Recent Questions:

Question:
I'm interested in starting an In Home Child Care. How do I go about getting started?
Question:
My child cries terribly and won't let go of me when I drop him off at daycare.  I feel like the provider is caring - but my son's reactions make me wonder. Is he trying to tell me something?
Question:
My child has a biting problem. She bites other children when she gets angry or frustrated. I have tried everything I know to do - but it just won't stop. Her child care provider is threatening to stop care for her. Now she even bites herself when there is no
one else to bite!  HELP!
Question:
 My child tends to throw temper tantrums when she does not get her way. It's embarrassing, and I'm to the point that I don't even want to take her out of the house anymore. My mother tells me that she needs a good pop on the butt - but I don't know how I feel about that. Do you have any suggestions?

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Answers: 

Question:
I'm interested in starting an In Home Child Care. How do I go about getting started?
Answer:
Most State Licensing Agencies are happy to supply you with all the information you will need. Because each State may have different requirements it is essential that you contact them first.  We have posted all of the State Agency Contact information on our web site. Simply go to our Providers Resource Page and you will find a drop down menu titled "Child Care State Licensing Requirements"- simply click on your state. This will take you to our link where you will find links to the contact information that you need.
In general however, you will want to:
1. Check your area to see how many other child care providers there are. Is there a need?
2. What are the other providers charging? you don't want to be too low or to high priced.
3. You will want to have a fenced yard for outdoor play.
4. Your home will have to be baby/child proofed.
5. You will want to draft a child care contract BEFORE you start caring for your first child/customer.
    We have other information available in our Provider Resources Section.
Question:
My child cries terribly and won't let go of me when I drop him off at daycare.  I feel like the provider is caring - but my son's reactions make me wonder. Is he trying to tell me something?
Answer:
Depending on your child's age, this may be very normal.  Most toddlers and young preschoolers may cry and be clingy when they are dropped off, but usually quiet right down once Mom is out of site.  If you are concerned you can do one or more of the following things.
1. Pay attention to what your son is doing when you come to pick him up. Is he playing happily?
    If so, I'm sure he is well content with that caregiver. 
2. Stop by in the middle of the day, if possible, and spy on your son. Most care givers have an open door policy and should  
    allow you to come by anytime you wish. (unannounced) However, if this upsets your son even more, I  would not allow
    him to see you. See how he is responding to the provider then, and with the other children.
Question:
My child has a biting problem. She bites other children when she gets angry or frustrated. I have tried everything I know to do - but it just won't stop. Her child care provider is threatening to stop care for her. Now she even bites herself when there is no
one else to bite!  HELP!
Answer:
I had the SAME problem with one of my children when they were about 2-3 yrs old!  If regular discipline (time outs, etc) don't seem to do the trick, try a little hot sauce on the tongue. I know it sounds terrible, but it is an edible food product, and people use it everyday. (better than the soap people used in the past!) - a drop of hot sauce on the tongue for biting usually works - except for the rare child that actually LIKES the taste!
Question:
My child tends to throw temper tantrums when she does not get her way. It's embarrassing, and I'm to the point that I don't even want to take her out of the house anymore. My mother tells me that she needs a good pop on the butt - but I don't know how I feel about that. Do you have any suggestions?
Answer:
I would have to admit, that I am a little old fashioned myself, and although I did spank my two daughters a handful of times when they were around 2-3 years old, I do think it should be done with love and not in anger.
My girls are now 13 and 16 and respect my authority and love me to death. They both tell me (after babysitting several unruly children) that they plan to use spanking as a form of punishment, if need be, when they have kids someday.
However, if used consistently, there are other ways to take control of your child and make sure that they know who the boss is.
1. Time out Works - IF it is truly time out.
    For very young children 2-1/2 to 3 yrs old, I suggest that you have them sit in a chair where you can see them.  Explain to them, on their level, what they have done that is unacceptable, and then explain that they will have to sit down until they are ready to act nice, play nice - whatever the problem is to be resolved.
They must sit in silence. If they speak or cry, inform them that they will sit longer. Set an egg timer for 30 sec - 1 minute to start with. (too long and they forget while they are there)  If they cry or speak, show them the timer, then re-set it for the same time again in front of them, so they see that every time they act out, more time gets added.
Once you have gotten the 30 sec - 1 minute of true obedience and silence out of them. Go to them and tell them that you are proud of their obedience.  Ask them to tell you why they were in time out. Then ask them to apologize to you, or to whom ever they were acting inappropriately towards.  They must do this with heart, not sarcastically. When they have apologized, give them a BIG hug, kiss and let them know how proud you are of them for acting like a Big Girl/Boy, and allow them to resume playing.  If they won't say they are sorry with heart - start the entire process over.
I know this sounds like a lot of work for you, but it should only take a few times if done consistently and with love. Remember - Don't yell! - If you are calm about it - you will keep the upper hand. Older children time outs should be about 1 minute per year in age to start with, then go from there.
2. If in a public place, and a time out area is unavailable warn them ONCE only that if the behavior does not stop, you will go home for a time out, or to the car.  If their problem continues - leave the grocery cart, etc, and take them calmly to the car or home. Keep a timer in your bag, and get started. I know this REALLY sounds like a bummer, but if they KNOW that you WILL follow through on your warning, It will only take a couple of times to get them to behave.
If it happens more than once in a public place, let  them know that next time you go somewhere, they will not be permitted to go with you - and follow through.  One time of being left behind on a fun outing, and they will change their attitude.
3. If you still think that spanking may be the choice for you, use these steps for sure>
    1. Get the child's attention by taking both their hands in yours and looking right into their eyes.
    2. Tell them what they have done, and why it is unacceptable.
    3. Tell them that even though you don't want to, a spanking is the punishment for this behavior.
    4. Ask them what they have done that is unacceptable.
    5. Ask them what the punishment is for this behavior.
    6. Tell them that you are now going to spank them.
    7. Bend them over your lap and spank with a bare hand over the clothes. (once or twice is enough)
    8. Ask them again if they know why they were punished.
    9. Tell them that you never want to spank them again, so you hope that they will not act in that way again.
   10. Ask them if they are going to act that way again. (they will usually say no)
   11. Tell them you love them, and give them a big hug and then let them get on with playing.
It is VERY important that you never grab them in anger and spank them without explanation ahead of time.That is what makes spanking not work. By following the steps here, you should rarely or maybe never have to spank your child more than a few times in a life time.

The true key is to catch your child while they are behaving and give them positive attention with hugs and kisses, making sure they know that you are proud of the good behavior.

 

 

 

Legal:

Please note that the child care providers listed with TLC Child Care Locators (ChildCareCenters.org) are listings only and are not recommendations.  The information provided by TLC Child Care Locators is believed to have come from reliable sources, including the facilities themselves or those open to the public domain.  However, the facilities shown are listings only.  In no way does TLC Child Care Locators, any site partners, or any sponsors endorse, license, nor otherwise recommend lists found on TLC Child Care Locators Web Site.  TLC Child Care Locators exists as a first step for parents, and is not intended as a recommendation of any kind.  We encourage you to contact the sources themselves for the most accurate information.  We also encourage you to contact local Day Care Licensing Agencies to check records of Child Care Providers that you are considering.