Just wondering if during first interview, you hold their baby? I usually don't cuz too busy explaining daycare, but I don't want to appear cold either. I do hold babie's little hand, and talk to them but don't want to be in their face too much. You?
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Just wondering if during first interview, you hold their baby? I usually don't cuz too busy explaining daycare, but I don't want to appear cold either. I do hold babie's little hand, and talk to them but don't want to be in their face too much. You?
ABSOLUTELY...I DO HOLD I usually ask the parents...."Do you think he/she will play strange if I hold them"...and when I do...I ALWAYS...MAKE SURE THEY SEE MOMMY AND DADDY....IE, I HAVE THEM FACING THE PARENTS...USUALLY WORKS OUT WELL...
I never do. I will talk to the child and maybe touch their hand, but that is usually it. They don't know me and I always give the daycare kids space while they get used to me and my daycare.
YES! One of my very first interviews way back when, family came in with their 11 month old daughter. I was sitting on the floor playing with her as we chatted. After the interview they told me they had gone to 5 other interviews and not once did the provider engage, play with, or hold their daughter. They told me that was a HUGE deciding factor and they signed immediately!
It depends...some have come in baby carseats and if the parent doesn't take them out than I don't ask. If they are out or older I interact with them on their level and some just naturally climb into my lap. I like to meet during the day so I don't want them held too much because I want to see how they interact with my current group. In the Fall I had a little girl come with her parents who sat with me throughout the whole interview!! Her parents loved it and said it made them feel good that she took an instant liking to me. unfortunately I didn't end up choosing them and that was a hard one to say no too because they were great!
Last summer my husband did a little yard work for others and I'd go with him to deal with the customers. During a conversation with one couple, it came out that I have a hdc. They had a fairly new baby and she asked for more info and than asked if I wanted to hold her baby and pretty much threw her in my arms lol. It was fine but also a bit strange I thought....I don't think I'd want strangers holding my new baby lol
I've had parents say this too....I think not holding on first meeting is likely pretty common. Some parents obviously are looking for this though!!Quote:
Originally Posted by 3rdtimesacharm
That's the thing, I want to see how they behave in the space and, really, I am not going to be carrying them around when they come to the daycare. I don't think I need to hold/carry around a child to show the parents that I will provide them with a safe and caring environment. I acknowledge the child, smile, ask them questions if they are old enough.Quote:
Originally Posted by 5 Little Monkeys
I don't think there's anything wrong with that Amanda! I don't hold older children during the meeting but certainly cuddle with them lots once they start coming here. I'm definitely not as "cuddly" during the first meeting either! I go with how the child is feeling :)
However, I've heard from some parents that other providers didn't even acknowledge their child...that's not a good sign IMO
I don't hold them either. I talk with them and smile etc but no I don't hold them
I don't typically hold a child on first meeting but I have had some sit on my lap too. It really depends. I definitely interact though, and I feel like no interaction at all would be weird!
I guess I prefer to let the child come to me if they feel inclined vs risking them totally freaking out if I hold them!
I don't usually hold the child during the first interview because it isn't fair to the child as I am a complete stranger in a strange place and it is usually evening so just before bedtime when they are not at their most alert and as a provider I need to respect that. If the child comes near me - assuming mom even puts the child down on the floor I will engage, touch, put my arm around and then towards the end of the interview say so will you let me pick you up - then if child plays strange well it has been a long night for them and everyone is ok with it not going well. If mom doesn't even put the child down then I usually also keep my distance unless mom offers something more. Truthfully the first interview is about business not integration. Yes I need to get to know the child but it is more important that I get to know the parents and their needs at this point.
Yes I do, especially if they are really wee (I like to get my fix lol) however if they are not receptive, I don't push it. I do always spend time engaging with the child (baby)
I do what feel natural. I not make point of picking up for show! I not ignore baby either. If baby come to me or near me, I interact like I normal would.
I don't carry them around normally, so I don't during interview. I do play with them if they come to me, smile at them often, etc. We're usually all sitting on the floor in the play room, so the child would rather be exploring than cuddling with a stranger.
It all depends on the parents. If they have the baby out of the carrier, on the floor, if they hand her/him to me, then yes, of course. I won't usually ask outright. But as for not even interacting, how could you not? Who doesn't want to play with babies?