| Turning to a relative for your child care needs? | | | | Be sure not to sound bossy, because your care |
| This could be a great experience, or it could be a | | | | giver might represent that. But make sure you |
| devastating one. Choosing child care is important | | | | are clear. What foods must your child have each |
| and needs to be something you spend a little time | | | | day and which ones are off limits? What is your |
| researching. | | | | baby's normal schedule? You should outline all of |
| There are many benefits to using a close family | | | | this before child care begins. |
| member for your child care. First, your child will | | | | Next, you might want to explain what is OK and |
| grow up with loving caregivers no matter | | | | what is not as far as activities. Are you |
| whether or not you have to work. If grandma or | | | | comfortable with the child leaving the house when |
| auntie is watching your baby while you are at | | | | you are not there? If you are leaving your baby |
| work, you probably do not have to worry about | | | | with a relative, you are probably going to have to |
| the caregiver having your child's best interest at | | | | allow this. Consider buying a stroller for grandma's |
| heart. | | | | house, so that she has the freedom to take your |
| Not only that, but using a family member for your | | | | baby for a walk to the park or somewhere else. |
| child care needs can save money. Even if you pay | | | | But indicate clearly what weather is ok for walks |
| your babysitter for her services, the cost of | | | | and what weather is not. |
| home child care is always less than a daycare | | | | Finally, you need to outline what you approve of |
| setting and, chances are, your family member will | | | | for discipline. Nothing ruins a child care relationship |
| not expect to be paid like a licensed daycare. This | | | | faster than a difference of discipline techniques. If |
| is a great way to keep the costs of child care | | | | your child care provider is not comfortable with |
| down. | | | | disciplining your child your way, you may want to |
| But, having your child watched by a relative is not | | | | consider a different arrangement. You do not |
| always the best option. The babysitter can | | | | want to get into a discipline debate, but you need |
| sometimes overstep her bounds, taking over the | | | | to stand firm on your preferences. This needs to |
| roll of mom. Also, the parents' idea of what is OK | | | | be accepted by the relative that is caring for your |
| and the child care giver's idea might be completely | | | | child. Your child needs this consistency and you will |
| different. For example, if grandma is watching | | | | appreciate the behavior your child demonstrates |
| your baby, she might be inclined to give a few | | | | when discipline is consistent. |
| more sweets than you really want your baby to | | | | With these tips, you can have an effective child |
| have. | | | | care relationship with a relative. Just try not to |
| You can avoid some of these child care dilemmas | | | | take advantage of the generosity of your |
| by making your expectations clear from the first | | | | relative. This will quickly ruin your relationship. Pay |
| day you send the baby to grandma's house. You | | | | the agreed upon amount and do it on time. This |
| may want to consider writing down your | | | | will keep the relationship working smoothly! |
| expectations for the child care giver to reference. | | | | |