Making sure you have the best care for your child | Child Safety Articles | 4akid

Making sure you have the best care for your child

Parents these days often have to both work full day jobs, therefore they need one-on-one home-based care. But what to choose? This articles compares Grandparents/Relatives, Professional Au Pair or Domestic Nanny.

Grandparents

Having a grandparent or relative is wonderful, but it can be harder for you to lay down rules or set your foot down. In addition the child is often overspoilt.

• The Pros are that it does not cost much, they are flexible and reliable, it is a permanent bond and love and devotion.
• The Cons are that grandparents age might limit physical interaction and it can be difficult to enforce expectations.

If you choose to use this option discuss your expectations and rules in the beginning, and you could even send them on a childcare training course.

Professional Au Pair

These are young, usually mature women who are studying and thus become an Au Pair to make extra money. Au Pairs are more expensive than the average Nanny, but can be more beneficial for the child. If they are part of a Au Pair company they usually have done first aid courses, can drive and keep your child occupied.

• The Pros are that they are energetic, they offer structured activity and intellectual stimulation and they can fetch, carry and run errands.
• The Cons are that they are very expensive, they do not do any household chores or clean ups and they can be immature and unreliable due to their age.

If you chose this option make sure you question the Au Pair diligently before hiring her, and make sure both parties know their expectations, and have a contract in case expectations are not fulfilled or some party wants to abscond.

Domestic Nanny

Often a child cannot go to creche, have no relatives who can help and thus leaving the child in the care of the nanny. The Nanny can be trained and attend first aid courses, but usually the Nanny only does domestic work whilst watching over the child.

• The Pros are that Nanny’s are usually more affordable, they can offer a lot of love and take care of the household duties at the same time as caring for your child.
• The Cons are that often there is limited formal education, and they may neglect the child when they have a lot of household work, and they do not usually do structured activities with the child.

If you chose this option send the nanny for training courses and first aid.Choose one with goof references, and go buy your own instincts. Make it clear to the nanny that your child comes first before housework.

What Qualities to look for:

• Ability to speak in your home language so your child can learn and decode , and its important for language development, and so you can communicate with the care giver.
• A Vibrant personality is important for the child, as well as safety, as this is the person your child will learn alot from.
• Flexibility and the ability to learn, act and come to solutions on their own accord, as well as adapt to any changes.

[Living and Loving Mag March 2011]