Positive Parenting: 3 Strategies For Agreeing On A Child Care Program With Your Ex-Partner
Now that you are separated, you know that you and your ex-partner face many challenges when it comes to raising your child. Yet, you never expected that agreeing on a child care program would be so hard. After all, you both want the best for your child. As you search programs in your area, use these tips to find a compromise that leads to a nurturing place for your child to stay while you are away for the day.
Find Your Common Ground
The first thing to do is find out what you both value in a child care program. For instance, you may both place safety first and also want to know that your child is exposed to a variety of learning experiences each day. Alternatively, you may both want to see science and math activities on the lesson plan. Once you have this in mind, you can then ask questions at the centers you visit to identify if each program meets your preferences for a nurturing environment.
Consider the Location
It is also important to be realistic about your daily commute. While driving a bit of a distance for a quality center is always worth it, you also want to make sure that both of you can be available for pick up or drop off if needed. Talk to your ex-partner about their daily commute to find a center that is in an acceptable range for both of you.
Tour the Centers Together
Once you have narrowed down your list and made sure that you are on the same page, you will be ready to visit prospective programs. As you tour the center, ask to see the classroom in which your child will be staying, and talk to the teachers if they are available to make sure that their program fits your preferences. For instance, seeing learning centers will let you both know that your child will be given opportunities to explore and learn at the same time.
Working with your child's other parent is important for them to grow up happy and secure. For many parents, finding a child care program is their first experience with co-parenting, and it helps to remember that you both want the best for your child. By working together and keeping your sight's on your child's happiness, you can find a wonderful child care program that keeps your child safe while fostering their development.