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How to choose a daycare centre for your child

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In 2018, a report emerged of rogue daycare centres in Naivasha that were drugging children so that they could sleep. The report sent chills down the spines of parents in Naivasha most of whom work in the flower farms and have to rely on daycare centres to watch their children while they are at work. The news was a wake-up call to parents all over the country on the need to conduct due diligence before taking children to daycare centres. How do you identify a good daycare centre for your child?

Do your research

Reviews and referrals are the best way to identify a great daycare for your child. Interact with fellow mothers and get their opinions on the daycare of their choice, or ask them where they take their children.

If you are a first-time mom with no moms in your network, ask the moms you meet at the doctor’s office, or you can ask your doctor for referrals. Every opportunity you get is a learning opportunity, and moms never stop networking.

Visit the daycare

Even after you get referrals from fellow moms, make a point of visiting the daycare centre. Sometimes, moms who refer you may have gotten a referral from someone else and may not know a lot about the chosen centre.

Moreover, they may have used the services of the daycare a long time ago and things may have changed. Therefore, visit the centre and observe the environment. Is it clean enough for children? How do the caregivers interact with children?

Sometimes, the environment at the daycare may seem perfect for your child but you still don’t like it. Trust your gut. You would better be safe than sorry.

source: Jess serr on Pinterest

Check for licensing

The first red flag of an unsuitable institution is a lack of registration. Lack of a license means that the institution may not meet the required standards and may not have trained caregivers.

If the centre cannot provide proof of accreditation, that is not the environment where you want your child.

Talk to the caregivers before a visit

Sometimes you just need to make a call to a daycare centre to find out all you need. For instance, if you call a daycare centre and the staff is rude, do not consider the centre. If you call and the person on the other end cannot satisfactorily answer your questions, do not consider the institution.

A good daycare should have a polite staff that can be able to address the concerns of parents.

ALSO READ: Protect your Child’s Mind from Video Games and TV

Observe your child in the centre

Sometimes you may find a daycare centre that you think suits the needs of your child. However, it is important to study your child’s behaviour in the first few days. You can even drop by unannounced and observe your child at the centre. Do they appear withdrawn and agitated? Are they playing with other kids? Do they look happy?

If you notice that your child would rather stay alone or they are sad even when they come home, then it may be time to change the institution.

Bonus Tip

Other things you need to consider include the ratio of teachers/caregivers to the children. If a centre is understaffed, it would be best not to take their child there as they may be neglected. Also, the staff may be overwhelmed and they may end up mistreating the children.

If your child has special needs, ensure that the centre you are eyeing has the necessary provisions to accommodate your child, and that the staff is trained to care for children with special needs.

In conclusion…

Daycare centres make it easy for parents to work without worrying about the safety of their children. Therefore, if you cannot afford a live-in nanny, or one that can stay with your kids during the day, a daycare may be your best bet for children who are not yet of school-going age. However, ensure that the daycare you chose is safe for your child.

Featured Image: Unsplash

The exciting June issue of Parents magazine is here!
In this exciting issue, we catch up with TV and radio host Anthony Ndiema and his wife Nenoh Ndiema as they get up close and candid on their marriage and their parenting journey. The two open up on their bumpy start to finally finding stability in a way that you don’t want to miss! Elsewhere, we go …

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Cover Story

The joy of controlled freedom in parenting

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Parenting often revolves around setting boundaries and ensuring children follow rules. While discipline is essential, there is a hidden joy and power in saying “yes” to your child more often. Allowing controlled freedom can be a game-changer in fostering independence, confidence, and resilience in your child.

The Power of Yes

Saying “yes” doesn’t mean giving in to every whim or desire. Instead, it’s about choosing moments where your child can explore their world with freedom.

Whether it’s allowing them to choose their outfit for the day or letting them plan a family outing, these small moments of empowerment build self-esteem.

Building Confidence Through Freedom

Children thrive when they feel trusted. By saying “yes” to reasonable requests, you’re telling your child that you believe in their ability to make decisions.

This trust translates into confidence as they learn to navigate their choices, understanding the consequences and rewards that come with them.

Creating Safe Boundaries

While saying “yes” is powerful, it’s crucial to establish safe boundaries. These boundaries ensure that your child’s freedom doesn’t lead to harm.

For example, you might say, “Yes, you can play outside, but stay where I can see you.” This approach allows freedom within a safe framework, giving your child the space to grow while keeping them protected.

Encouraging Problem-Solving Skills

When you allow your child to make decisions, you’re also teaching them to solve problems. They learn to think critically about their choices, weighing options, and considering outcomes. This skill is invaluable, as it prepares them for real-world challenges.

The Lasting Impact

The simple act of saying “yes” more often can have a profound impact on your child’s development. It’s a way to show trust, build confidence, and encourage independence.

So next time your child asks for something, consider the power of “yes.” It might just be the best answer you give all day.

For more, click HERE to join our WhatsApp channel!

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Cover Story

The joy of controlled freedom in parenting

Published

on

Parenting often revolves around setting boundaries and ensuring children follow rules. While discipline is essential, there is a hidden joy and power in saying “yes” to your child more often. Allowing controlled freedom can be a game-changer in fostering independence, confidence, and resilience in your child.

The Power of Yes

Saying “yes” doesn’t mean giving in to every whim or desire. Instead, it’s about choosing moments where your child can explore their world with freedom.

Whether it’s allowing them to choose their outfit for the day or letting them plan a family outing, these small moments of empowerment build self-esteem.

Building Confidence Through Freedom

Children thrive when they feel trusted. By saying “yes” to reasonable requests, you’re telling your child that you believe in their ability to make decisions.

This trust translates into confidence as they learn to navigate their choices, understanding the consequences and rewards that come with them.

Creating Safe Boundaries

While saying “yes” is powerful, it’s crucial to establish safe boundaries. These boundaries ensure that your child’s freedom doesn’t lead to harm.

For example, you might say, “Yes, you can play outside, but stay where I can see you.” This approach allows freedom within a safe framework, giving your child the space to grow while keeping them protected.

Encouraging Problem-Solving Skills

When you allow your child to make decisions, you’re also teaching them to solve problems. They learn to think critically about their choices, weighing options, and considering outcomes. This skill is invaluable, as it prepares them for real-world challenges.

The Lasting Impact

The simple act of saying “yes” more often can have a profound impact on your child’s development. It’s a way to show trust, build confidence, and encourage independence.

So next time your child asks for something, consider the power of “yes.” It might just be the best answer you give all day.

For more, click HERE to join our WhatsApp channel!

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Lifestyle

Too Late for What? Finding Your Own Pace in a Fast-Paced World

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In today’s fast-paced world, success is no longer just an achievement; it has become a timeline. Many young people feel an invisible pressure to have their lives “figured out” before they turn 30, a stable job, financial independence, a clear career path, and in some cases, even marriage and children. But who set this deadline, and what happens to those who don’t meet it?

For many young adults, especially in urban settings, the pressure begins early. From school systems that prioritise academic excellence to families that celebrate early milestones, success is often framed as something that must be achieved quickly. Social media adds a layer of curated lifestyles of young entrepreneurs, influencers, and professionals who live what appears to be a perfect life. The comparison is constant and, for some, overwhelming.

Reality, however, is far less linear. Not everyone follows the same path. Some individuals take time to discover their passions, switch careers, or face setbacks that delay their progress. Yet, rather than being seen as part of growth, these delays are often viewed as failures. This perception can lead to anxiety, low self-esteem, and, in some cases, burnout as young people push themselves to meet expectations.

Parents play a significant role in shaping this narrative. While many have good intentions, wanting their children to succeed and be secure, the way success is communicated can sometimes add pressure. Saying things like “you need to be settled by now” or “your age mates are already ahead” can unintentionally create a sense of inadequacy. Instead of motivation, such statements may lead to fear-driven achievement.

Also Read: Parenting Progress for a Thoughtful Generation

It is also important to question what success truly means. For some, it is financial stability. For others, it may be personal fulfilment, career growth, or the ability to live independently. By narrowing success to a fixed timeline, society risks ignoring the diversity of individual journeys. A 28-year-old still exploring career options is not necessarily behind; they may be in a different phase of discovery.

Mental health is another critical factor often overlooked in this race. The pressure to be successful before 30 can lead to constant stress and comparison, making young people feel like they are always falling short. In extreme cases, this pressure can lead to depression or a sense of hopelessness, especially when achievements don’t come as quickly as expected.

So, what can parents and society do differently?

First, there is a need to define success beyond age. Success should be measured by growth, effort, and resilience, not just milestones achieved by a certain birthday. Encouragement should focus on progress rather than comparison. A child who is still figuring things out at 27 should be supported, not judged.

Second, open conversations are key. Parents should create safe spaces where children can talk about their struggles without fear of criticism. Understanding that life is not a straight path allows for more empathy and guidance rather than pressure.

Lastly, society must embrace the idea that everyone’s journey is different. Some people bloom early, others are late bloomers, and both are valid. Success is not a race with a fixed finish line, but a journey with many different routes.

Turning 30 should not feel like a deadline for achievement, but rather a checkpoint, a moment to reflect, grow, and continue building a meaningful life, not rushed.

Also Read: Raising children to be successful adults

For more, click HERE to join our WhatsApp channel!

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