Think of the children!!

I have been pondering this subject for a while... I've already clarified why embarrassing photos are taken... What I cannot figure out though, is why children are encouraged to make complete and utter fools of themselves on video, only to have it uploaded on Youtube.

A lot of the internet sensation children happen to be of the overly obese variety too - which to me is quite concerning.  Not only are the parents of the children in question willing to have the world take the piss out of their child - with the possibility of that episode coming back to haunt them later on in life... but they are also willing to ignore their child's apparent health issues.

Yes, chubby children can be cute.  Cute only lasts until their weight becomes a cause for bullying, as well as bringing along health problems.  Those worthy of the title 'Mum' and 'Dad' will have done their best to safeguard the health of their child whilst in utero.  Why should it be any different once they pop out?

A brief article I received by e-mail yesterday also made me think that maybe, not enough people invest the time to ensure their children are being encouraged to be healthy when under someone else's supervision.  You'll know how much thought I have been giving to Childcare once I return back to work if you have been following this blog.  It is not possible for me to understand how anyone can do any less when it comes to choosing who to trust with their child's well-being, and where to 'dump' the child whilst they [i.e. parent[s]s] are unavailable.

As a Nerd myself, I value the academic aspect of  pre-school facilities.  I cannot deny though, that unstructured play is vital as well.  Running around, playing pretend, making up stories and games - all of this is a staple in childhood.  Or rather, was, back in "my days".  I would want my child to know the joys of imagination and creativity - not just to act like a trained monkey.

By allowing your child to potentially get hurt - within reason - you're also teaching them coping mechanisms and giving them the chance to earn their Battle Scars.  When I was younger, my legs were always full of bruises and my knees were constantly scabby and scraped.  I recall a few occasions when such injuries were incurred, and to be honest, they are memories I treasure.

Bottom line is this: Allow children to be children.  Take care of their health, and don't throw obstacles in their way that might leave long-term damaging side-effects.  It is uncalled for and to me, pure evil.

A Bubbly Monday Morning

This morning involves gutting out the house from top to bottom, in preparation of Creature's arrival.  It also is the official start of my Maternity leave - meaning that if I had more energy and less aches, I could technically come out of my house-arrest-cum-hermit's-cave.

Haha. I said cum. Lol.

Anyway.

To get back on track, right now my Mum and my grandmother's Cleaning Lady are over at my place helping me out as I supervise and try to do as much as I possibly can.  I hate being idle. I'm not used to having people waiting on me.  For me, yes. On me, no.

Gutting out the Roscave means unexpected discoveries are made - such as the extremely pleasant find of a long lost and forgotten, brand new, unpopped Bubble Wrap.  Needless to say, cleaning is underway to the sounds of "Pop! Pop! Popopopopop!"

I got an update re: Childcare.  One of the places I contacted got back to me, and their rates seem rather affordable.  Now, I wait to hear from a couple more Centres before I arrange for an appointment to physically go investigate them. What seems affordable at first might not be affordable when the whole Financial Picture is clear.

Don't commit yourself to "employing" anyone straight away.  Sit down and make a list of of your income and expenditure.  If there is one thing I've learnt from working for so long in a Call Centre, it's this: Too many people live in constant debt, spending money they do not own and placing themselves in financial hell. Take into consideration all of your expenses and always round up to the closest 10 at the very least.  This will mean that the chances of being skint will be remote.  Also, never spend the full amount you'd have set aside for whatever it is you'd have planned in advance for if possible. This will help you out should you have an Emergency Situation, be it now or in 10 months' time.  It will also make it possible to get yourself or Baby a treat every so often.

Oh, and just before I leave you to your Monday Morning Blues, I'd like to answer that arose on Facebook.

"Why Hugh?"

Hugh is my loyal Dell Laptop.  It was a gift to myself purchased after a break up a couple of years ago [or has it been longer than that now? I'm not sure].  I was accompanied by my soon-to-be sister-in-law Mel, who remarked "That is one sexy laptop. What shall you call him?"  I nodded in agreement, glanced at the laptop and went "Hugh. After Hugh Jackman - 'cause they're both sexy mofos!"

Thus, Hugh.

We don't need no education... Or do we?

Yet another insomniac night, I'm afraid! Since I have had quite a productive day yesterday, I figured I would carry on being productive all night long, too.  My focus? Childcare.

I have mentioned in a previous blog that it is important to have back-up plans sorted out way in advance - especially when you're a Single Parent.  Even if you have no intention of signing up your child to a Childcare Centre, scout the options out there. You never know what you might require.

First things first
When it comes to Childcare, there are actual National Standards for Child Day Care Facilities which have been issued back in 2006 by the Government.  You can clicky here for the English version, or here for the Maltese version.

By familiarising yourself with these standards, you will be able to understand better what constitutes a good childcare centre, and what doesn't.  It will also set your expectations in a realistic manner.

Provisionally Registered Childcare Facilities
"What does this mean exactly?" you'll be wondering.


It basically means that the Department of Social Welfare Standards carries out an assessment of the Centre to outline what areas are compliant to the National Standards, and which areas require further development.  The Centre then commits to working on the areas requiring development so as to become fully compliant. All facilities which have been granted with this certificate are obliged to display it in a prominent place within the facility. Failure to comply with the conditions of the agreement will result in the withdrawal of the certificate of Provisional Registration.

The entire list of provisionally registered facilities is available here.


Know your rights
Whilst doing my research, I came across the following Q&A from the Frequently Asked Questions on the DSWS's website:

"Q: ARE THERE ANY INCENTIVES FOR PARENTS WHO SEND THEIR CHILDREN TO PROVISIONALLY REGISTERED CHILD DAY CARE FACILITIES?

A: First and foremost, parents who choose Provisionally Registered Child Day Care Facilities for their children have an assurance that the facility is striving to operate according to a set of established standards in the best interest of their children.

In addition, these parents would also be eligible for a tax rebate calculated upon their taxable income less a maximum of €1000 for each child. Further information can be obtained from the Department of Inland Revenue or by clicking here."

2Tax Rebate? Interesting!" I thought to myself.  Off I went to the Inland Revenue & Customs website to get more information about it.  I couldn't find the information at first, and their not having a search function made me grumble quite a bit.  Until it happened - I found it!


If you clicky here, the booklet on how to fill in the Tax Returns form comes up.  On Page 19, it is explained in detail as to what this Tax Rebate involves and whatnot.  Another interesting thing I noticed [Page 6] was this: Single Parents' Tax Status changes to match that of Married couples! I was unaware of it.  This is why doing your homework is vital - no one gives you this information unless you ask for it.  These are all things that work in your favour - so make sure you make the most out of them!

There is a list of Childcare Centres on Pages 34 & 35 and a list of Private Independent Nurseries & Schools on Page 37. On Page 40 you'll find a list of what Tax Rates are applicable to you.

[p.s. Whenever I say page, I mean the PDF page number, not the one printed on the actual booklet pages themselves.]

The Next Steps
That would be making contact with Childcare Centres in your desired locations. In my case, I've located two Centres just a few streets away from my place.  I have sent off an email requesting an appointment with a brief explanation of what I'm looking for, what my restrictions are, and that it will be a few months before I potentially contact them again to register Creature.

The sooner you take such steps, the better.  Once Baby is born, you will have so much to juggle that you'll be thankful for any things which were planned in advance.

I will report back with updates undoubtedly in the near future!