Top Five Secrets Of The Successful Daycare Provider

Every industry has them - secrets. These are those little tidbits or facts that make the industry jobs more efficient and easier to do. Often it is not only time that is saved by knowing and employing these insider tidbits but sanity as well. I often wonder who came up with products like Nibs - you know, those tiny little licorice ends. I can imagine some factory housekeeping staff was bitching to himself what a mess the pincher machine made when it finished the ends of the strings of licorice and then like a lightening bolt thought that if only the company realized their profit loss sitting there on the factory floor they could make so much more money and he would never again, have to clean up the damn Nibs. Well, two weeks later Nibs probably hit the shelf and he got his pink slip. Bet he wished he kept little nib of an idea to himself!

Industry secrets are everywhere. They save, time, money and movement. Good business owners know them too. Who doesn't want to save both time and money? I know I do. But my favourite savings will always fall into the sanity area. I don't have much sanity left and it is more important than ever to preserve that little bit that remains.

MP3s - My favourite sanity saver is pulled out of my junk drawer nearly every time I start a new child. Yes, I speak of the IPod. Was there ever a better invention for daycare providers? Hey, I am all for the extra cuddles, carrying and attention of a child who suddenly finds himself dropped into what he perceives as the depths of hell but even the most seasoned provider quickly reaches a pivotal point of both hearing loss and inability to tolerate a single minute more of the high pitched wailing that emanates from the twenty pound ball of tears in her living room. In goes the earphones, on goes the IPod and I am ready to take on the rest of the day. Yes, that's right newbie child I am smiling at you even though you have not stopped crying for the last six hours. Weird eh?

Food - I can make anything appear kid friendly. When mom and dad tell me that little Johnny won't eat cauliflower at home I know those parents lack imagination. Johnny eats cauliflower here all the time. Yeppers, I puree that sulfuric little crucifer like no tomorrow and toss it into any white sauce I can find. Johnny gobbles it up and asks for more. Yes, I am amazing, thanks! Even more amazing is that at my house he eat trees (broccoli) and pretty much anything else that I serve them. It's not rocket science really. Make nutritious foods kid-friendly and do not offer 13 choices for lunch and Johnny will eat anything.

Tidiness - Parents are always amazed at how tidy the house is when they pick up their child. I am certain some of them think I secretly cage their children for the day and carry on with my housework and laundry and let all the kids out five minutes prior to their arrival. Well, maybe I DO do that - that's my own personal secret - but I'll never tell! The secret I will share is that my house is not tidy because of me it is tidy because of the kids. From a very young age I teach all the kids in my care to clean up after themselves. No, I do not clean up their mess of toys or put all the Play-doh back in the tubs; the kids do all this themselves. Every child has an age appropriate task and they are asked to complete it. And (gasp) they actually complete it! Yes, it's a miracle! So parents, next time you come in and make passive aggressive comments about how clean my house is turn around and tell your children what a great job they did.

Two Swing Principle - Wanna know how to get children to learn how to dress themselves for outdoor play? The answer is simple; only have half as many swings as you do children. Seriously. The swing is the most sought after and popular back yard activity. The minute I announce we are going outside kids whose parents normally dress them at home time put on all of their outdoor gear INDEPENDENTLY and race out the door to commandeer one of those precious two swings hanging in the back yard. It's amazing what a little bit of incentive will do.

Awkward Silence - This is my favourite secret of all (thanks Pam!). Whenever any situation arises where in a parent questions the policies they signed and agreed upon at the onset of care just stand there and say nothing. Allow the silence to permeate the air.

"I know pay day is today but things are tight. Can I just pay you on Friday instead?" ....awkward silence........."Okay, I'll make sure I bring you the cheque tonight".

See? Now wasn't that easy? And you didn't even have to get your cranky pants on or anything!

There are so many secrets to being able to provide the level of care we do and maintain any shred of our sanity. Often, as providers, we are asked that familiar question, "how do you do it?". Every time we hear that question a little laugh erupts in our heads and we silently say to ourselves, "if only you knew". But do we really want them to know? I don't know about you but I like some things in life to remain a mystery. Besides, I'm taking a lesson from the Nibs guy. "Mums" the word.

Day 21 and still positive. Busy, busy but positive!

For concerns, advice or suggestions I welcome your email at judytrickett@yahoo.ca