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Choosing a Caregiver

Choosing a babysitter, nanny, or daycare center is nerve-wracking for any parent. The best advice for making this difficult decision is actually quite simple: go with your instincts. Many times a person or facility will look great on paper, but you’re still feeling uneasy about the situation. It’s important that you’re comfortable with whoever is taking care of your child. Still, some parents find that they are nervous no matter where they leave their child. There are some things you can try to ease your worries and make your choice.

First, when you are searching for a caregiver, make sure you’re asking the right questions. It’s important that your nanny shares your beliefs when it comes to taking care of your child. Ask how she would react in certain situations. Even if a sitter insists that she will care for your child according to your rules, remember that in difficult situations, she will resort to her instincts, not your preferences. If you are trying to choose a childcare center, try visiting in the morning or afternoon, around their busy times. That way you will be able to see how the center functions when things get hectic. Make sure you meet with the employees on staff who will be in charge of your child, and not just the daycare’s director.

Remember, you can always reevaluate your choice if you continue to feel that things aren’t right. Observe your child to determine if he’s being well cared-for. If his social development has stagnated or his behavior has become abnormally unruly, it may be time to consider a different daytime caregiver. An older child will be able to tell you if he likes a daycare center and what kinds of activities he does while he’s there. Try not to panic over one bad incident, for example, if you arrive to pick up your child and find the center in chaos. Pick-up times are always busy, and every center has its bad days. You cannot expect perfection, because the perfect babysitter does not exist; but you can find a quality center with employees that do their best in every hectic situation. Some compromises can always be made. Perhaps your child doesn’t always pick age-appropriate toys to play with at daycare, but his social skills have improved drastically since you first brought him there. The important thing to watch is your child’s behavior and well-being over time as he continues to go to his caregiver.

Tags: aregiver, babysitter, daycare center, nanny