January 2006
Kids Need Time and Attention
Life gets hectic and stressful for working parents trying to balance family and work schedules. Children can also feel stressed from busy schedules, holiday times, and even from things they see on television, including the news. Children need time and attention from the adults in their lives to teach them skills to cope with exciting and stressful times.
Parents and child care providers can help children by doing the following:
- Spending "one-one-one" time daily with each child.
- Talking about feelings.
- Keeping routines and schedules the same whenever possible.
- Praising a child for something well done.
- Doing activities such as finger painting, playing with play dough, and water play.
- Using art, music, puppets, pretend play, and writing as ways to express feelings.
- Making sure to let children know what you expect them to do.
- Taking time to be silly and laughing together.
- Having children help with cooking activities such as stirring batter, beating eggs with a hand beater, or tearing lettuce for a salad.
- Being sure there is enough time each day for active play, reading, and just plain daydreaming!
The Pennsylvania State University Cooperative Extension Better Kid Care Program has information on children's issues for early childhood educators, child care providers, and parents on the Better Kid Care Web site at: www.betterkidcare.psu.edu
Safe and Sound
Children need to be "safe and sound" while parents work. When looking for child care, see if it is safe by checking for the following things:
- The home or center is bright and clean, including eating areas, bathrooms, and diaper changing areas.
- Hand washing takes place before meals, handling food, and after bathroom or diapering routines.
- The toys and play equipment are right for the age of your child and in good repair.
- There are safety covers on electrical outlets.
- There are enough adults to supervise the children. More adult supervisors are needed when there are younger children.
- The outdoor play area and equipment are safe.
- The art and craft materials are non-toxic.
- Cleaning materials and medications are stored separately in locked cabinets in the original or a labeled container.
- Emergency numbers are posted near the telephone.
- There are smoke alarms and a first-aid kit.
- Fire drills are scheduled as required.
The Pennsylvania State University Cooperative Extension Better Kid Care Program has information on children's issues for early childhood educators, child care providers, and parents on the Better Kid Care Web site at: www.betterkidcare.psu.edu
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Nancy Wilson, Better Kid Care Program Assistant
Penn State Better Kid Care Program
253 Easterly Parkway
State College, PA 16801
e-mail: naw6@psu.edu
Phone: 814-863-5880
Fax: 814-865-7893
