Done with day care, now what?

A big thank you to all friends and family who have read the previous blog post and commented either personally or via email. Thank you all for your understanding and support. God has given me the peace of mind when we made the decision. It was a huge step for me, as day care was the source of income to fund the online bookstore, Ling's List. Blogging this post to explain what I will be doing after day care.


I am happier now that I can do my laundry while children are here, clearing up more time over the weekends to prepare for church and meet up with friends. Not having to write in all the different forms and papers does lighten the load considerably.


With day care finished, I can concentrate on Ling's List better. More time can be spent in marketing the site and products. There'll also be more time to build up relationship with other churches in letting them know of Chinese Christian resources available in Brisbane.


And what happened to my day care children? Most of them are children of friends, so they'll still be coming. Most of them pay me a small sum to cover the day's activities. Not that I mind how much they give. I can now enjoy playing with children without having to remember what they did. And to be honest, with 4-7 children doing things at the same time, it is a challenge to my pea brain to remember and record their developmental observations.


I'm not the best day care mum around. Only been in this work for 4 years, when others continued for 20-30 years!


Where finances are concerned, hubby is happy for me to just take care of our household needs and run the family well. I did, however, call up the relevant government departments asking for information to private care.


One option is that I can register myself as a babysitter/nanny. They call it the "Registered Carer". With this, I can accept payment and give families their due CCB. But no Child Care Rebates will be given to the families. So, families pay the full sum and claim their benefits with the receipts from Centrelink.


Another option is to run my own independent day care, fully licensed and with insurances, so that parents get the full government benefits. But, by doing so, I'll be putting myself into the whole cycle of paperwork once again.


The last option is to run it privately. No benefits, no insurance. Which is what I'm doing now. Parents give what they want, what they can.


Who knows, I might register myself eventually to be an official nanny/babysitter.

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Finished With Family Day Care

Today is officially my last day as a day care mum. Serious. No regrets. I hope! =)

Had talked about this for a few months with husband already. A lot of regulatory changes and increasing amount of paperwork that led me to reconsider being a day care mum.

I find that children are being overly protected under the system and it is no longer feasible for me to still spend time with family if I were to continue with family day care.

Some changes and how it affects my family and myself :
1. Move to another government department - Education. There will be a change in focus in the children's learning experience in care.

2. New names - We are now called 'Educators', putting us on par with teachers and child care centre workers. This just meant more planning of activities,  observation and notes taking.

3. Compulsory handwashing upon arrival and departure - All families and children are to wash their hands when they come in and when they go home. Either with hand sanitisers or the soap in the bathroom. This also meant that all my visitors, be it friends or family, will be washing their hands at the door and when they go home. Which in turn meant that if I were to have a dinner or social gathering at my place, I'll be better off installing an anti-bacterial spray at the front door and spray clean everyone when they come and go.

4. Table top and Kitchen Bench to be clear of things - I live in an organised mess. Unfortunately, it is not 'presentable' when parents come and when validated. So, there is not to be anything on the work table or kitchen bench.

5. More child-proofing around the house - linen cupboard to be inaccessible to children. Ours is difficult enough to pull open for adults, much less children, but a safety latch is put in anyway. 1st Aid Kit to be child proofed. Either kept away from children, or are lockable.

6. Backyard is not enticing enough for children to play outside - no play equipment. Did they not consider the sand pit, tricycles, chalk drawing, water play, painting, stepping stools, bubbles, balls available? A park is just 5 mins away and children get enough swings and slides there.

7. Not enough shade and shelter - need more shelter for children to play outdoors when it rains. Maybe they can give me the money to do it.

8. Resources (toys, books, mattresses) to either be washed with warm soapy water or wiped down. Daily for toys, weekly for mattresses.

9. Spot checks and validation - at least 1 spot check a month from the co-ordinators. Once a year, we get a spot check from the State licensing unit. Random pick of carers. We also have a national accreditation spot check once a year. Carers are also picked at random.

So, with these reasons, we think that it is fair to not continue with family day care. I'm happy with the decision and thank the Lord for a wise and caring husband who would like to see me happy with my work and be able to spend more time with me.

Furthermore, with no annual leave and sick leave paid out to myself and having to contribute to my own superannuation funds, I'd be better off working in a child care centre as an assistant with my Cert III. I get my annual leave, sick leave, superannuation all paid by the employer and I don't have to do my own accounts.

What will happen now? I'll be babysitting my day care children and looking forward to the next pregnancy. Sphere: Related Content

Classroom in the forest

With this world changing so rapidly, children now and in the future are missing out a lot on the nature walks and what nature can offer to them.

Read this article about some US preschools operating in the forests and found it a welcoming change. As a day care mum in the city, we're always told to bring the children out to the parks, to expose them to the world of nature. I am fortunate to have a huge backyard and a park nearby which children can run around, pick things up and explore with their senses.

Cedarsong Nature School is one of them. Children are their own teachers, where they can spend hours exploring one topic or activity and really learn as they play. This school also has a programme for autistic and ADHD children.

I don't think I can do it, because I grew up in a city. I have no clue what the forest holds. I can't tell one tree from another, much less the life cycle of a species or how their habitat functions. But I think, I'll be keen to send my children to one, even if it was once a week, to really learn about the world that God had created right from the beginning and which was good.

Modernisation sure has strengthened economy, but with it, we also see sacrifices in people's lives. More known allergies, mental disorders, health issues, etc.. Perhaps it is time to go back to nature and enjoy learning. Sphere: Related Content

Differences and similarities for pregnancy and births

I put in a comment in one of the momaroo blogs on what I'll do differently or stay the same with my second and subsequent children. Thought I'll do a blog post on it, since I was thinking of it myself a few weeks back. 

What I will do differently with my 2nd child : 

1. Doctors and Hospital - Talk to doctors and hospital that are more pro natural birth. I was induced with my first and had a c-section after 18hrs of labour. I am concerned that I'll be doing a c-section again with my 2nd one, so I wanted a doctor/hospital that has had experience with c-section and vagina birth from the same person. I went to a private hospital the first time and they have a higher c-section rate. Was thinking of going public. Cheaper and higher rate of natural birth.

I just miscarried a set of twins and I will find out from doctors what the success rate is like for natural birth if we were to have twins again.

2. Pain relief at birth - no more gas for me. Didn't work at all. Either no pain killers or go straight to epidural.

3. Exercise - More exercises in the last few weeks to help engage the baby. And hopefully a shorter labour eventually.

4. Breastfeeding vs bottle feeding - Doesn't matter. The most important thing is for the baby to be fed and I can have my sleep. I was into breastfeeding with my first and was so stressed that I would pump every 4 hourly. Next time round, I'll not get myself so stressed out and will give my body the rest it needs to produce milk. If milk doesn't come at every feed, then baby will have formula. No big deal.

5. Nappies - Will use more cloth nappies with my subsequent children. Those disposables cost a bomb!




Things that will remain the same :
1. Diet - I'm probably still not keen to experiment with my cravings, so will be sticking to safe foods. I seem to have cravings for sashimi for both previous pregnancies which aren't safe for the foetus. Will also be keeping clear of foods that will affect baby's sleep. I stayed away from beans, onions and broccoli after giving birth and during breastfeeding. I think I'll do the same with my subsequent children. Just in case the get the wind too.


2. Routine - It is so important to have a routine. It may be a very flexible one, but when it comes to food and sleep, routine plays a big part. I need my children to have a clear sense of meal times and bedtimes. So that I can rest too.


3. Sleeping separately - I'll still keep my baby in another room. Miss 2 slept in her own room right from the start. It's better for husband and myself. At least he doesn't hear much of the crying at night and can sleep better and work more efficiently. I'd rather have one cranky parent than two. One of us needs to be clear-headed. However, I did consider that if I were to have a c-section, I might co-sleep with my baby for the first month. Only for my mobility sake. Had much difficulties getting up and feeding my first child while coping with the pain.


4. Feeds - I will still use a combination of bottle feeding and breastfeeding. So that baby gets to be fed by dad too. Also so that I can have a break from feeding and burping bub. Bottle feeding can be expressed breastmilk or formula.


5. Sleeping bags - Doesn't matter what brand it is, I'll be using them for the winter months. Even if my baby's wrapped up. It keeps them warm and snug, and gives me a peace of mind. At least I know that baby will not be freezing.


Can't think of anything else..


So, from pregnancy till birth and even upbringing, what will you do differently or remain the same with your 2nd and subsequent children?

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Puff the Magic Dragon

I've never watched "Puff the Magic Dragon" before and have not watched it yet. Came across this song on youtube and it brought tears to my eyes at the end of it. Such a beautiful song of friendship and companionship.


A song of two friends that came together and went apart as age caught up. Something that is very true for all of us. Wonder how many true friends there are out there who kept their friendship throughout their lives?


It is something that I would like my children to have. Lifelong friendship and quality friends. Also teaching them that people move on in life, but true friendship and love will stay no matter how far apart.


I might go and look for the youtube videos!


Here are two videos of Peter, Paul and Mary singing the song. Two different crowds, but the same magic it calls up.








Did a search on wikipedia and it was originally "based on a 1959 poem by Leonard Lipton, a 19-year-old Cornell University student. Lipton was inspired by an Ogden Nash poem titled 'Custard the Dragon,' about a 'realio, trulio little pet dragon.' " Link to the page is here.


Had to do a search for the lyrics too! Courtesy of DigitalDreamDoor.


Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
  And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honah Lee

Little Jackie Paper loved that rascal Puff,
and brought him strings and sealing wax and other fancy stuff. Oh

  Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
  And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honah Lee
  Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
  And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honah Lee

Together they would travel on a boat with billowed sail
Jackie kept a lookout perched on Puff's gigantic tail,
Noble kings and princes would bow whene'er they came,
Pirate ships would lower their flags when Puff roared out his name. Oh

  Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
  And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honah Lee
  Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
  And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honah Lee

A dragon lives forever but not so little boys
Painted wings and giant rings make way for other toys.
One grey night it happened, Jackie Paper came no more
And Puff that mighty dragon, he ceased his fearless roar.

His head was bent in sorrow, green scales fell like rain,
Puff no longer went to play along the cherry lane.
Without his life-long friend, Puff could not be brave,
So Puff that mighty dragon sadly slipped into his cave. Oh

  Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
  And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honah Lee
  Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
  And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honah Lee Sphere: Related Content

Circumcision

I don't have a boy. Yet. I might, someday, God willing... Just wanted to have a post on circumcision as I've had this chat with a few mother friends who have thought of it when they were pregnant with boys. None of them went ahead with circumcision, but the thought did cross their minds.

It did cross mine too. I had wondered if I had a boy, would I put him through the process of circumcision?

Did have a chat with my husband about this before I was pregnant with my first child and we decided against it. We talk about these things, which I think is important, so that both of us are on common grounds if anyone asks why.

Why not then? Because, Biblically, it isn't a must. Health wise, it isn't a definite either.

Furthermore, the procedure for circumcision can result in infection and bleeding. For a 6 month old baby who had to go through an anaesthetic just to remove the foreskin on his penis can be quite a traumatic and painful experience. However, if, for some reason, my boy decides to do it in the future when he's a grown man, I don't think I will stop him.

Have you ever thought of circumcision for your boy? Did your boy go through the procedure? Sphere: Related Content

Toilet training gadget

Bought one of those marketed toilet training gadgets out there to try on Miss 2. It is more for boys, but I thought maybe it will encourage Miss 2 to go to the toilet.

It works as a target to be stuck to the back of the toilet seat for boys to aim and pee on. There is a suction cap at the top of the target. When the target meets warm urine, it'll turn from a black spot to a ball picture. There are a few designs, but I thought a ball motif would be more generic for boys and girls.

So, for Miss 2, I stuck it to the front of the toilet seat. It worked some times. Not always. She doesn't have enough urine to wet it enough for the motif to show up. But she enjoyed the toilet a lot more now, until friends come over and play, then it's nappy time.

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Mothering is a full-time job

Mothering, I tell you, is a full-time job,
Her contract started the day bub was born.
She works all day from morn till night,
She never gets paid though she's the boss.

Twenty-four, seven, three sixty-five,
She's a wife, a mum, a sister, a daughter.
A teacher, a learner, a multi-tasker,
A comforter, a protector, a nurturer.

A mother is good for hugs and kisses,
A mother is great for cuts and bruises.
An embrace from her heals all sadness,
A kiss from her lips heals all wounds.

Mothering is challenging and a high order,
But the rewards are far greater than any other.
Love and strength flow from within her,
She is priceless and incomparable.

Sphere: Related Content

All I Want for Mother's Day is Privacy

Mother's day is coming and there are plenty of sales going on out there in the shops. Clothes, shoes, bags, chocolates, flowers, bathroom sets, you name it.

I have a sale going on for my online bookstore, Ling's List , too.

But as a mum, what do I really want this Mother's day? I don't mind a book to read, nor some good food to enjoy, but really, what is it that will make this Mother's day so special?

I don't know about you, but one thing I lack in motherhood is privacy. I miss those days before I had a child where I could go to the bathroom uninterrupted, or have a bag completely all to myself without biscuit crumbs and baby wipes, or I could wear a skirt/dress without having to worry about someone sticking their head under it.

This Mother's Day, I'd like to at least be able to go to the toilet and bathroom in peace. Doors shut, no uninvited toddler poking its head in and asking, "Mummy, what doing?"

I shall wait and see... Sphere: Related Content

Truth vs Myth

With Miss 2 growing up so quickly, she is also picking up on stories and thoughts from other children. Most of the time, she doesn't quite understand what they mean and would ask me. Things like Santa and reindeers, aliens, Jesus dying on the cross, etc..

She accepts the answer when I tell her that Santa and reindeers flying is just a story but Jesus was real and he died on the cross just as the Bible told us so.

Then, as a day care mum, I've had children being excited about Easter bunnies and Santa Claus and though I look forward to these occasions, I also tell them that the rabbits and flying Santa and reindeers are just stories. Those times, it hurt more when I told them the truth.

I'm not even looking at spiritual teaching, but when children are told by someone else that Santa, reindeers, tooth fairies, rabbits, etc are not real, their little bubble seemed to burst somewhat.

Part of me says it's ok, they need to learn the truth one day, so better be from young. The other part of me says they're still young. Let them have the excitement of meeting Santa and the tooth fairy. But, the spiritual side of me says no to not telling them what is right.

I find it even more difficult when children from Christian families tell me that these icons are real. What do I tell them? That their parents lied?

I cannot avoid my own chid(ren) from learning about these festivity icons or other mythical people, either from the West or from my own Chinese culture. But my stand towards these stories is just that - stories. My children can learn about them because they are a part of the society's upbringing, but I'll stick to my side of the story and let them know that they are only myths.

It hurts to tell the truth, and it probably hurts for them to learn the truth. But if I were to insist that my children speak only the truth to others, then I think that even stories have to be differentiated between the myth and the truth and that I, as the parent, have the responsibility to tell them that what they're listening to is only a story. Sphere: Related Content