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Becoming A Home Daycare Professional

© Sara McGrath

Not so long ago, staying home with your young children was a choice that any parent (at least any mother) could make. But now, if you're like most families, you rely on two incomes. Working at home is an option, but there are few worthwhile opportunities. Starting an in-home daycare is one of these few.

Among the benefits of running an in-home daycare are the following. Not only will you get to stay home with your kids, you'll be more likely to spend time with them doing learning activities. You'll also have a good excuse to spend time studying child development and education, so you'll better understand your children and those in your care. Your children will develop social skills while interacting with the community right in your home. Perhaps best of all, you'll laugh and play everyday.

Among the drawbacks of running an in-home daycare are the following. Your children will have to share your attention, and their toys, with the other kids. You may have to buy more toys and equipment. With more people in your home, you and your kids will have greater exposure to illnesses. You will have more cooking and cleaning to do. If you accept children who wear diapers, you'll be changing them. At times, the daycare kids will hurt and frustrate your children. You may feel exhausted as you struggle to keep up with a house full of children, everyday.

Here are some tips for making your in-home daycare run more smoothly so you can enjoy the benefits and minimize the drawbacks.

• Childproof a large area of your home and yard. It's much easier on you and the children if you let them roam freely than if you hover about scolding them.

• Don't cage the children. Most kids don't tolerate well being in an enclosed area, especially if you are on the other side of the fence.

• Follow an unhurried routine that alternates active and passive, child-directed and adult-led activities.

• Take advantage of the children's natural urge to imitate. Don't force them to participate.

• Show rather than tell them what to do when possible. When you must tell them to do something, tell them what to do rather than what not to do. You'll get better results and the children will feel better about themselves.

• Let the children make a mess.

• Intervene in their imaginative play or disagreements only when necessary for their safety.

• Serve nutritious foods. Junk food will negatively affect their behavior.

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