Vacation is over and it's back-to-school/work time. The first
few days will require adjustment for the kids, especially for
babies who may be leaving home for the first time on a
regular basis. Here, then, are several tips to make the
transition easier and start things on the right foot.
We love our children, and wish we could raise them by
ourselves all the time. But necessity may call for our
leaving them in someone else's care for a fifth of the 24-
hour-day, which adds up to two whole months a year! What can
we do make it easier for our metapelet to love them,
too? The following suggestions may seem superfluous, until
you find yourself rushing out the last minute. So read on and
be prepared beforehand.
The obvious rule should be: how would we like to receive
another child? CLEAN. This begins with combed hair, no sleep
residue in eyes, wiped nose, smelling sweet and with a CLEAN
DIAPER!
Clothing: Freshly changed from the night, comfortable
for child, easy to remove, all buttons in place, zipper
working, not too big or small, not too hot or cool, and, yes,
matching and esthetic, if you want the sitter to cuddle him
when he cries.
Accessory Bag (also known as tik): Not a torn
plastic bag or even worse, odds and ends hand-held. It should
have your name on it and should contain an ample supply of
pampers, a full change of clothing, prepared food and bottle.
The food should be appetizing-looking and yesterday's remains
should be disposed of daily. And don't forget a bib.
Extras: Your baby is teething or has an ear infection?
Send along some Acamol/pain reliever. A diaper rash? Send
some cream. A nice gesture would be to buy your babysitter a
container of Fresh Wipes to last for a while.
Feedback: The mother is not always the one who brings
and fetches the child. This is why it is important, in any
case, for her to keep tabs on her child daily. Did he eat,
drink, wet, cry, nap, etc. An excellent idea is to have a
small notebook for brief notes back and forth. This way the
mother can also show she is aware of the good care her child
is receiving and be accordingly appreciative, while the
metapelet can know what to possibly expect under
various circumstances (teething, a sleepless night, diarrhea
or constipation, a sibling down with something contagious,
lack of appetite, child had a vaccination).
The notebook should have an entry both ways EVERY DAY! Both
mother and sitter may be under pressure when coming and going
and forget important facts that can be written in advance.
A mother that offers a compliment or shows a few words of
written appreciation will get it back double in service!
MONEY: Work out a very clear, precise payment
agreement that will include date of payment, days when child
does not come, vacations, holidays, fasts, sicknesses, summer
vacation and so on. Stick to the agreement and pay on
time!
