There Are No Instruction Guides That Come With Newborn Infants

We rely on what we remember from our childhoods as a basis for information, thoughts, ideas, and so on in regards to bringing our own children into this world and then doing the very best that we can given that limited database of information on how to raise and nurture them.

Dr. Spock, for many of us, was the expert on childrearing.  Bar-none, the best.  And over time as infancy and middle childhood were studied in clinics, some labs and colleges and universities, some of Dr. Spock’s work was updated and revised. 

And all the while, you as the parent, are buying new clothes, trying new techniques and trying out new foods in order to again, do your very best with this amazing little person who depends on you 24/7, one hundred percent of the time. 

But, again, you’re making this up as you go.

Somewhere in there after you’ve exhausted your family-leave from work, you have to about the daunting task of finding someone who can trust and feel comfortable with leave your precious bundle of joy.  Maybe it’s a church-based program.  Maybe a trusted neighbor or family member, or like most of us, a daycare near your home.  It’s basically a crap-shoot trying to decide where your little one lands, and yes, it’s absolutely nerve-racking, and not unlike leaving junior with a babysitter for the first time.

And keep in mind, this isn’t even for a special needs child, just a regular run-of-the-mill Dick and Jane type kid.  (Let me clarify because I know you’re scratching your head – run-of-the-mill refers to most average children, non-special needs ones.)

Which brings me to the point of this piece, the following Facebook post:

Here’s a young mom, don’t know if she’s single or not (not important) who is struggling with her baby, trying to get him to eat properly, something most young parents work on.  And the daycare, in its infinite wisdom fires back with this mean spirited, snarky remark:

“NO! Put him on a diet & GO AWAY!”  

Seriously?

Instead of just reading the note to Kyler, what does the daycare worker do?  That!

Clearly the worker is lacking empathy and understanding and could use some pointers in those areas, but beyond that, maybe find another line of work where you can see outside yourself and truly enjoy what you’re doing.  Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and other adults trust you with the care of their delicate little ones while they’re at work.  Be helpful here, not hurtful.  She could have been having a bad day, but that's no excuse.

Having worked at a few daycares early on in my education career, I can tell you it is very hard and challenging work.  But, that’s no excuse for this behavior.  There were a couple of the daycare centers in my city that I helped shut down for their egregious procedures in regards to child care.  Little things like, “Let us know when you are going to stop by for an impromptu visit.” 

NO, don’t do that.  You have to catch the daycare going through their regular, day-to-day routines, not some scripted set up.  

Final point:  Ms. Easdon is absolutely correct.  You HAVE TO monitor closely the daycare in which you put your child’s safety.  Shop around, like you would with any service and find one with which you are comfortable. 

Are they perfect?  No, none of them are. 

Are some better than others?  Absolutely, but you have to do your homework.

In some states, daycare facilities are licensed and sanctioned by those states, Department of Human Services, Department of Child Welfare, and/or similar departments.