Guest Author - Pam Garlick

When it comes to child care, you could say I've been on both sides of the fence. I could relate a few horror stories from years past when I desperately sought someone to care for my children while I worked. Let's face it, Grandmom isn't always available. She may be working too.
This is not an uncommon problem. Parents are often forced to entrust those they cherish most to a stranger. Still, there are things which can be done to make this task easier.
You have three choices with child care: a day care center, taking your child to someone's personal home, or having someone come into your home. The differences between these is obvious, and a matter of preference for both parent and caregiver.
As much as we'd all like to think our children are perfect, we know there are no perfect children. No matter how they try, neither are parents. Everyone has a bad day. Most caregivers can understand this, and even overlook an occasional problem day. After all, caregivers may have bad days, too.
There has to be a certain amount of flexibility and understanding on all parts. Tolerance of bad days is something each individual must decide upon.
One way of preventing problems from occurring is to keep an open line of communication, and be objective about what is discussed. You are all part of a team. Each should have the best interest of the child at heart.
Parents often say they know their child better than anyone else. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Sometimes the caregiver sees a side of the child the parent doesn't know, or want to see.
One of the biggest problems I've encountered as a caregiver is mealtime. Have an understanding regarding the child's likes and dislikes.
Though it is not always the case, children of working parents are taken out to eat more often. They also eat more convenience foods. Like anyone, they grow used to their regular diets. Often a child suddenly insists they do not like the meal the caregiver provides. When they also dislike what the parent may have provided, there is a problem. -- Quite often that problem is the child.
As children get older they may seem to need less care, but often that is just when they need it most. They are beginning to test their boundaries and just how far they can go. A good understanding of rules is a must between the parents and the caregiver.
I will cover more on the topic of child care in part two of this article.

Some books on raising kids and day care: