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Communicating Healthy Eating Choices with a Caregiver
By Michelle LaRowe
Every parent and caregiver has their own philosophies about a child's nutritional needs. So how can you effectively communicate your ideas of healthy eating with your child's caregiver?
If your child is in a day care, preschool or other type of formal setting: Take into consideration that they are required to follow the rules and regulations set forth by their governing agency. For example, they may be required to provide a snack in the morning that consists of a beverage and a pre-selected food choice.
If your child is engaged in this type of care, familiarize yourself with the policies of the program so that you'll be able to work within its confines. If your child's day care is required to provide a beverage and snack and you aren't thrilled with the choices, ask what they are and why.
You may find out that they serve diluted juice because the kids complain that the tap water tastes funny. That problem could be solved quite easily with a variety of possible solutions. You could offer to provide bottled water for the class, your could send a note that you prefer your child to drink the tap water, or you could supply a note stating your preference, along with your drink of choice for your child each day.
Sometimes all it takes is a parent to give written consent to a modified plan for a change to occur.
If your child is in a home daycare setting, cared for by a family member or by a nanny: In theory you should have complete say in what and when your child eats - but in these types of childcare arrangements emotions often run high. When dealing with a small home group or individual childcare provider, it's not so much what you say but how you say it that will cause your point to be heard and accepted. A winning conversation would go something like this:
"I know you love Ashley dearly and I am so thankful that you provide such great care for her. John and I have been talking and we've decided that we prefer that she eats only homemade baby food because we think its what's best. So to make sure its not tons of extra work for you, each morning we will leave you with a jar of food we've made the night before and a five minute or less recipe. Feel free to come up with some ideas of your own, play around with different foods and keep a list of what she seems to really enjoy and we'll try them out at home. We are excited that you are on board with us to always give Ashley what's best. With us all working together this kid should grow up with quite a diverse palate!"
In all childcare situations, when voicing a concern the following tips always make it a bit easier for the provider to swallow.
- Use the positive, negative, positive constructive criticism approach
- Make the caregiver feel part of the solution instead of part of the problem.
- Listen and validate the feelings of your caregiver while remaining calm and standing firm in your ground.
- Make it about YOU and YOUR choices, not the providers. I feel, We prefer, Our family thinks that.....instead of Your ways, Your ideas, or Your thoughts on this.
These tips will go a long way in breaking down the defensive walls that are bound to pop up.
About the author: Michelle LaRowe
is "America's Nanny" and author of Nanny to the Rescue!. The 2004 International Nanny Association "Nanny of the Year" and a credentialed career nanny for twelve years, Michelle is the Founder & President of Boston Area Nannies, Inc., Vice President of the International Nanny Association, and a proud member of Christian Nannies. To learn more about Michelle visit her web site at http://www.michellelarowe.com
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