I recall the first year that I worked in child care and my eyes were quickly opened to a new world that was not “babysitting” or “playing” for a living. This was intense work and in order to provide the highest quality of care it required experience, professional development, support systems, and dedication. During that same year I remember one parent telling staff that we had the easy job because at the end of the day we sent the children home with their parents.

I have always valued the voice of a parent as they are a child’s first and most important caregiver, teacher, and role model but also the individual who is responsible for that child in every way that we measure.   His comment has always been with me during my years in early childhood and often reminded me that my perspective is that of a professional and not that of a parent despite my efforts to work on the behalf of families and their children. I have always missed that personal experience despite my eagerness to learn all that I can of families.
 
Eight weeks ago my wife and I welcomed Jillian Rose into the world and for the past eight weeks we have experienced the life of family first hand. I will be the first to attest that we have been “lucky” to not be overly exhausted, frustrated, and challenged amidst all the happiness, joy, and wonderful new adventures.   She has a very easy going temperament and has been eating and sleeping well since her birth. We are fortunate that we have a very strong support system, access to resources, and one another to ease the transition.
 
We have had moments when we struggle to identify her needs before she reaches her peak of frustration, and we have learned many things about her personality through the past eight weeks. Through all the good times and the trials and tribulations this personal experiences has magnified my knowledge of family needs for accessible resources, parenting education, and effective support systems. 
 
I know, I know. This is what I do for a living, and at this point I am preaching to the choir.
 
With this in mind my personal experience will continue to enhance my passion for advocating for families in need, and the children in our care. For the parent who lacks the basic resources for day to day survival. For the family who lacks a support systems of family, friends, and community. For the family that experiences caring for a sick child, a child with individualized needs, and the circumstances that leave you utterly exhausted.   For the single parent who must go at this alone, or those parents who lack the support of their family, friends, or community resources. 
 
The list goes longer than I have space for in the blog, and I am hopeful that through our continued work with one another we can continue to build the community support systems that meets the needs of Michigan’s families. 
 

Jeremy Reuter is the Director of the Head Start Collaboration Office