The Influence of Working Parents on Nigerian Family (Continued) – Basic 6 Social Studies Lesson Note (First Term)

When both parents work, the family earns more money but needs other people or places to care for the children.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

1. Define baby sitters, house help and daycare institutions.
2. List the types of baby sitters and house help.
3. State the advantages and disadvantages of house help and daycare.
4. Explain how a second income improves family life.
5. Suggest ways working parents can balance work and family.

Who are baby sitters and house help?

Baby sitters or house help are people employed to care for children and help with household chores when parents are at work.

What are the types of baby sitters and house help?

There are four types: live-in house help, day nannies, after-school caregivers and extended family members.

• Live-in house help: a helper who lives in the family home and works there every day.
• Day nannies: a caregiver who comes during the day and goes home in the evening.
• After-school caregivers: a person who looks after children after school until the parents return.
• Extended family members: a relative such as a grandmother, aunt or uncle who helps to care for the children.

What are the advantages of using baby sitters or house help?

• Peace of mind at work: parents can work peacefully.
• Supervision: children are watched while parents are away.
• Clean house: the house is cleaned.
• Meals: food is cooked for the family.
• Lower cost: it is more affordable than daycare.

What are the disadvantages of using baby sitters or house help?

• Stranger in the home: parents may not know the person well.
• Risk of child abuse: a child may be harmed when parents are absent.
• Bad behaviour: children may copy wrong habits from the helper.
• Theft: a dishonest house help may steal.
• Attachment issues: a child may become closer to the helper than to the parents.
• Different values: the helper may teach values that differ from the family’s.

What safety tips should parents follow when hiring house help?

1. Background checks: find out about the person’s past and home.
2. References: ask for people who can vouch for the person’s character.
3. Trial period: test the person for a short time before full employment.
4. Surprise visits: come home at unexpected times to see how the children are treated.
5. Listen to children: pay attention when they talk about the helper.
6. CCTV cameras: use cameras to monitor the home where possible.

What are daycare institutions?

Daycare institutions are professional childcare centres where children are cared for while parents work.

What are the features of a daycare centre?

• Structured activities: the day follows a planned timetable.
• Trained caregivers: staff know how to care for children.
• Age-appropriate programmes: activities suit the age of each child.
• Learning activities: children learn songs, numbers, letters and play skills.
• Social interaction: children play and mix with others.
• Safe environment: the place is arranged to keep children safe.

What are the advantages of daycare?

• Professional care: trained people look after the children.
• Structured learning: children learn in an organised way.
• Socialisation with peers: children learn to share and get along.
• Monitored environment: many adults are present to watch the children.
• Educational activities: play is used to teach.
• Regular schedule: meals, play and rest happen at fixed times.

What are the disadvantages of daycare?

• High cost: daycare is very expensive.
• Long hours away from parents: children spend much of the day apart from their parents.
• Risk of infections: many children together spread illness easily.
• Less individual attention: one caregiver looks after many children.
• Emotional stress: very young children may feel upset when left.
• Transportation challenges: parents must take children to and from the centre.

What is the difference between house help and daycare?

House help gives care at home, while daycare gives care in a centre with trained staff.

How does more income benefit a family?

Dual income means both parents earn money, so the family has more to spend on its needs and future.

1. Better living standards

• A nice house or apartment.
• A good neighbourhood.
• Quality furniture.
• A comfortable lifestyle.

2. Quality education

• Private schools.
• Extra lessons.
• Educational materials.
• Savings for university.

3. Healthcare

• Health insurance.
• Private hospitals.
• Regular check-ups.
• Better treatment.

4. Investments

• Savings.
• Properties.
• Business.
• Future security for the family.

5. Leisure and recreation

• Family vacations.
• Entertainment.
• Hobbies.
• Quality time activities.

How can working parents balance work and family?

Working parents balance work and family by planning their time so that children still receive love, attention and guidance.

1. Create quality time: set aside time each day to talk and play with the children.
2. Be present when home: give children full attention and put work aside.
3. Involve children in chores: this teaches responsibility and brings the family together.
4. Use technology for communication: call or message the children during the day.
5. Prioritise important events: attend school events, birthdays and other key occasions.
6. Share responsibilities between parents: father and mother divide care and household tasks.
7. Use flexible work arrangements: arrange working hours to fit family needs where possible.
8. Plan weekend family activities: use weekends for outings, worship, meals and games together.

Evaluation

1. What is a baby sitter?
2. Name three advantages of daycare.
3. List three disadvantages of using house help.
4. How does dual income benefit families?
5. What can working parents do to balance work and family?

Assignment

Write a short note comparing baby sitters and daycare centres. End with advice to working parents on caring for their children.