| If your child is in daycare, it's likely that you'll eventually | | | | possible, choose a time whenyou and your provider |
| disagree with somethingyour childcare provider does | | | | can talk without distractions. Don't talk in the doorway |
| or says. Recognizing when to say something, and | | | | withyour child tugging at your leg or when your |
| howto approach the subject with your provider, will | | | | provider is trying to manage 6 toddlers. |
| help maintain a positive relationshipbetween you and | | | | Allowing you both to focus on the conversation will |
| your childcare provider and a healthy environment for | | | | help you hear what each other issaying and really |
| your child. | | | | understand each other. |
| The best way to resolve a conflict is to never let it | | | | Explain your concern in simple terms, but do not |
| happen in the first place. Makesure you communicate | | | | accuse or blame your provider. |
| with your childcare provider, letting them know | | | | Use statements like, "I have a concern about how |
| yourexpectations about the care you want your child | | | | much television Mike is watching",instead of, "You are |
| to receive. If there are things thatyou absolutely want | | | | letting Mike watch too much television". Both |
| a certain way, like your child not watching any | | | | statements givethe same message, but the delivery |
| television oreating sweets, make sure you discuss | | | | style of the first one is less accusing and willhelp foster |
| them in the initial interview. It's alsoimportant to | | | | a better discussion. You are both invested in the care |
| understand that parents and providers can have | | | | of your child, andbeing able to discuss any issues |
| different viewsregarding appropriate ways to raise a | | | | rationally and openly will help your child receivequality |
| child. Understanding that your provider maynot do | | | | care. Discuss the behavior that concerned you, why it |
| things exactly as you would, but that your child is still | | | | concerned you, andwhat you would like done to |
| receiving quality care,is vital in preventing conflict. | | | | correct the situation. Listen carefully to your providerso |
| Despite the best communication, you still may disagree | | | | she can explain her thoughts on the situation. There |
| with something yourchildcare provider does while | | | | may be safety or logisticsreasons why your provider |
| caring for your child. Try to say something as soon | | | | is doing something a certain way. |
| asyou notice an issue. The longer you let an issue go, | | | | Once you have discussed the issue, restate the |
| the more chance there is for itto grow into something | | | | solution that you both agreed on. |
| bigger. Also, the sooner you address the issue, the | | | | That way, you can make sure you both understand |
| sooneryou can resolve it and clear the air in your | | | | what the next steps are and howthe issue is going to |
| relationship. Not addressing the problemright away | | | | be resolved. A question like, "Do you feel comfortable |
| could create enough stress with your provider that you | | | | with thesolution we decided on", is a good way to |
| are not able torepair the relationship and may need to | | | | make sure you both are on the samepage, and gives |
| find a new provider. | | | | your provider the chance to say if something is still |
| Ask your provider for a time to discuss the issue. If | | | | bothering her. |