🖍️🌧️ AGERE CAREGIVER TIPS 🍼🧃🧩
From a regressor and checked by my cg, Mama Smores!! 🧡🍪
-- NOTE: these are optional!! Not every regressor or caregiver likes/wants to do these things and that is still valid!! -- 🧸
★ Research regression and/or how to care for real kids ★
- if you are new to caregiving or just want to know more— research!! There’s tons of information online about agere AND taking care of irl kiddos n babies!! Looking up info about your regressors age(s) might be helpful! You can research behavior, how to talk to them, activities, and all kinds of things!! WikiHow can be a fun way to learn as well!!
★ Watch video tips from/for parents and caregivers of irl kids ★
- adding on to the last tip, watching videos might be helpful for those who retain info better that way!! Even though I am not a caregiver myself, I love watching videos targeted towards parents and teachers on how to treat real toddlers/kids!! I’m positive there’s some YouTube channels you can find geared towards parents/teacher/CG!! These might also help if your regressor would like to have some rules in place!
★ Talk to your regressor!! ★
- Not sure how they want to be taken care of? Aren’t sure you are doing enough? Want to try something new? Talk to your baby!! They are the best person to reach out to if you aren’t sure of what to do. They might want to be taken care of or talked to in specific ways. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and try out stuff!! :D
- this is VERY important for BOTH of you!! You should let your kiddo know what you aren’t comfortable with and be sure to ask them their boundaries too. You know yourself best and it’s 1000% okay to say no to whatever makes you uncomfy!!
★ Be ready to make mistakes ★
- just like being real parent-- being a caregiver can be hard!! Its okay to get things wrong the first time and make mistakes!! You are human and its normal for both the baby and parent to mess up sometimes. It doesn't make you a bad CG either <333
- not every regressor or caregiver might like nicknames and thats okay!! Nicknames can be a super fun thing when your baby is feeling little <3
- some regressors might want to be talked to like they are irl babies!! Keeping your sentences simple and gentle are a great way to do so. Sometimes being asked questions can feel overwhelming to kiddos when there are lots of possible answers!! Giving your regressor choices with questions in a way parents/caregivers talk to kids could help (ex. instead of "what would you like to drink?" you could ask "do you want water or juice?").
★ Help with/encourage regression ★
- helping your baby regress and encouraging it (when its healthy) is another good way to interact!! Doing any of the tips on this list, another list/info post, and/or asking your regressor how you can help is a great start. Some babies might also want help with other things (ex. changing clothes, getting a snack, learning, etc etc). Ask your baby how you can help them feel small and/or help when they are small!!
★ Dealing with big feelings ★
- some regressors can feel very big feelings when little. Try your best to stay calm and remember boundaries!! Depending on your little, you could give them some space if wanted, bring them comfort items, hug/hold them in your arms, bring them a snack/drink or tissues, and help them talk through what they are feeling and why they may be feeling that way!!
★ Engaging with your little ★
- a great way to spend time with your regressor is to do activities with them!! There are TONS online to pick from!! You may have a baby who loves to do their own things in the comfort of your space, or maybe one who loves for you to get involved in their activities!! A good way to engage is by asking them about what they are doing and/or if they would like to do something together. Are they playing dragons? What's their dragon('s) name? Is there a video game you or they want to play together? Anything works!! :D
- if you regressor wants it-- a routine can be a fun way to help your little!! There are routines you can find online or you can make one with your regressor :D
Some things you can have on your routines are: bedtime, clean up, play/work time, bath/shower, nap time, ect ect
- banner made by my awesome friend/caregiver!! 🧡
