Choose A Person With Whom You Can Talk Easily.

You want someone you can relate with. Someone who you are not afraid of being frank with. You want someone who shares your values and morals and ideas about raising children.

Choose a provider who understands and loves your child

and shows it by:

Giving attention to your child.
Hugging your child.
Using a gentle tone of voice with your child.
Smiling and laughing with your child.

Choose a provider who will help your child behave

without hitting, slapping, yanking, shouting, cussing, or scaring your child. She or he should never use punishment associated with rest, warmth, the toilet, or food. The provider should show and tell your child what to do. Saying, "Use the crayons on the paper" is more positive and better than saying, "Do not write on the table!"

Choose Someone Who Would Do What You Would Do:

fix healthy snacks and meals from food you buy. enjoys playing with and teaching your child. keeps your child clean and comfortable. knows how to care for your child in case of a sudden illness or an accident.

Choose a provider with good habits you would not mind if your child copied. She or he should not smoke, drink, or date when working for you. A provider should be at least 18 years old.

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