You landed the most significant job of your life! It demands long hours, there is no down time or vacation, hardly any recognition, no pay, but you are glad to do it anyway – it is called being a mom or dad. Sleep and personal space are out the window. Self-esteem is replaced by humility and patience. However, what you are doing is the most important job you will ever have – raising the next generation. From conception on, you set out to affect someone’s life by the choices you make - from food you eat to the environment you provide.
Stay-at-home or going back to work, moms are faced with a very challenging decision. Everyone’s situation is different and some parents certainly do not have a choice about staying at home. However, try to be creative when organizing your lifestyle. Maybe there are purchases that can be postponed for several years if it allows more time spent with your child. On the other hand, parents need sanity breaks and working away from home or attending parent/child programs provide a needed connection with other grown-ups.
It is a complicated decision that we face and have to make our own choices. Be happy with what you choose. Your child needs a consistent, safe and joyful environment.
Looking for a quality childcare
What is quality childcare?
Quality childcare should support a child’s emotional, social, intellectual and physical well-being.
What to look for:
Quality care involves a variety of factors that affect children, parents, staff, and caregivers. Adult-child ratio, group size, caregiver training and education, the curriculum, physical environment, interactions, parent involvement and relationships are among the aspects, which need to be recognized as part of the childcare environment.
The following elements are important for quality childcare:
- a caregiver who is warm, sensitive and responsive;
- a safe, healthy environment;
- activities that stimulate the child’s development;
- good communication between the parent and the provider;
- a child-rearing philosophy that matches the parent’s philosophy, especially where discipline is concerned.
Research shows that the most important ingredient of high-quality early education and care is the relationship between the teacher and the child.
Skeena Child Care Resource and Referral:
The Family Place, 638-1113 open Wed-Fri 10 am to 4 pm.
Pre-registration or drop-in programs
Terrace Public Library: 638-8177
Offers a number of amazing programs for parents and their children several times a year. In the fall, look for Tickles and Tales (birth to 12 months), Toddler Time (13 – 24 months), Tales for Twos (2 years), Preschool Story Time (3 - 5 years). All programs are free but you will need to register after new schedule is announced. During the summer, watch for summer reading club open to kids 3 years and up.
Kermode Friendship Centre: 635-4906
Don‘t miss their drop-in programs such as Friday 12 – 2 pm for children 0-6 and their parent/grandparent – lunch is offered as well as many activities for both adults and children, and Tuesdays Parent Group from 6:30 – 8:30 pm. Child minding is available. This group is open for all parents, grand, adoptive, or foster. There is no fee for these programs.
Skeena Family Resources: 635-7087
Parent Connections for parents and their children, Mondays and Wednesdays 10 am to 12 pm. Transportation is available. There is no charge.
Northern Health: 638-2200
Health Unit drop-in Wednesdays 1-2 pm - public health nurse will weigh your baby; you can get information on feeding and infant care.
Breastfeeding support group: Cathy 635-7397
First Tuesday of every month held at the Education Room at the Mills Memorial Hospital at 7:30 pm.
City of Terrace: Parks and Recreation: 615-3000
They offer several programs throughout the year from sports to culture to skill building. Check out their Leisure Guide or call for more info. There is usually a small fee for all their programs.
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