Sharon E. Hirschy, M.S.
The First Texas Council of Camp Fire

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Is Grandma, Aunt Susan, or Cousin George your child's care provider? You, your family member, and your child have a wonderful opportunity to develop lasting, caring relationships. To maintain good feelings and a positive, nurturing environment:

• Sit down together and discuss your expectations as a parent and those of the caregiver.
• Discuss payment (including when), hours of care (and discuss what you will do if you are running late), holidays, and what happens when illness occurs.
• Talking about discipline, your child's likes and dislikes, fears, and needs will improve the caregiver's ability to understand and nurture. Although it may seem unnecessary because of your close relationship, you will both be more comfortable if expectations and concerns are discussed and understood.

Share activities your child enjoys and routines that the child follows. You can find activities in books or magazines that are age-appropriate. Making cookies, putting up silverware, or helping sort clothes are simple and fun learning activities for children that can be a regular part of their routine. Discourage TV and encourage play. We learn best by doing. And active children with set routines are happier and more easily guided!

Ask the caregiver daily about the child's sleeping time, elimination patterns, what and how much was eaten, as well as some of the day's activities and anything new that was said or done. Some families keep a notebook in the child's bag so that parents can note how the child's evening went and caregivers can jot down information about the day. A notebook is a wonderful way to share information and hold on to memories!

Sit down together occasionally and discuss your child's development. Talk about concerns you both have, and goals for the child. A developmental chart from your pediatrician, library or extension agent can assist you. When you and your family member communicate and plan together relative care can provide the best of all worlds as you work: low cost, loving child care with someone you and your child know and trust!

• How Can I Help My Employer Be 'Family Friendly?
• Cómo puedo ayudar a mi patrón a ser más favorable hacia la familia
• Is My Child Care Okay?
• Son Buenos los Cuidados de Guarderiade Mi Niño?
• When Relatives Provide Your Child Care
• Cuando los Familiares Proporcionan Sus Cuidados de Guarderia Infantil
• What Are My Parental Rights and Responsibilities When My Child Is in Child Care?
• Cuáles Son Mis Derechos y Mis Responsabilidades?
• When There Are Problems with Your Child's Care
• Cuando Hay Problemas con los Cuidados de GuarderÌa de su Niño

Developed For The National Network for Child Care by The First Texas Council of Camp Fire
Sharon E. Hirschy, M.S., CFLE in cooperation with The Texas Agricultural Extension Service

Supported by the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Cooperative Extension System's Children, Youth, and Family Network.

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