How to Help Raise Children

Helping raise a child can be rewarding for all involved parties.

More and more, the responsibility of raising children is spread out among family, friends and other community members. Raising children includes babysitting activities, such as feeding and changing, but also requires a deeper relationship of flexibility and compassion. Children benefit by learning from different people, parents have another trusted adult to help them, and adults receive love and wonderful memories from children. When helping raise children, follow a few guidelines to ensure a strong relationship with the children and their parents or guardians.

Instructions

How to Help Raise Children

1. Ask the parents for a list of dietary guidelines. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) stresses knowing about "allergies or specific needs." If parents bring specially prepared meals, do not offer different meals. If not, prepare meals that align with parents' suggestions. Also ask for written behavioral guidelines. If parents use "time-out" or other behavior modifications, use the same format.

2. Ask parents to write out the children's schedules and follow them to maintain continuity in the children's routine. With younger children, honor nap times and bedtimes. The AAP especially stresses the importance of sleeping schedules: "An important part of a child's healthy sleep is a steady bedtime routine." With older children, maintain homework rituals. Some children only watch certain television shows or a specific amount of television. Ask parents for an appropriate television schedule.

3. Communicate with parents, either in writing or phone, about any problems or questions either of you might have. Keep a simple list of what children did while they were with you. Create a log that you and the parents can send back and forth each day. Report things like diaper and bathroom use; meals and snacks; frustrating or happy events; sleeping times; and medicine given. Before parents and children arrive, add safety and protection gear to electrical plugs, blind cords, cabinets and stairways. Walk through your home with parents, suggests the AAP.

4. Encourage children to practice good hygiene. According to the AAP, this includes making sure children understand the "importance of hand washing after using the toilet and before and after eating." Lead by example.

5. Show compassion and love toward the children you help raise. The AAP reminds caregivers, "tender loving care usually quiets an unhappy child." Take time to listen to their problems and dreams. Read with them, walk to the park and create crafts together.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask parents for emergency and backup safety phone numbers.

• If you are uncomfortable with the parents' suggested medicine dosage, ask for a note from the pediatrician.

• Consult your local child safety agency if you suspect child abuse.

References

• American Academy of Pediatrics: Preventing the Spread of Illness In Child Care or School
• American Academy of Pediatrics: A Lullaby for Good Health
• American Academy of Pediatrics: Safety and Prevention