Balancing Work and Family Child Care

It is inevitable that parents have to work, and their children must go to an early learning program.  Time seems to fly by, and the days seem shorter and shorter.  It can be very tough balancing your family and work life.  The challenge I have is to try to create a little bit of time before and or after the child is dropped off at their early learning center. 

As parents you may miss out on many things durning the day, so stay a bit at the early learning center.  See what type of toys or equipment that your child is exploring.  Observe to see if your child likes to play alone or with others. Does your child like to explore with younger,older, or like age children?  Do they like to explore with boys or girl?  Is your child comfortable?  Linger a little while longer.  You may see your child in a new light, in a different environment. 

Use the resource of the early learning center teacher.  Your child's teacher gains a lot of knowledge about your child while you are are work.  Ask them how you can help them with the growth of your child.  Ask them if you can come in and help them out during their day.  The more comfortable the child's teacher is with you the more information they share with you about your child.  It is very important to gain a healthy relationship with the teacher that your child is with eight plus hours of the day.  The more time you can spend in your child's classroom, the more time you spend with your child!

It is very true that balancing family and work is difficult, but you are not the only one experiencing that.  You can also use other parents and staff you work with to help come up with ideals for balancing family and work.  In the world we live in, it is fast paced, but take time out to enjoy your family!