Child Care: The Do's and Don't's

Melissa - posted on 07/07/2011

I have been babysitting kids for many years and I would never let anyone watch my daughter that wasn't close family or friends. I did send her to an at home daycare for a few months though and the lady who ran it was in her late 40s or early 50s. I really don't think I would send her to someone that didn't have kids of their own. I would also never find a random person off of the internet. There are plenty of people you can be referred to.

Savona - posted on 07/06/2011

Definitely has to be with someone you trust *nodnod* The sitter should be atleast 18, and I think ads on facebook or craigslist is fine, perhaps a meeting with them first =)

Hannah - posted on 07/06/2011

i personally would find a few registred chilminders and check them out

Amanda - posted on 07/06/2011

i totally agree, there are some very responsible 12 years that I know and as long as it's for short amounts of time and you have a possible emergency contact person that can be there within a couple minutes I think there is nothing wrong with it.
As for finding a child care provider...Are you interested in having an in-home sitter? if you are I posted an ad in my local paper and did interviews with everyone that was interested and picked the one I felt was the best. And if not, then keep looking. There will be someone out there you feel comfortable with. Just take your time and don't panic about it.
And you can always do the same if you are looking for an out-of-home childcare. Apply and do interviews with any you think might be a possibilty and pick the best one?!

September - posted on 07/06/2011

Personally I would never seek out child care via the internet. I was lucky enough to be able to stay home with our son for the first year of his life and during that time spent several weeks checking out in home day care facilities. We wanted our son in a day care with few children and a place that felt like a second home. After looking into about 20 different places we found the perfect fit for our family. He's been going for a year and a half and LOVES it! It's a great day care to say the least and we are very thankful to have found such a loving place for our son to spend his time. Outside of day care we only allow Grandma and his aunt and uncle to babysit him. I do have a few really close friends that I would allow to babysit him as well.

Michelle - posted on 07/06/2011

the county has refferals ours was in like the social services building and they just give you a list of all the licenced daycare providers and a number to call to check their history (if they got any strikes for not having things right etc) i started there and it worked great1

Stifler's - posted on 07/05/2011

I wouldn't let a random teenager look after my kids. Another mum yes.

Nykee - posted on 07/05/2011

I'm shocked at how people hand their children over to just about anyone. My mom and my close friends who have spent a lot of time with my kids and know their personalities and routines and how I handle things are the only ones I leave my kids with, and never for long. They're with me basically 24/7. I'm paranoid.

I would say it depends on the age of the child. If it's a 5-6 year old, a 12-13 year old that you know and trust to have good sense wouldn't necessarily be bad. As for an 8 month baby, I'd find an adult who has experience with children and lots of references.

Never leave your child with anyone you are not 150% comfortable with, and don't be afraid to drop in to see how their day is going if you ever have doubts. If you're going to go the day care route, don't schedule a tour. Drop in unannounced so they can't plan for you. You want to see their day without any smoke and mirrors. (I used to work in day care, and while it was a great center and the kids were well cared for, things were different when we were expecting a tour.)

Nova-Dawn - posted on 07/05/2011

I agree with Rebecca, 12+ is fine for short term but an all day over even over night? No way. 20+ preferable with kids of their own. I use to baby sit at that age and while I was a good sitter, I did beth time if that was asked for,cooked dinner for some and did all day and over night but my main goal was to get them busy so I could watch tv or chat on the phone. That just how most teens think, "You 1st after me." This being said I have had time crunches cause me to get a bit crazed to find a sitter and have look at a lot of ways to find a sitter. The best way to find a sitter in my opinion is your local community center. They usually have a list of registered day care providers and then ask them for a criminal record check, most have a copy, but it depends on where you live and the local laws. If you still don't feel comfortable you can always get a hold of ministry of children and family, ask them who they recommend as you can seem to find 1 you trust, again they should have a list that they use and recommend to clients.

Rebecca - posted on 07/05/2011

I think 12 is a good age for short amount of time like 2 hours or so if the child they are watching is over 2

I would never look for a babysitter on facebook i get family or a teenager from my church and check references I could never trust a stranger