Getting Through the Holidays

Halloween is just the beginning of several months of festivities that can wreak havoc in the routine that you have established for your children and your family.  All the treats, changes in routine, visiting family and the added activities make it difficult for your child to adjust. 

As we try to recreate the memories from our own childhood or meld the traditions from two families, it is easy to let those "things" take over our thoughts and planning and keep us from focusing on what is really important.

As you begin the important planning for the upcoming months, start by deciding what is really important to you.  Next determine whether it is something that is appropriate for the ages of your children.  If your children are very small, keep things simple and if they are older be sure to include them in the planning.  You'll be creating memories for their lifetime! 

Don't plan too many things or you and your children will become overwhelmed with all the activities.  You may be disappointed too if things don't quite go as you expected or planned.  Just spending quiet time together can be a very special memory as well!  Try to keep your routines for meals, naps and bedtime as normal as possible and you and your children will enjoy a more pleasant holiday season.

Remember to keep worship as a high priority during these busy times.  Your children will learn from you what Thanksgiving is all about when you go to church and thank God for all He has given you, including your family.  Teaching your children about the true meaning of Christmas will help them realize that Christmas is not just about getting gifts.  You can use these opportunities to help your children think about and care for others.

Finding the "Right" Childcare

Finding the "right" Childcare for your children is usually a daunting task for parents.  If it is your first child, all the emotions of leaving your child in the arms of strangers can overwhelm you.  It is important to find the "right" place, not only for your child, but for you as well.   There are many options available to parents, but each one has its pros and cons.  It is important that parents discuss what they want for their children and write down the questions that they want to ask prospective caregivers.  It is really easy to fall back on family members to provide the care, but even then it is important that there is an understanding of what you expect and will accept in care for your child.   Make sure that you check with many different types of childcare options (family care, registered home care, licensed childcare center)...don't just settle on the first place you come to.  Visit the places you are interested in and ask your questions, receive a tour and enrollment information.  Go to their website and look for reviews online as well as the information on the State Licensing website.  Talk to your friends who have children and find out where they go.  Start your research early and don't just base your decision on how much it costs.   Remember that your peace of mind when you find the right place will allow you to go to work or school and not worry about your children.  A good rule of thumb is to remember that you get what you pay for.  If your need is to provide the best place for your child, then it is probably not advisable to go with the place that costs less.  If you desire a Christian program that will support and encourage your family values, then you should seek a place associated with a church that provides a Christian curriculum.  If you want all the bells and whistles and the facility is the most important thing, then cost is probably not an concern.  One last thought, give your child some time to adjust to the new setting, whatever it may be.  They will miss you, but they adapt quickly!