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Improving the Childcare Experience with the Power of Streaming Video

Tips from Parents: The Best Ways to Use Childcare Streaming Video


New parents returning to work and families who are new to childcare have many emotions and anxieties. Your WatchMeGrow streaming cameras provide a wave of relief for many of them.

But when is too much of a good thing just too much? You may have a parent who streams for long periods of time and contact your staff frequently during the day. When a family is new to your school, this is expected. If the family has been enrolled for some time and it continues, it can be disruptive to your program. 

Share these tips with families at your school

We talked with parents across the country who use WatchMeGrow and they had helpful advice for other parents who may be having trouble logging off at work.  

If you have families who tell you they are consumed with watching their child’s every move while in childcare, try sharing these tips from other parents just like them:

1. Schedule times to check in during the day, and stick to it.

Setting specific times for yourself to log in and check in on your little one can prevent you from being unproductive at work and gives you a bright spot of connecting with your child during the work day. Consider using the webcam first thing in the morning and just before lunchtime. Set the times based on your child’s schedule. If you know there is outdoor play before lunch, check in at that time to watch her laughing and going down the slide.

2. Video shouldn't be the only method of checking in. 

The webcam is valuable, but it shouldn’t be the only way you connect with your childcare center. It’s hard to know how your child is progressing or interacting with the classroom through the webcam alone, so don’t replace talks with the center director or the teacher with webcam viewing. If you have questions or need an update on your child’s progress, schedule some time to have a conversation. Teachers who have first-hand interactions with your child are your best resources.

3. Everything is fine…really.

Children are resilient and are typically more independent than we believe. Your child may have been crying and clinging to your leg when you left this morning, but most children overcome those emotions within minutes after you leave. Teachers are skilled at helping children resolve their anxiety and help them move on to be active participants in the classroom.

According to viewing statistics by WatchMeGrow,  users are logged in for an average of only 7 minutes each day.  That means most parents are logging in a few times a day for just a couple of minutes; enough time to bring a smile to their faces without being a distraction.

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