Working in a Nursery - What would you have said to help parents when they settle their child with you

[RuthT]

Similar to the other thread but a bit different. You will have seen lots of people settling their child and must have formed opinions about :-

The Common Pitfalls
What to expect
Some things that parents did that helped you settle thier child
What you really don't need to know

and the killer question

If you have/had a child what type of childcare would you chose and why?

I have worked with children for 10 years and the advice often varies but the general things I say often are

not just once a week. I prefer 2 half days than one whole day.
They often cry when you are leaving so don't hang it out say goodbye and go. Anything else gives the child hope you might stay. My DS does it to me and I know as soon as I am out of sight I am also out of mind.
It takes time theres a lot to get used to and a lot to understand.

Both my children have gone to sessional care because time away from Mum is good for both me and them. This might be different for different families. I wouln't choose full time care because I'm miss them too much and don't want to miss their growing up BUT I do want to continue what I love doing and what I am very good at doing. Unfortunately working in childcare and having children is generally incombatable and takes a lot of work and searching to find suitable work.