Isolation solutions?

[Momof4]

Can you suggest they play with their friends and tell them you are busy at the moment? I find it depends on the ages of the children and their personalities. Some children love to play alone and some love to play with others and then there are the ones who constantly want adult attention. They are a special challenge.

If you constantly hear 'look at this' or 'look at me' ask them to show a friend or talk to a friend while you are busy. Sometimes there are the children who 'tattle' and 'narrate' the entire day. I've had that child in care and she was a really really special challenge, but over time she learned that she was here to play with the other children. Patience and consistency are important on your part to teach the children anything. You can do it!

I make sure there are a good variety of toys available for play and I make sure they are always safe and in my line of vision but I don't entertain them every minute of the day. I actually ask the parents to help their children learn at home that it's ok to play by themselves and that the parents don't have to be at their beck and call nonstop.

I think the parents appreciate having someone else validate their guilt that they can't spend every minute of the evening with their children and it's ok to spend a little time getting dinner ready without being nagged if they set their child up with something to interest them. But I tend to have great, overprotective parents in care. If I felt I had a parent who was neglecting their child and the child needed more attention instead of less I wouldn't give out that advice.

If they are running around then play ring around the rosie and dance with music and shaker toys, stomp like elephants, be small like ants, slide like snakes, hop like frogs, and so on. WEAR THEM OUT!

You have to know the personalities of all involved before you give out any advice in our business. These are just a few of the things I've learned over the years. Hope I helped you out just a little bit.

[Zoeysdaycare]

It has very much! I have only been doing this for a year and half and I find it challenging. To keep their interests with toys i have and to have them play by them selves. Indoor days are the worst. Thank you again for all your advice I really appreciate it.