March 2017 - EASTERN OREGON PARENT - 15
All in the family: Childcare, relatively speaking
By VIRGINIA JUSTICE
With more women in the work-
force, childcare has become a
major issue. Childcare for infants
can be difficult to find due to state
regulations regarding the child to
adult ratios required. Relatives are
not always willing or able to care
for the young children. What is a
parent to do who needs to work
but has children?
Some parents prefer having
relatives care for young children
because they feel more comfort-
able with a relative than a stranger.
Others feel that their children will
be more comfortable in familiar
surroundings with people they
know. And some believe exposure
to other children is important for
social development and choose to
enroll youngsters in day care. But
not all parents can afford this cost
or find adequate day care, and
some have a work schedule that is
outside day care hours. This puts
many families in the position of
having to ask relatives to care for
their children on a regular basis.
When considering using a rela-
tive for childcare there are some
things to think about. Do your ide-
als regarding discipline, entertain-
ment and food align – if not, this
could lead to problems. One Pend-
leton grandmother (who preferred
not to be named) takes care of her
young grandson for her son, a sin-
gle father. Her son lives in the same
house and pays room and board,
but not specifically for childcare. “I
strongly believe in grandparents be-
ing a part of their grandkids’ lives,”
she says.
Hermiston dad Jeremy Reuter
prefers family members caring for
his young son for comfort reasons.
Admittedly, he says they do not
often go out but he always offers to
May g ood luck
SMILE
upon you today.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
ORTHODONTIST
Durk V. Irwin, D.M.D. P.C.
BRACES FOR
CHILDREN & ADULTS
Initial Exam Free
1-800-962-7038
Se Habla Español
H ERMISTON
1060 W. Elm Suite 135 • 541.567.2662
P ENDLETON
2237 SW Court Ave. • 541.276.7819
dirwin@irwinorthodontics.com
pay those who care for his son. Un-
like some, Jeremy does not feel it is
a grandparent’s obligation to care
for their grandchildren on a regular
basis.
In these situations, open com-
munication is necessary with expec-
tations stated up front and agreed
upon in advance. It’s not so hard to
fire an outside babysitter, but imag-
ine trying to fire your mother. If you
and your relative disagree on disci-
pline or feeding it is better to have
that all ironed out in advance and
hopefully spare hurt feelings later.
According to Oregon Statue
163.545, children over the age of
10 may be left home alone. Most
babysitting instruction courses are
available to children as young as 11.
The decision of when to leave your
children home alone is, of course,
very individual; however, the state
does mandate that the adult can-
not knowingly leave children in an
unsafe location or situation.
Parents may want to consider
the child’s maturity level
when deciding to leave them
home alone. Some children
may not be comfortable at
home alone until they are
well into their teens. Consid-
er providing a written list of
dos and don’ts during home
alone time. You might also
have your child stay home
alone on a trial basis, length-
ening the time without adult
supervision each time. For
instance, begin with an hour
and increase the time gradu-
ally. You may also want to
role-play different scenarios
so the child knows what to
do in the event of an emer-
gency or other situation.
Some basic first aid training
is also suggested because
accidents do happen; ensure that
children know how and when to
call 911, and know how to contact
a parent or relative if they feel
the need. Many parents ask their
children to call or text every hour
to check in; if your work permits it
this it may relieve a lot of parental
anxiety.
You as the parent should do
what you feel most comfortable
with. Others will have their opin-
ions, but in the end you know your
child best.
________
Home economist Virginia Justice
holds an education degree. The
Pendleton resident and her hus-
band have two college-aged daugh-
ters.