The holidays come with extra-long to-do lists and enough stress to cause anyone to come undone. If you have kids in child care, you have a few extra things to remember. Here, you'll find a few tips to help to prevent you from losing your mind as you get through this crazy time of year.
Know the Holiday Hours
Your child's care center may not be open the same hours that they are typically open. Make sure that you get a full calendar of December's hours of operation. Some care centers offer extended care hours during the holidays, while others will reduce the days that they are opened so that their employees can spend time with their own families.
If you know ahead of time when you'll be able to utilize the services at the day care center, you'll be able to plan out your schedule for the entire month a little better. Who knows, you may be able to take advantage of later hours and get some Christmas shopping done or those presents wrapped.
Special Programs and Performances
Some child care centers have the kids participate in holiday sing-a-longs or plays. Check with the care center before December rolls around to find out if there will be any programs or performances that your child will be taking part in.
Parties and Gifts
Will the care center be hosting any holiday parties for the kids and will the kids be passing gifts out to one another? If you're expected to buy a gift, make sure that there isn't a price limit that you need to stick to. Also, make sure that the gift is something suitable for the age-range – if you wouldn't want someone to gift it to your kid, don't gift it to theirs.
Teachers and the other care givers should be given a small gift just to show them your appreciation. This can be something very small – like a card that you've made with the help of your kid – it doesn't have to be anything extravagant – a sentiment of thanks is all that's needed.
The best way to navigate through the holidays with as little stress as possible is to plan out the entire month. If you don't keep a scheduling calendar throughout the year, December is the one month that you shouldn't skip it. Hopefully, the tips above will help you get through this wonderfully hectic time of year with ease.
Share28 November 2018
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