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Tips for new Caregivers!❤️
(Coming from a caregiver of 2 years.)
1.) Communicate with your little!
Communication is key in any CG and little relationship! Whether your relationship is strictly platonic, romantic, or you aren't sure yet, communicating can help both of you understand one another and can help you as a CG learn more about your little (their likes, dislikes, boundaries, what petnames/nicknames are okay etc.)
2.) Set rules with your little one!
Something I wish someone had told me in the beginning of my caregiver journey is to set rules with my littles! Setting rules like brushing teeth twice a day or having a bedtime can positivity impact your little by giving them the chance to be healthier and have better sleep. I also noticed that some littles will even feel more small when given rules! So having rules set in place is overall a great way to help your kiddo! :]
(NOTE: Some littles prefer to not have structure, it really just depends on the little. I just find that most littles prefer to have rules as part of their Agere!)
3.) Set up a punishment/reward system with your kiddo!
Having a punishment/reward system for your little can actually be a great way to reinforce rules! Having little rewards like extra candy, a later bedtime, or even more screentime is a great way to encourage your little one to behave and follow the rules. Some punishments I personally have in place for my kiddos include "lines" (writing the same thing over and over again), limited screen time, and no sweets/candy for a week. NEVER USE PHYSICAL PUNISHMENT OR YELLING/SCREAMING. I don't care what you have to say about it, NEVER use violence to punish a kiddo. It is never okay, regardless of what they did. Hurting them can cause them to be reminded of trauma or even throw them into a PTSD flashback. In general, it's never a good idea to harm a kiddo whether it be emotionally or physically.
(NOTE: I will repeat myself, Never physically or emotionally harm your little one. It is never okay!)
4.) Know the difference between being a Caregiver and a babysitter!
Being a caregiver is a big responsibility! Being a babysitter, not so much! Being a caregiver means being there for your little one most of the time, this can look like daily check ins, calling and texting often and generally just being there for your kiddo! Being a babysitter is exactly what it sounds like, you're only watching the little for a small amount of time and aren't dedicated to them the same way a caregiver is!
5.) Learn how to handle breakdowns/panic attacks/anxiety attacks etc.
Learning to deal with breakdowns and such can Greatly help your kiddo feel safe and comfortable around you! Remember, not all regression will be pure. You will most likely at some point deal with impure regression which means your little may experience unstable emotions, anxiety attacks, panic attacks and breakdowns! Learn how to handle these things, and you'll be in the clear to help your little in these times of anxiety and sadness!
6.) Don't rush your little into calling you "special" names like mommy, daddy, etc.
Not all littles will be comfortable with calling you a special name immediately or ever! Some prefer calling you your name plain and simple, and that is perfectly okay! Trying to force/rush your kiddo into calling you something special may result in your little one not feeling safe/comfy around you anymore.
7.) Don't take care of more than you can handle!
As caregivers, it's in our nature to want to take care of as many littles as possible, but that's just not something we can do. It can be overwhelming to take care of more than one little at a time, I know that from experience! So if you know you can't handle it, don't! As tempting as it might be, don't bite off more than you can chew!
8.) Be open minded!
It's important to understand that not all littles will be the same, some may be more independent and others may need extra help! Try to have an open mind and an open heart when caregiving :]
That's all for now, if you find these tips helpful let me know! I hope you have a safe and lovely time caregiving!
