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By
Catherine M. Pruissen
Building
Staff & Parent Self-Esteem
Involving
Parents
It goes without
saying that most parents are guilt-ridden when leaving
their child's care with someone other than themselves.
Paving the way for a smoother transition and for better
parent/provider communication and acceptance will
enhance the quality of care for everyone involved.
Here are some ways directors and caregivers can help
build parent self-esteem in their child care.
Establish a drop-off routine with each child that
will make the separation period easier. This could
include a Hug and Good-bye corner, finding ways that
work with each child to redirect their attention from
the leaving parent to the fun inside the home or centre,
etc. Both parents and child care providers may find
helpful tips in our book, Saying
Good-bye: Dealing With Separation.
Not overburdening parents with requests for field
trip volunteers, snacks or baked goods, assistance
with various projects. This only serves to reinforce
a parent's guilt when they are not able to help out
due to work commitments. Set up a system of allowing
parents to volunteer according to their own time,
schedule and ability.
Schedule some time once a month to simply ask parents
if there is anything they need from the centre/home,
if they have any concerns, or if they can tell you
how their child appears to be adjusting from their
perspective. You could also set up an information
station where parents can drop off or pick up notes
when they are rushed. This is a great place to leave
notes for parents telling them what their child's
day has been like, how they are adjusting to care,
or if you have any concerns about the child's health
etc. Or you could attach a simple Post-It not to each
child's cubby or backpack telling the parents a special
thing their child did that day.
Host a surprise "Parents Are Kewl" day,
complete with child decorated banners, cards, and
child-baked treats. Give each parent a note thanking
them for using your services and letting them know
how valuable they are.
Staff
Self-esteem
Child
care providers seldom get the recognition they deserve
for the valuable work they do. Yet there are many
simple ways to let your child care providers/teachers
know they are tops in your book.
Take
a few moments to attach a note of appreciation to
the caregiver's paycheck or fee payment.
Recognize a staff member's or caregiver's achievements
such as completed courses, positive feedback from
parents, volunteer efforts in he community. Post the
appreciation where everyone can see it as well.
Involve the staff in new developments, asking them
to coordinate the changes if they are up to the challenge,
and ask for their honest feedback on the changes.
Listen to them openly and respect their opinion.
Have an open door policy for caregivers as well as
parents. Be as approachable as possible.
Encourage humour in your home or facility. Set up
a Humour Bulletin Board where everyone can post jokes,
cartoons, funny quips, etc. Decorate the area in a
fun way.
Free
Self-esteem Gifts
Here are some
simple ways to boost both parents and caregiver self-esteem
that don't cost a cent.
The
Gift of Listening: Really listening, no interrupting,
no planning a response.
The Gift of Affection: Be generous with pats on the
back, acknowledgment touches, etc. These small gestures
demonstrate a sincere affection to the person involved.
The Gift of Laughter: Share funny stories with your
parents and caregivers. Encourage them to do the same.
The Gift of a Written Note: Sometimes the simplest
words mean the most, like a Thank You note, or a few
words of appreciation penned on a sticky note.
The Gift of a Compliment: A simple and sincere compliment
will perk up anyone's day.
The Gift of a Favour: Every day, go out of your way
to do something, even one thing kind.
The Gift of a Cheerful Disposition: A cheerful disposition
affects everyone it touches. A kind word, a smile,
a happy hello, make a gift that keeps on giving.
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