Insider Information on Childcare (Parenting in general)

Member Name: juliec

Product:	Parenting in general
Date:	17/08/01 (49 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Lots of opportunity for play, arts and crafts etc., Helps develop social skills

Disadvantages: Mums guilt trip, You have to be sure you choose the right nursery or childminder

It’s every working mothers dilemma, to work or not back to work, that is the question. While it’s very nice to be a stay at home mum and devote yourself to your preschoolers every need, feeling slightly smug at your self sacrifice, and before you all start protesting, that’s what I did, not every mother is in a position to choose that option. So she must look at the childcare options available to her.

Relatives or Friends:
This is the cheapest option. If you have a wonderful mum or mum in law who will dote all over junior while you are busy doing what needs to be done it will certainly be a load off your mind. The disadvantage to this set up is that because they love junior soooo much they just can’t resist spoiling him rotten. Also, toddlers do need to get to some kind of situation where they can interact with other toddlers on a regular basis to learn their social skills.

Private Childminder
This would definitely be cheaper than a private nursery. Always go for a childminder who has been recommended by someone you trust, and one that is registered with your local authority. Make a list of questions before you go to visit such as:

What kind of food is offered and is it included in the costs?
Is fresh fruit offered daily?
Are the children taken off the premises for walks?
Does the childminder have children of their own if so, what ages?
Ask for an example of the kind of activities and routine that can be expected.

If the childminder does have children of their own, perhaps coming in from school later, I would advise parents to meet these children before making a decision.
If you have the tiniest niggling doubt then go with your gut feelings and keep looking.

Private Nursery Care
As a nursery assistant in a private nursery I feel I have a better insight to what goes on than most so here is my advice. In a private nursery the ratio of staff is one staff to three und
er two year olds, one staff to four under three year olds and one staff to eight pre-school. The pre-school age children will start a little reading, pencil control, scissor control and plenty of craftwork. They will be encouraged to learn colours and shapes etc. It is very important to some parents that their darlings have the edge on the competition when in reception class at school. However, they will soon be dismayed to find that by Year 2 they will have all pretty much levelled out. Ho hum!

When visiting a private nursery do not make an appointment but just turn up and ask to be shown around with no notice. Any nursery worth it’s salt will be happy to show you round, unless of course it is after lunch naptime when most of them are snoozing.
Better to pick midmorning or mid afternoon when everyone should be up and busy. Notice if the children are happy and noisy. Is everyone being encouraged to take part? Are the walls brightly decorated with the children handy work? Are the staff friendly and approachable? Have your questions ready again. Make sure that you know exactly what is included for your money such as snacks or lunch. Usually lunch is extra but if you take a tip from me send in a lunchbox. Nursery owners are in the business of making money and it will always be the cheapest option on ingredients for meals however lovely it sound.

Finally to put working mum’s minds at rest I really do believe that being at nursery for at least part of the week is beneficial to children. We have had children come to us at two years old who have no idea how to share toys or even open their mouths to talk to anyone but mum, but after a period of time have really benefited and become part of the nursery community. Surely it can only be a good thing in preparing them for school.

Summary: