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By Britt Michaelian, MA
More children die every year from preventable injuries than from all childhood illnesses combined. Although accidents cannot be prevented, with education , constant supervision and organization , caregivers can help keep kids safe and happy. What more can a parent ask for?
When parents need to be away from the home or put their child in a day care setting, they want to be sure that the person responsible for their child is well equipped to handle any situation . Parents want caregivers to be attentive, responsible, prepared in case of emergency and familiar with their family’s routines and discipline style. But how do they make sure that a caregiver fits the bill? Unfortunately, there is no test for common sense, but there is a way to put your mind at ease. As a part-time working mother of three with a working husband, there are many people helping to care for my kids. We have grandparents, friends, teachers and babysitters who help us on a daily basis. In order to make sure that all of these caregivers know the basics of taking care of our kids, I created a program that covers everything I want someone taking care of my kids to know. The following action items will help you to recognize your priorities with regard to childcare and safety and to communicate this with your child’s caregiver. When discussed thoroughly, these tips will encourage all caregivers (even parents) to provide the most responsible care for children.
8 Action Items to Prepare Caregivers:
1. Follow the 10/20 Rule!
Never let a child leave your site for longer than 10 seconds and never let them travel more than 20 feet away from you. This technique can help decrease the potential for such tragedies as drowning and accidental poisoning among other things. As a mom, I believe this rule is one of the most important aspects of childcare. It really promotes constant supervision.
2. Caregivers Get Time Outs too!
Anyone taking care of a child (especially if there is more than one) can get overwhelmed. If caregivers find themselves getting short tempered, frustrated or on the verge of losing control, it is time to take a short break, ALONE. It is never okay to hit, hurt or intimidate a child no matter how naughty you think they are acting. Place the child in a playpen, with a book, or in a safe spot while you take two minutes to breath and calm down in another room. If you feel that you cannot regain composure , call the parent or a friend for backup immediately.
As silly as it sounds, I find it helps me to turn on music, close my eyes and dance to take the edge off. The kids usually get into it with me and we end up turning things around within a few moments. Music is a very underused tool with kids and adults. Try it!
3. Safety Gear Is Good
Use all safety gear that is humanly possible and make sure it has the proper fit. You know the saying “It’s better to be safe than sorry.” That’s a great saying! Car seats, bike helmets and kneepads are fabulous inventions, but if they are not snug and securely attached, they can actually create safety risks.
If a caregiver will be putting your child in their car, make sure that the car seat is installed properly . Also, it is a good idea to make sure that there is an extra car seat in the home at all times, just in case…
4. Discuss All Medical Issues
Always make sure caregivers are aware of your child’s medical history . If there have ever been any hospitalizations or if your child has ever had a seizure or allergic reaction, this is very important information. If your child does have a medical history, leave the caregiver with a detailed list that outlines the following: common symptoms to look for, if medication is to be administered, where the medication is located, the pediatrician’s contact information, location of the nearest emergency department and a person to contact in case you are not reachable.
Even if your child does not have a medical history, always leave all emergency contact information and exchange mobile numbers with the caregiver.
5. Talk About The Rules
Discuss the house rules with all caregivers. Is your child allowed to eat in the living room or should they be at the kitchen table? Are there certain rooms, items or foods that are commonly a problem? Are there things that the caregiver should look out for, such as a child who likes to quietly sneak away and explore the pantry? Is your child one who puts everything in the mouth? Think about what issues come up often and write them down for the caregiver to look out for. You also need to discuss how your caregiver should react. Boundaries between caregivers need to be consistent. If you give timeouts for certain things, the caregiver should as well.
6. Get Kids To Play, Not Tune Out!
Television and video games are a part of life for a lot of children. There is nothing wrong with this and for many parents (and caregivers) it gives a much needed break from sibling rivalry, sour moods or boredom. The fact is that no child (unless they are doing homework) belongs in front of a television or computer screen for longer than 30 minutes a day. Set a timer on the TV or put a kitchen timer out and express to caregivers that they need to enforce the time limits. Kids need activity, light and air to grow and be happy. Think of them as little plants running around and while you’re at it, they need at least 6 glasses of water (or more depending on size) a day!
7. Read to Kids Everyday
One of the best gifts you can give a child is time with an adult, reading a book . Have them pick out a story and read it to them. It is a simple activity that promotes intelligence and creativity. All caregivers should get in the habit of reading with children for at least 15 minutes a day (or better yet, 30!). If the child is older or if he or she wants to read quietly, then sit down and read next to them.
Think about it, we are limiting their television and video games to 30 minutes a day and increasing their reading to 15-30 minutes a day. It’s a great trade off! Parents can encourage the child to read more by providing incentives such as a trip to the ice cream parlor or another treat for reading a certain amount. Make a chart and talk about it with the caregiver.
8. Make Sure Caregivers Are Educated In Case Of Emergency
Do you know what to do if your child’s friend, who is over for a play date suffers from a burn, seizure, or accidental poisoning? ALL caregivers (even parents and grandparents) should take infant and pediatric CPR and first aid courses every 2 years. It amazes me how many parents I know who insist that their babysitters take CPR courses, but these same parents have never taken a course themselves.
Here is an easy solution: Organize a CPR course in your home and have an instructor come teach parents, grandparents, babysitters and friends in the comfort of your own home. Call the American Heart Association for a qualified instructor in your area at 1-800- AHA-USA-1. Many parents and caregivers put off taking CPR and first aid courses only to find themselves helpless in a crisis situation. Don’t let this be you. Make sure anyone taking care of your kids is prepared!
Children are more than treasured possessions to parents. They give life meaning. They help us to grow as people and they love us unconditionally. In return for this, parents feel an obligation to protect and care for their children, making sure that they get proper nutrition, superior education, emotional care and among other things, that they are safe. Being a parent myself, I know that the list of concerns that parents have is limitless, but the key to lowering anxiety is organization.
Whether your child is being supervised by a grandparent, a babysitter or at a daycare facility, it is important for parents to communicate with caregivers about what their expectations are. By printing this list of action items and discussing each item with all caregivers, parents will be more confident that the care their child receives is the most responsible care available.
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Communication 
