, and still enjoy every moment I can with them! I did take some time to become a Licensed Practical Nurse. This enabled me to be a school sub nurse and to work in military childcare facilities while my husband served in the US Army for 24 years!

 Times have changed over the years, some for the better and some not so much! One thing has not changed, my love for children!
Children are so funny and so loving and so crazy and exhausting!
I love hearing my little kids calling me over to see a big spider on the wall (of course I scream for their pleasure!) or hearing them belly laugh because I've just missed their cup and spilled milk all over the table!

 You see, kids don't sweat the small stuff, they embrace it! Every day is an adventure and it's one I want to share bits and pieces of with you! Life is good when you spend it with those you love. 

My kids are more than "Daycare kids". They are Family! 

Teri