Our Favourite Ways to Maintain a Strong Relationship with your Teachers and Carers

Anyone who has left a loved one in the care of another knows just how important it is to have a good relationship and communication with the carer.

Types of carers

Maternity nurse

If you don't have family near you and want help, the first person to assist you with a new baby is a maternity nurse. They tend to be around to help you and the baby until about six weeks after the baby is born.

Maternity nurses are generally live-in and will be with you 24 hours a day, six out of seven days a week. They may seem expensive, but are a valuable help if you're struggling to adjust to your new addition, especially if you're going back to work right away.

Nanny

A nanny can be one of the strongest relationships, outside of your family, that your child has. For busy, working parents, a nanny might help out with everything child-related from feeding, bathing, entertaining, doing the school run and even helping with light household tasks.

Chances are, your nanny will become part of the family. They are there to help you and will offer advice when needed, but will generally follow your lead on what you want for your children.

Au pair or mother's helper

While both of these can be cost-effective and helpful, in most cases they are not trained childcare workers, so it's unlikely that you would be leaving your child alone with them. Also, you will need to have a room in your house for them to use.

Childminder

Another choice in childcare is a childminder. A childminder takes care of your child in their own home. They usually look after a small group of children who play either in the house or park, and eat at the childminder's home. Childminders are often parents as well.

You all have less control over the way your child's day goes as there are other children from other families to consider, so you will need to be a little more flexible. Being on time for pickup will also help to keep the relationship positive. Be mindful if your child is unwell, as there will be a home full of other children, quite possibly the childminder's own.

Nursery worker

Nurseries take groups of children from 0-5 years. Your child will be with children their own age and will have a 'key person' at the nursery, even though they will be cared for by all the staff at some point. Find out who this is and make yourself known.

Teacher

Your child will spend five days a week in a school year, with their teacher. As they will help to shape your child's education it's very important to have a positive and open relationship with them. In addition to pick up and drop off, there are teacher's meetings; try to make as many as you can. Teachers will be able to tell you your child's educational strengths and weakness so you can play upon one and work at improving the other. They will also be familiar with your child's behaviour - both good and not-so good - so it's important to be aware of both.

Carer for adults and dependent children

Sometimes it's not only children who you need to be taken care of. It's just as necessary to establish an open rapport with your elder or dependent child's carer. No matter what form the care is in - care home or home care - either part-or full-time, understanding exactly what's going on with your relative is necessary. The care worker can keep you posted on both physical as well as mental health.

In the case of all these groups, it comes down to what you want for your family. You should never be afraid to comment, question, or even change rules you've previously set.

But as with anyone, as long as it's discussed tactfully and with respect for the other person, it should work out just as you like.

Top tips on encouraging good relationships

• Communicate - if you don't tell people what you want and expect, how can they know?
• Respect their knowledge and training, but feel free to question things you're unsure of
• Ask for advice
• Make time for a face-to-face meeting to ensure you're both on the same page
• Always speak with someone, not at them
• Be flexibile - not everything is set in stone!
• If you have certain rules you really want followed - for example, a special diet - make them a list
• Always be respectful of their time and show up when you say you will. If there's an emergency, call and let them know the situation
• Make all your payments on time, they may rely on this for their own bills
• Let them know that they can always contact you with any questions - offer them phone numbers and email addresses where you can be reached
• Take the time to build a relationship and get to know them. You'll then know if there is anything happening in their lives that might affect how they do their job.