Do You Know What These Important People in Your Children’s Lives Really Think?
From the Pediatrician…
In industrialized countries, parents may disagree, but our children are some of the healthiest little human beings who have ever lived. Between better regulated food products and diets, very sanitary living conditions, the availability of health care and modern medicines, our kids have it pretty good.
Even so, parents worry. Whenever little Johnny or Julie gets an earache or sore throat, parents react as though their kids have something terminal. Granted, it’s often wise to err on the side of caution, but pediatricians say (when being perfectly candid) that overly cautious parents drive them crazy, while also paying their bills.
Medications are a similar issue, as parents typically want a prescription to fix everything. According to one pediatrician, most children don’t need antibiotics, as 80 percent of ear infections clear up on their own. That doctor’s advice? Try some chicken soup and TLC before the antibiotics and trip to the doctor.
From the Day Care Center…
The biggest pet peeve of Day Care Directors and employees? The parents and grandparents who want them to bend/break the rules for their little prince or princess. According to day-care workers, it’s really not a good idea to make such children feel they’re more special or privileged than the rest of the group. In other words, everyone should have to follow the rules.
Further pet peeves and advice for parents involve picking their children up on time, and taking the time to acknowledge, make eye contact and say hello to the people who spend all day with their children.
From the Babysitter…
The biggest pet peeves and advice from babysitters? If a new babysitter is willing to spend some extra time getting to know you, your children and their routine, by all means, compensate her for it.
Then, don’t be the parent who lingers around to keep an eye on the sitter, instead of leaving as you planned. Sure, it’s okay to call home and check in from time to time, just don’t create the impression that the sitter you’ve trusted to watch your children can’t be trusted. Along those lines, be sure to outline all your rules and expectations, and be sure to include all the phone numbers where you can be contacted.
