Nursery World - Action Plan

Be sensitive Even before you start your job, recognise that your employer may feel some of the underlying emotions described above, and that she is emotionally vulnerable as a result of leaving her child in your care and protection during the day. Emphasise independence Make it clear during the initial job interview that you expect any child you care for to achieve a degree of independence. Explain that you will support the child as he grows but add that you will discourage over-dependence.

Emphasise independence Make it clear during the initial job interview that you expect any child you care for to achieve a degree of independence. Explain that you will support the child as he grows but add that you will discourage over-dependence.

Show empathy Without being patronising, find a way to tell your employer that you understand how returning to work will probably be difficult for her. Reassure her that in your experience, you've seen the mother-child bond remain as strong as ever.

Talk of partnership Make it clear to your employer that you want to work in partnership with her, not to replace her. She'll be reassured to hear you say that the child's strongest relationship will always be with her, not with you.

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