Does Your Child Get Special Treatment?

[MommyMuffin]

I wanted to know if other providers give their own children special treatment?

Because of having to share me, and her toys I do lots of special things for my daughter.

I sometimes give her a special treat when nobody is looking. She sleeps in her bed and can get up from nap time whenever she wants and we cuddle up.

I put the dc kids down for nap first and then read her some of her fav. stories. During free play I will color with just her and I also have 5 minute teachings with her.

I dont ignore the other children but I want special time with her and sometimes I want her undivided attention when I am trying to teach her a skill (for example: today I took a few short and long straws and taught her the difference between tall and short...this took 2 minutes).

I do MGT with all the children, so I dont feel bad having a 2 - 5 min. teaching with just us.

I know she has had a hard time sharing me and "wanting her own mommy back" so :
What are some things you do so your children know that they are special?

[nannyde]

I just raise him the way I want to. I don't include him in the business. He knows he has to take a back seat when I'm working and does pretty well. He's old enough now to get that if he blows up my gig it will change his life.

Do what YOU want to do with your kid. Don't feel guilty about it. It doesn't have anything to do with your business.

[cheerfuldom]

Thats not special treatment, thats you being a mom. Your daycare kids have their own parents and their own special things at home so don't feel bad at all. I do lots of stuff with my oldest when the others are sleeping. She comes and goes quite a bit more than any of the other kids but 1) I know she can handle that without getting into trouble and 2) this IS her house too. There is no way I am going to treat my own child like a daycare child. The DC kids are not mistreated in any way but I am not going to feel bad if me and my older make Rice Krispie treats when the others are napping. She shouldn't have to feel like she is in daycare all day, thats the whole reason I stayed home in the first place.

[PitterPatter]

I spend as much time I can with my son as I am all he has, no siblings no Father. I do allow special treatment during daycare also. If it's something that may not be fair (special treat) I allow him to go to his room out of sight. I try to squeeze in as much time I can with my Son during daycare hours but it's hard. Like when he gets home from school he still sits on my lap sometimes to talk about his day. (he's 9) The other kids end up climbing on my lap as well and we all giggle and tickle etc. If he has a problem I do make special alone time during daycare hours to discuss it. The kids have no problem entertaining themselves with playdoh or bristle blocks for a few minutes.

I say follow your heart/instincts. If u want your child to have special treatment then do so. I know it's a business but it's still their home so I think it's fine. Don't second guess yourself on that IMHO. Extra cuddles, extra treats, extra privleges, it's all good. As long as they don't get a big ole banana split in front of the other kids I think it's fine.

[Christian Mother]

I asked my children if they like having me home or would they rather have me working...they both said they love having me home. Sometime the kids do take a back seat to my business. But they haven't complained one bit. Sometimes there are small signs that they need me right there and then and I make that decision to put off what I was doing to spend separate attention with just them. The wonderful thing about home daycare is that you have the ability to put things off or do things later or change things up a bit. If everyone is safe there is no harm in taking a few min. to love on your own kids. My little daycare love to see me hold, hug, kiss, and pick up my children. It's natural to them and they all come in for one of those as well. I have been really blessed that my children have always asked before they get something out or if they can play a game. It helps me evaluate if that would be a good time to do that just that thing. Sometimes its not and I give them the exact time they can. I don't get much fussing. I am pretty stricked though with my daycare and family. There is a no fussing rule in my house and I teach that when there young. I like when they are able to use words to use them. They get praise on top of praise for doing that and it helps with any fights. I think I am getting off subject...!! Don't feel bad...this is your home and your rules and i am sure its not hurting anyone so do what you feel is right.