Childcare

Spring Edition: Week 3

spring4 Spring has officially sprung! The first day of spring brought festivities to commemorate the change of season! Some may be finishing spring break, while others may be just beginning.

Thinking about spring break, you may be experiencing quite the opposite, which I’ll call it spring acceleration. The kids get a break from school, but your life accelerates. Your responsibilities increase during the time they’re out of school. Your normal routine, if you can call it that, has been changed. Now you’re concerned with what they’re doing while you’re at work. Depending on your child’s age, many different thoughts are running through your mind: Where are they? Who are they with? What did they eat? What are they wearing? Did I pack enough of this or that? Did they do their chores? Did I lock the door and put down the garage? The list can go on and on. Spring acceleration can be spring break for you, if you prepare!

How to prepare? Think about all the questions you have now and devise a plan to remedy them all. We’ve talked about childcare selection and activities identification in previous posts, so that’s a start. Budgeting time and finances. Check out the link below for more information and tips on spring budgeting. Now if you take a vacation while your children are on spring break, which may include travel, then your situation will be a little bit different. Scheduling, coordinating, packing, etc, etc, etc. This requires your involvement on many different levels, make sure to give yourself some time to wind down at the end of your vacation to be prepared to go back to work. If you’re staying home, be diligent about planning some activities with your child so they can be with you and get out of the house. There is hope to make it through the start of spring and all that will follow. Communicate your needs, be prepared, and follow through on your commitments. You will make it through and experience spring break!

CHALLENGE: Spend one day during spring break with your child doing something they love or something new they’ve been wanting to try. What did you learn about your child from that experience? How have your prepared yourself for spring break? How did you make it through? Share your plan and tips with all of us here!

Reference:http://us1.campaign-archive2.com/?u=385c0c43f94c55f6fa4629d4d&id=eae6d876bc

Dr. Shameika Moment, Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership

I am an educator-adjunct faculty & K-8 teacher, parent advisor, tutor, business owner, and aspiring author. I have taught students in K-12, inside the classroom and in the community from general education to social skills development. I have a passion for helping parents connect with, learn from, and support their children’s academic success and learning. This blog is one of many ventures to provide support for parents as they navigate the course of raising children as a daily responsibility.

Spring Edition: Week 2

spring3 Spring is approaching fast! I just want to enjoy the sunshine and cool breezes that come with the season change. Thinking of getting moving, let’s talk about spring activity! What activities can you and your children do together to keep it moving? What exercise commitments did you make for 2015 that you’ve yet to follow through on consistently? How can you incorporate quality time with your children to help achieve some of your goals?

Outdoor family fun activities vary from city to city, so be sure to check your local parks & recreation department and community center calendars. You can also look at these places for camps and activities for spring break and summer. In past editions we’ve discussed the importance of planning ahead and including our children of many of the things we do, specifically related to goals and vision.

Spring cleaning is another activity that can be a family affair! Time to go out with the old and bring in the new or at least restore that which you have. Family activity can include cleaning your home from top to bottom. Make it a family affair and plan it all out, delegating responsibilities for different activities and spending quality time together. Take the time to explain the why to everyone in your household and brainstorm to breakdown the plan, identify areas of need, and how much time to dedicate to each activity. This will be some of the most fun you’ve every had cleaning and you get to enjoy it with your family!

CHALLENGE: Reflect on the above questions. How have you prepared yourself for Spring Break? Think about what you can do and make a plan to start taking some steps towards doing those things. Share your plan and tips with all of us here! Check out the resources below to find out more to keep it moving and for Spring Cleaning checklists!

Resources: http://www.nflrush.com/play60/; http://www.letsmove.gov/active-families; http://www.sheknows.com/home-and-gardening/articles/827351/spring-cleaning-checklists

Dr. Shameika Moment                                                                                                                Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership

I am an educator-adjunct faculty & K-8 teacher, parent advisor, tutor, business owner, and aspiring author. I have taught students in K-12, inside the classroom and in the community from general education to social skills development. I have a passion for helping parents connect with, learn from, and support their children’s academic success and learning. This blog is one of many ventures to provide support for parents as they navigate the course of raising children as a daily responsibility.

School’s Out for Summer: 3rd Edition

blog SOS

So, you’re into summer break now. Any questions? If you don’t have any for me, I have a few for you. How have your routines changed? What are your days filled with? While the kids are on summer vacation, unfortunately parents do not have the same luxury. So, while you’re spending your days at the office or out in the field, what are your children doing? Who is caring from them in your absence?

Choosing a caregiver or program for your child can be challenging in the days in which we live. Quality summer care can help ease your mind as you go about your day and can offer priceless benefits for your child’s growth and development. I want to offer a few tips to help you face the challenges that come with this activity. Take the time to identify your needs, those of your child, and be prepared to spend time, put in work, and exercise patience through the process. Consider your child’s hobbies, interests, aspirations, dreams, and abilities when choosing summer care. Involve them in the conversation as much as possible so they can be aware of options and share their feelings about what you’ve decided for summer care.

Obviously finances have to be allotted for summer care, I encourage you to plan ahead as much as possible. Put summer care in your budget, just like some of us have a college fund. The obvious choice is a summer care program that provides education and fun. Physical activity is a must considering that while in school students spend a bulk of the time in a static environment, movement is necessary.  Be sure to talk to the camp director and ask questions about certifications, licensing, staff, and activities. Tour the facility and inspect the space and equipment. I also encourage observing and making a pop-up visit when possible to observe interactions and standards of care. Another key element to ask about is discipline. Opportunities for social interaction are essential for healthy growth, social skills development, and conflict resolution. 

What are the ages of the summer care program? Student to teacher ratios? Staff education requirements? How are the students grouped? What does the cost include? Is transportation provided? How are students transported to off-site activities or field trips? Medicine distribution policies? Health certifications (CPR, First Aid)? Most places have a handbook that includes policies and procedures, but many times we neglect to read the bulky book or the fine print. Come prepared with your questions and be very observant. Ask other parents and find out what your friends are doing with their children for the summer. Finding someone you know and trust with your child’s care is number one priority for your safety and piece of mind. 

It’s not too late to do any of these things, even if your child is already in a summer care program. You can review more information in A Parent’s Guide to Choosing Safe and Healthy Child Care by visiting the following website. http://aspe.hhs.gov/hsp/ccquality-ind02/guide.htm

For games to get you and your children moving, having fun, and working together visit the following website. http://www.playworks.org/playbook/games

I look forward to your feedback and comments, please share with me your experience using any of the resources suggested. Thanks for reading!