Sandwich Power

If you are a parent or have ever cared for kids you know that they can eat and be hungry an hour or two later.  There is a threshold of time before you can enter the danger zone of entering the phase of sweet angel to ragingly hungry monster.  Read the story of my little monster and learn not only that feeding kids often is vital but how your child's inner caveman can be brought out.

So we entered the threshold of a few minutes past eating and monster phase was quickly approaching.  When this phase occurs nothing is good, everything looks bad to eat and just about everything in life is as if someone is poking the monster with sticks. Not to mention it feels like the end of the world.

At this stage we knew monster was in full motion so Mom just decides to take action and quietly make a sandwich.  But I don't like sandwiches or meat or cheese or peanut butter or bread or ANYTHING!  That's fine honey.  Maybe you can find something else.  I don't want anything else! 
Mom: Well, I am going to go eat my sandwich in the other room.

With no other ammo the monster retires to her room perplexed about what just happened.

Just by chance;) Mom left out all of the sandwich ingredients on the counter and peeked out the door of the room and saw the little monster pull out some bread,  put a slice of cheese and meat on it and quietly take it to her room.  This little monster at age 4 never made a sandwich before, but her caveman hunger took over and the monster realized that he was being taken over by caveman instinct of...see food, make sandwich...and the monster slowly went away.

The morale of the story is...avoid the monster by feeding him frequently but never give into a monster that has caveman abilities.  Never underestimate what your child can do for themselves.  It does not do them any service to do things for them that they can do themselves.  Our goal as parents is to teach our children independence, how to be self reliant and support learning so as they grow older so they are not reliant or even codependent on others.  If you are ever not sure if a child can do something give them the "sandwich" test and you just may surprised and proud of what your child can do.

What to ask and discuss with your After School Arts teacher

1. THOROUGHLY READ AND SIGN ALL DOCUMENTION - Make sure you know and understand the policies.  If you are unclear ask as many questions as you need to.   Your provider will use this for everything to ensure they are providing fair services to all clients and is not required for the provider to negotiate the policies.   It is required to have a meeting with the Director before you start.

2. PARTNER WITH YOUR PROVIDER - Speak to and establish a relationship with your teacher. This requires setting up a meeting and talking face to face, not just cyber communication. So much can be misinterpreted in electronic format.  Develop a partnership with your provider so there are no misinterpretations. Your provider wants you to tell them when you may be late in attendance or payment or other issues. If they do not know they cannot partner with you to resolve an issue.  The parent teacher relationship is vital to ASA.

3. KNOW WHAT YOU WANT - Unless you explain what you are looking for regarding service the provider will not know.  Don't assume the provider knows the hours and days and terms you are looking for.  What does your child want? Does it fit in to their schedule?  What do you want? Does it fit into your schedule?  If your child is overloaded with activities and has to miss class often, perhaps enrolling in the future would be better. You must explain this before you start service.  Some terms may be negotiable, some items may not,  i.e. your work schedule will not allow you to arrive until 15 minutes after closing time. Your provider may be able to work out an agreement rather than accumulating late charges because the request wasn't communicated.  Makes sure you and your significant other agree on what you are signing up for.

4.UNDERSTAND BUSINESS-PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP.  Your provider is running a business but is caring for your child which is very personal.  Make sure that when it comes to payment and policies you keep it professional and respectful and when it comes to care for your child that you understand that your provider has taken oath to be an advocate for children and will develop a personal relationship with your child.  Please do not take it personal if I contact you about payment--that is the business part.
Think of your provider as a friendly neighbor but also is running a business which requires payment where some of the proceeds go back to your child.   If there are struggles on the business or personal side the children suffer.  As your provider, I request cooperation and harmony.

5.AVOID LIVING IN A SILO
Try to attend parent events, make small talk or send a friendly email or text to keep in touch with your provider.  If your plan is to only drop off your child and have no involvement, the Art program may not be for you. It is not that parents need to make huge time commitments but rather stop by to see what your child is doing--they want you to. The relationships built are what creates our community of members that can trust each other and support each when we can. If you have an issue to discuss do not let it build up and make sure to discuss it right away.  When issues build up they tend to get blown out of proportion when they could have probably been easily resolved.  Remember your provider is human. We are all busy but even spending a few minutes here or there will keep those relationships positive and you may even meet some friends.


6. DISCUSS PAYMENT, POLICY OR SERIOUS ISSUES WHEN CHILDREN ARE NOT PRESENT
I am available to meet at many times as requested.  ASA has parent only nights to discuss issues as well.  A phone call for emergency items.  A text is fine for "my child is sick and won't be in tomorrow."
If you have a payment and want to hand it to me that is fine but absolutely no discussions will be allowed while classes are in session or children are present.  You must make a time to speak to me at another time.

7. HAPPINESS FACTOR
If you are not happy with the service please feel to discuss it with me.  I may or may not be able to change the situation. Depending on the severity of the issues service may be terminated.  The decision is usually based on how much time is taking me away from teaching/caring for the kids.
The happy clients are happy because they are willing to follow rules and make positive relationships and know that if they discuss an issue rather than stewing the issue more than likely it can be resolved.  Please see policy manual on factors that contribute to termination of services.

8. LEAVE BAGGAGE AT THE DOOR
If you had a rough day please do not come in and pour that out while the children are there.  I am happy to chat when the kids are not present.  The Open studio for parent nights are the best place to de-stress.

After School Arts is a Reggio inspired program and we focus on community and relationships, art and overall well being.  If we all follow the rules we can be much more productive.  I request that parents please understand that their actions directly affect how well the program will run for their children.  Thanks for your time in reading this post.