Balancing Work and Family Child Care

Child care is an increasingly important part of young children's lives as more Moms and Dads go to work.

We think of child care as a learning center for our children, but it is a good place for Mom and Dad to learn as well.

Give yourself some extra time when you bring or pick up your child from your care program

Watch your child playing with others.

• Who does he or she like to play with? Boys or girls? Older children, younger children, or age mates? Talkative or quiet children? Does your child like to spend time alone or with others?
  
• Concerned about your child? Maybe he or she has a strong temper, throws tantrums, or rarely shares. Watch other children the same age. Do they act similarly? Maybe the behavior that worries you is natural at your child's age. Watch older and younger children to see how behavior changes with age.

Your child care provider can be a source of information about your child.

• Talk to the care giver about your child's activities and behavior in the program. Does he or she note any special strengths, or have concerns about your child?
  
• Are you going through difficult times at home? Maybe there's a new baby, a family move, or parents are separating? Discuss these developments with your care provider. He or she may be able to use experience and training to help you ease these transitions for your child.
  
• If no time is available during center hours, many providers welcome a call at home to talk about the children in their care. Ask if you can call to talk about your child.

 Connect with other families at child care.

• Other families at the child care program face similar challenges in meeting family needs during a busy working day. Talk to others about their experiences as parents, and what strategies have helped them meet their family needs.
  
• Do your children have one or two special friends at child care? Check with those children's parents to see if an after-care visit at your house is possible. Visits with other families at child care can work well for both families. Children in the host family get some extra time with their friends, while parents of the guest children have some time for themselves or for their other children. Take turns so all families share the benefits.

Help while you're there.

• Ask the care provider if there is anything useful you can do while you spend time with the kids. Read a book with the children? Help with an art project? You will feel good about making a contribution, and your child will be proud to see you there as well.

Child care programs can be a learning center for children and parents alike. Linger a while when you are there to experience the benefits for you and your family.