Updating contract .... Would like input

[Crayola kiddies]

Hi ladies

I am updating my policy book and I would like to add a section on independence. I am finding parents are buying outdoor wear that is difficult for children to put on themselves. Winter snowsuits especially ....yes I know it's august and 35 degrees out but the snowshoes are in the stores. So I will quote what I have written and maybe some of you that have a better way with words then I do can tweak it for me.....

Thanks

Independence

It is important for children's self esteem to learn how to do things for themselves. When choosing outdoor wear , shoes, boots ect. Please try to keep this in mind and if possible take your child with you when purchasing these items so they may try them on. Please give your child lots of time and encouragement when dressing themselves to go outside everyday.



Thoughts???

[Inspired by Reggio]

Sounds clear and reasonable.

I hear ya about the frustration of some children's wear being more about fashion than comfort and practicality .... I have similar conversations with parents during the interview / orientation process!

[Crayola kiddies]

I hear you Reggio .... I want my kids to look cute and fashionable too but they have to be able to do it themselves. My daughter was given a rain coat that is just gorgeous .... It looks like a double breasted jacket with really big buttons but she has a hard time with the buttons so she has never worn it as it is not practical. Some of these winter coats have the storm cuff inside and they are so tight the kids can't get their arm out. I have another parent that spend so much money on their kids first snowsuit they were planning to stuff him into it again this year .... He's 2.5 and the snowsuit is 12 months size..... The pants were up to his knees last year .... Hopefully I swayed her into getting him a new one .... Sigh !!!

[Momof4]

I sent out a letter last fall reminding parents that when they purchased winter equipment it is important to remember to buy clothing that will withstand snow and mud so darker colours are recommended. I asked them to make sure they purchased boots that stay on their child's feet and do not come off in deep snowbanks so tight velcro fasteners are recommended. And I asked them to purchase mittens with tight velcro fasteners as well because frostbitten fingers due to mitts falling off is not very nice for the children and it is difficult for me to keep my eyes on all 5 children when I'm constantly having to replace mittens and boots that fall off in the snow.

When I write a letter like this I'm using my firm voice in the letter! I'm going to send it out every September 1st because I don't have it in my policies. I think of it more as a reminder to parents.

[mimi]

Sounds clear and consise but will they do it. So many times I have advised on the proper outer wear and especially mittens and the explaination I'm given when they show up with the wrong ones is the correct ones didn't match the snow suit!!!!!!!!!!! Of course these are the same parents who bring their children in rainboots when the humidex is 40 C I had better stop, before I start to rant! LOL

[sunnydays]

Yes, it sounds clear...I think I may add somethign like this to mine as well! Also, perhaps a note on choosing WARM clothing for winter...some of the snowsuits I see are cute and look warm (they are puffy), but they are not warm at all as they are completely polyester filled. I actually have a hard time finding warm snowsuits for kids and I think it is important especailly for the younger ones who can't move around much in the snow and get so cold! Down filling is great! I think a lot of parents never take their little ones out in the snow so they just have no clue about this stuff!

[sunnydays]

By the way, this snow talk is making me cool down a little bit in this heat wave we are having...thank you