Caring Environments Away From Home
An important asset in a child’s life is having the places they spend time in while away from home feel safe, secure and caring. Such environments include head start or pre-school programs, childcare centers, church day care or nurseries, or formal school settings.
One of the best things we can to do ensure that these important environments are caring is to volunteer to help out in the settings where your child spends a good deal of his or her time. That way you can get to know the teachers or caretakers in the setting and see how they interact with your child. Plus you have the opportunity to provide your own style of caring and perhaps even role model it for the other adults. Be sure to compliment staff when you see them making caring gestures and showing sensitivity to the children’s needs. Ask questions when you don’t see signs of caring.
You can also make a point to talk to you child about how they feel at daycare or at school and specifically how they feel about the adults in the setting. You can also ask them whether they feel the adults care for them. Also pay attention to your child’s actions and body language around going to settings away from home. Children who don’t feel cared for may not want to leave home or they may act inappropriately or be moodier than usual. If you find that you child doesn’t feel comfortable in these settings, you can make a point to meet with the teachers or caretakers to discuss your concerns and make requests pertaining to how your child needs to be treated to feel safe and cared for.
If there are real problems that don’t seem to be heard after such meetings, you may need to arrange a meeting with the principal of the school or manager/owner of a childcare center or pre-school. Be prepared to share your observations and feelings about what you have learned about the level of caring provided. Then express what you need to happen to feel comfortable with your child being in the setting. Make specific requests so there is little doubt about what you need and feel your child needs.
It’s also important to take note of the physical environments in which your child is spending time away from home. Notice if there are any hazards in the area or on the playground. Is playground equipment in good repair, are the toys or furniture safe and free of potentially dangerous features? Also notice if the environment is keep clean and sanitary. Unkempt rooms or play areas also give a message of caring to your child and may present risks that should be removed. Take a proactive role in offering to collaborate with teachers or staff in finding ways to improve the environment and make it safer. Most of the time teachers and staff also have your child’s welfare in mind and your additional help is all they need to keep up with repairs or improvements.
As usual, I hope these few ideas will get you started on looking after making this asset more available for your child and in your community. If you have any questions, please give me a call or drop me an email.
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