Everyone knows that children thrive on praise and positive reinforcement. You don't have to be under five to appreciate a kind word or small ego booster. Everyone likes to know they are doing a good job. If children can be coaxed to exhibit good behaviour as the result of a little recognition then perhaps so can adults.
Too often we concentrate our efforts on the failings of the parents in our care. We are all aware that many parent do not pull their weight and expect far too much from their provider. It is this mindset that causes many daycare providers to complain and share with others those moments that are most negative and frustrating. What if we turned the tables? What if, instead of concentrating on the negatives, we applauded those few moments wherein a parent does their part? Why not exploit positivity to our benefit?
Yesterday, a reader of this blog emailed me with a fantastic idea. Laudryduchess, as she is affectionately known, has come up with a brilliant concept that every provider would benefit from employing. Laundryduchess has a family in her care that is 'golden' in every sense of the word. This week her 'golden' family took it upon themselves to keep their child home when they simply suspected he might be coming down with an illness. Laundryduchess was so grateful for this show of respect that she decided to present these parents with the 'Golden Parent Award'. This provider found an on-line site with certificates for download and created her own special award for a family who was going over and above. What a great idea!
I asked Laundryduchess to share the on-line site with us and it is included below:
What would happen if collectively we all started a movement? What would be the result of hundreds of providers seeking positive parent behaviour and then rewarding that behaviour with a small certificate of thanks? I think the results might surprise even the most cynical of us.
I propose a challenge. I challenge each and every one of you to notice just one exemplary behaviour this week and reward that parent. Once your challenge is completed, return to this page and document how the award was received. Perhaps we can be instruments of change without ever having to utter a negative word. Let's give it a try. The only question that remains is - are you in?
For concerns, advice or suggestions I welcome your email at judytrickett@yahoo.ca
11 comments:
I'm in. I have a fantastic group of clients at the moment and I'm always glad to remind them of how much I appreciate them.
Lianne
I'm in...I have one golden family at the moment...still trying to figure out how to turn the others in to goldens....LOL
D
great post! I might have to try this sometime!!
I'm in - what a great idea!
Now - to just think of something to praise a family about?
I'll report back later
Terrific idea. I love it. I'll let you know the outcome next Thursday.
golden Mom commented that they got their certificate today, she thought it was really sweet.
Laundryduchess
those are the parents/families who you want to clone!! lol good challenge:)
momof2
Momof2,.. they are trying to clone at the current time! lol. we are expecting news of a new arrival next fall anytime!
Laundryduchess
Excellent idea Laundryduchess. Thanks for sharing with us - You too Judy!
When, and IF I ever start up daycare again, I'll be sure to use this! It's a fantastic idea. I know some of my parents in the past would have loved to have received something like this.
It will always be difficult for parents and daycare providers to really see eye to eye when it comes to the overall assessment of a family's involvement in the rearing of their children. I agree with the ideas though that a family appreciation activity is a wonderful way of expressing how much you value the clients and is also a good method of reinforcing parental duties.
With activities like this you also have to prepare yourself for the backlash or ugly truths that can unravel especially for families who might not be so "golden" family appreciation is wonderful but also make sure that you can support the situation if ever you enstate an activity that involves sharing or exemplary deeds and an ackward pause or moment ensues because one of the participants arent as into it or as fitting as others
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