Childcare by Extended Family – Advantages and Disadvantages

 Nowadays in most families, both parents are working and to a great extent, they have to depend on daycare centers to raise their little ones. But many parents consider asking a relative to take care of their toddler is much safer than putting their kids in daycares. But relative care comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Before you make any final decision, you need to be sure that your relationship with the relative and your child’s well-being would be maintained properly.

Reasons to Opt for Childcare by Extended Family Member:

• One of the most important reasons to ask a relative to help you raise your child and to take care of him when you are away is you can completely trust your relative. You will be at peace and satisfied when family members take care of your little ones after their Daycare. You can assume that they would genuinely be concerned about your kids’ requirements and well-being.
• Being from the same family, your relative is likely to support your decisions regarding your children’s discipline, food habits, and activities. This will definitely convince you that your kids are with someone who shares your values.
• If your child already shares a friendly relationship with the relative or he has stayed with the same person before, it would be easier for the two of them to adjust. This childcare system would be much better than introducing a brand new nanny for babysitting.
• If you are planning to ask one of your relatives to take care of your child, please request him/her to come over to your place. Kids feel more comfortable and safe at home rather than staying with some unknown adults in a new environment. Staying in a familiar environment with some family members is always the best option for toddlers.
• According to the childcare experts in Arcadia, CA, kids get one-to-one care when they have family members around. They will never hesitate to give the best care to your kids.
• When your kids stay at home under the supervision of your relative, they are less likely to fall sick.

Reasons to Not Choose relative care for Your Kids:

• If the relative does not support your decision regarding the discipline, food habits, and other activities of the child then it would become a genuine problem. Having two sets of guardians could confuse your child and the difference of opinion may affect your relationship with your relative.
• Paying a family member for taking care of your child is quite awkward. On the other hand, you can not ignore the feeling of taking undue advantage of the relative and will always feel indebted.
• Taking care of an over-enthusiastic and hyperactive toddler can be strenuous for elderly relatives.
• When your child enters a Daycare, he needs to play and interact with other kids and this is not possible in relative care.