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Daycare Center and Family Home Forum>Interview - How Do You Approach Poor Sleep Habits?
HL0605 08:15 AM 02-13-2019
I had an interview last night where the mom asked how I would handle the fact that her 11 month old daughter only naps in a stroller. I was dumbfounded and just kind of explained how I couldn't do that here, and that she would need to nap in a pack n play at my house. The mom was convinced that she wouldn't do that, and asked if I could hold her at nap. I explained that I would help comfort her child as much as possible, but that no, I couldn't hold her child for two hours while she slept as I have 5 other children to care for, and nap time is my time to catch up on things and have a break.
She is interested in starting soon, but I feel I need to better clarify with mom that I will need her child to nap in a pack n play while here, and that she may do a lot of crying while she learns to do this as she has never developed this skill at home or with the current nanny. How frank would you be in your explanation?
She is interested in starting soon, but I feel I need to better clarify with mom that I will need her child to nap in a pack n play while here, and that she may do a lot of crying while she learns to do this as she has never developed this skill at home or with the current nanny. How frank would you be in your explanation?
Tin Blues 09:19 AM 02-13-2019
Honestly, that’s a huge red flag. The older I get the less patience I have for listening to crying. I’m looking for parents that set their kids up for success at daycare. It’s possible she could make the adjustment but it is also possible that it will be highly stressful.
Are you prepared to call for pickup after a certain amount of crying? Do you have a trial period and are willing to terminate if necessary?
Are you prepared to call for pickup after a certain amount of crying? Do you have a trial period and are willing to terminate if necessary?
HL0605 09:31 AM 02-13-2019
I agree. I've done this for ten years, and have had a lucky run in the past few years to either have kids with parents who prioritize good sleep habits, or little ones who start at 3-4 months and I can make sure they learn good nap habits. The idea of an eleven month old who is only rocked or strolled to sleep seems like a recipe for trouble. This will be made worse by the fact that I only have one day a week available now, and won't have more days for her until summer.
I do have a trial period of two weeks. I have never called after a certain amount of crying for pick up, though. Have you done this in the past? How long is reasonable?
This person is a friend of a current client and while I wasn't looking to fill any spot just yet, they have been very interested and eager to start attending. The only concern I have is the sleeping, but it's kind of a big concern and I want to make sure I do a good job explaining the importance of nap time peace, but in a graceful way. A policy that is clear is probably the best way to do that.
I do have a trial period of two weeks. I have never called after a certain amount of crying for pick up, though. Have you done this in the past? How long is reasonable?
This person is a friend of a current client and while I wasn't looking to fill any spot just yet, they have been very interested and eager to start attending. The only concern I have is the sleeping, but it's kind of a big concern and I want to make sure I do a good job explaining the importance of nap time peace, but in a graceful way. A policy that is clear is probably the best way to do that.
e.j. 11:22 AM 02-13-2019
Originally Posted by HL0605:
I agree. I've done this for ten years, and have had a lucky run in the past few years to either have kids with parents who prioritize good sleep habits, or little ones who start at 3-4 months and I can make sure they learn good nap habits. The idea of an eleven month old who is only rocked or strolled to sleep seems like a recipe for trouble. This will be made worse by the fact that I only have one day a week available now, and won't have more days for her until summer.
I do have a trial period of two weeks. I have never called after a certain amount of crying for pick up, though. Have you done this in the past? How long is reasonable?
This person is a friend of a current client and while I wasn't looking to fill any spot just yet, they have been very interested and eager to start attending. The only concern I have is the sleeping, but it's kind of a big concern and I want to make sure I do a good job explaining the importance of nap time peace, but in a graceful way. A policy that is clear is probably the best way to do that.
Personally, I wouldn't take her on. Being at your house for only one day a week won't allow her to get used to sleeping in a crib. You can bet, she'll still be sleeping in a stroller at home for the rest of the week because it's easier for mom. If you value nap time as a chance to catch up on things and take a break, know that chances are good you aren't going to get that with this child.I agree. I've done this for ten years, and have had a lucky run in the past few years to either have kids with parents who prioritize good sleep habits, or little ones who start at 3-4 months and I can make sure they learn good nap habits. The idea of an eleven month old who is only rocked or strolled to sleep seems like a recipe for trouble. This will be made worse by the fact that I only have one day a week available now, and won't have more days for her until summer.
I do have a trial period of two weeks. I have never called after a certain amount of crying for pick up, though. Have you done this in the past? How long is reasonable?
This person is a friend of a current client and while I wasn't looking to fill any spot just yet, they have been very interested and eager to start attending. The only concern I have is the sleeping, but it's kind of a big concern and I want to make sure I do a good job explaining the importance of nap time peace, but in a graceful way. A policy that is clear is probably the best way to do that.
If you decide to take her on, I'd be very frank with the mother and I would let her know she will have to pick her child up any time she is too disruptive during nap time. I'd be sure to call her every time until the problem is resolved.
DaveA 11:46 AM 02-13-2019
Nope. I'd pass on most infants for 1 day a week. So hard for them to adjust. Combine that with the sleep issue and I don't see it ending well.
Jupadia 11:53 AM 02-13-2019
Most kids I get are about 12 months (with mat leave being a year) so many kids come in with bad sleep habits them and their parents have created. It takes daulyvworkbfor weeks to get most to sleep better. But it also takes 5 days per week. I would say no, with only one day a week wait till summer. Let her know you may have room then, but only if she starts a better sleep routine now. At 1 day per week, you would be battling a uphill battle with a giant wall on the on top and jo way over.
Blackcat31 06:37 AM 02-14-2019
Originally Posted by HL0605:
This will be made worse by the fact that I only have one day a week available now, and won't have more days for her until summer.
I would do one of two things....This will be made worse by the fact that I only have one day a week available now, and won't have more days for her until summer.
Either take baby now one day per week before OR after nap time (no attendance during nap)
or
Let mom know you'll have space available toward summer and if she wants to enroll, she can take advantage of the time between now and summer to sleep train her child.
That way when baby comes for a more full tie schedule, she'll be prepared to nap like required.
If not, that's what the trial period is for.
I don't enroll anyone for only one day a week.
That would be drop in care and I don't offer drop in care to infants.
Kimskiddos 08:52 AM 02-14-2019
It would be a pass for me. I have gone to infant only and at the first contact I always ask about feeding and sleep habits. If they don't align with my philosophy then I don't even bother with an interview. There is plenty of need for infant care, so I can be picky.
Snowmom 09:31 AM 02-13-2019
Oh gosh. This mom is lucky her child hasn't died of positional asphyxia.
If it were me, I would tell her that as a licensed provider, I am required to follow safe sleep practices. I would forward her information explaining safe sleep practices too!
Then if I still wanted to take the chance on enrolling this child, I would require mom to sleep baby on her back at home for a minimum of two weeks before enrollment to help baby adapt into normal routine.
***Another reason I don't enroll infants anymore!***
If it were me, I would tell her that as a licensed provider, I am required to follow safe sleep practices. I would forward her information explaining safe sleep practices too!
Then if I still wanted to take the chance on enrolling this child, I would require mom to sleep baby on her back at home for a minimum of two weeks before enrollment to help baby adapt into normal routine.
***Another reason I don't enroll infants anymore!***
LittleExplorers 09:32 AM 02-13-2019
Be honest. Your child will need to learn to sleep in a pack and play. The best way to help little one do so is to put her in a crib or pack and play at home. In the meantime, your child will cry.
Honestly, that would be a reason to say they are not a good fit. There has been 11 months of poor sleep habits in place. No thanks.
Honestly, that would be a reason to say they are not a good fit. There has been 11 months of poor sleep habits in place. No thanks.
Baby Beluga 09:46 AM 02-13-2019
I think I would pass on this family. 11 months of poor sleep habits is going to take a very long time to undo and that is not something I would want to participate in.
I have one here now who will only sleep about an hour during nap. Thankfully she is fine and not disruptive the remainder of rest period. But mom makes comments on how short DCK sleeps here but how long DCK will sleep at home....if mom is sleeping next to her. I finally told mom since DCK is used to sleeping next to a warm body at home that may be contributing to her lack of sleep here.
I have one here now who will only sleep about an hour during nap. Thankfully she is fine and not disruptive the remainder of rest period. But mom makes comments on how short DCK sleeps here but how long DCK will sleep at home....if mom is sleeping next to her. I finally told mom since DCK is used to sleeping next to a warm body at home that may be contributing to her lack of sleep here.
Cat Herder 11:06 AM 02-13-2019
I'd pass.
Mom is telling you what kind of parent she is. Permissive parenting breeds learned helplessness and ongoing drama in group care. They do better as SAHM's.
No thanks.
I can work well with the other 3 types. I work to guide them all to authoritative before the kid makes it to school, admittedly, as that is my overall goal for the families I enroll.
Mom is telling you what kind of parent she is. Permissive parenting breeds learned helplessness and ongoing drama in group care. They do better as SAHM's.
No thanks.
I can work well with the other 3 types. I work to guide them all to authoritative before the kid makes it to school, admittedly, as that is my overall goal for the families I enroll.
Mom2Two 11:07 AM 02-13-2019
Yeah, parents should really be preparing their child for daycare.
I would be frank with her, but if you are interested in giving the family a trial period, I wouldn't rave on about the crying that you know is going to happen.
What about trying a Rock n Play with a sleep sack? Also warmth is very soothing for babies. If the child is wrapped snuggly and is warm enough things might go well. If not...well be upfront about it being a trial period.
Maybe she should stick with nannies though.
I would be frank with her, but if you are interested in giving the family a trial period, I wouldn't rave on about the crying that you know is going to happen.
What about trying a Rock n Play with a sleep sack? Also warmth is very soothing for babies. If the child is wrapped snuggly and is warm enough things might go well. If not...well be upfront about it being a trial period.
Maybe she should stick with nannies though.
jenboo 11:12 AM 02-13-2019
Hard pass.
Cat Herder 11:14 AM 02-13-2019
Originally Posted by Mom2Two:
What about trying a Rock n Play with a sleep sack? Also warmth is very soothing for babies. If the child is wrapped snuggly and is warm enough things might go well.
Please don't do any of that. What about trying a Rock n Play with a sleep sack? Also warmth is very soothing for babies. If the child is wrapped snuggly and is warm enough things might go well.
https://firstcandle.org/
https://firstcandle.org/creating-inf...p-environment/