Childcare issue - help please Speakermom!

Got a sensitive problem with child care that I wasn't expecting ...could use some professional advice please! May I email?

Julie,

I am not a professional-just a Mom with some child care experience.

Feel free to email me if you feel comfortable.

Lynn

I'm not a professional. Just a mom, but I'm willing to listen and carefully offer my two cents.

Thanks Lynn and Dotsie - thankfully the issue seems to have settled down after I took 2 days off plus the weekend to be at home with my daughter. Hubby had an interview with the childcare provider and sorted out a few issues...the main one being that the family providing the daycare is getting a snake for Christmas and my poor little girl was concerned about it...you can imagine where my mind was racing when she told me "I don't like the snake"...

May I still suggest an unscheduled monitoring visit from time to time?

Loved my Day Care Mom to death, still do but I stopped by unannounced just to check. I could never be too sure.

My son is in school now, and we still get together like family on holidays. We were truly blessed.

Lynn

I'm not sure what the heck this is about as it was never stated except the snake issue. I would be concerned about my child being anywhere near a snake depending on its size. Even a non-poisonous snake can deliver a nasty bite. When I used child care I made it a point to pop in just to check things out and one afternoon found my son, age 3 and her daughter sitting on the floor of a closet while this bitch watched her soaps. I'm assuming this was a daily practice as my baby was having nightmares and crying. You can never be too sure about some people and this woman was so attractive, neat and recommended by my church. Goes to show you, can't trust anyone just because they seem nice. It's our job as parents to safeguard our kids. I still have never forgiven myself for what he went through.

Julie, I'm with Lynn on the unannounced visits. Absolutely!

And Julie, if Chatty who loves all animals, says snakes are a bad thing then I say take your daughter and RUN!!
smile

Unannounced visits is one of the best things to ensure your child's welfare.

My two little ones were very young when I returned to find them both soaked-unchanged all day - and with the diaper bag full of clean clothes, diapers and all the necesities. I just couldn't take it any longer and quit ASAP! Her EXCUSE was that they were too quiet and made no fuss at all .

The worst part...This was in the winter and happened a few times, even after I talked to the sitter a few times.

(And mine weren't unannounced visits, just my scheduled pick up time !

Hope all works out for you!

[ December 14, 2004, 03:59 PM: Message edited by: Songbird ]

We have parted company with this particular child carer.

I gave her a second chance against my better judgement but arrived early to find my daughter had been upset all day - and that callous lady didn't ring me (I could have been there in 5 minutes). I was so angry I put off talking with her until I felt calmer, only to have her arrive at my doorstep at 9pm wanting her money. Once the cheque was in her hand her true colours showed. I am so glad my daughter is removed from her influence - but sorry to have such an ugly ending. Why do people disappoint? Do I expect too much? I am trying hard to forgive the things she said to me.

Thank God for my loving sons who are stepping into the gap this week to help with their sister

Julie, you can never expect too much when it comes to the care of your child!

Hi Julie-sorry to read about your dilemma. In the future if I can help, would be glad to. I have spent 23 years of my professional career working in Special Education and with day cares. I'll try to help wherever possible. Good luck to you-and email me if you want! Dana

Dearest Julie,

I was a home childcare provider for 12 years. If I can offer any assistance please, please let me know. I am sorry you had this disturbing experience. Please know that you can never, ever be too careful or concerned about your child, but keep the faith not all childcare providers are bad. I can send you some ideas of what to look for in a childcare situation and some good questions to ask if you wish.

MM

Thanks...we were happy for a long time with this carer - its only in the last month or so things have gone bad. Her heart is no longer in it, I think. But when children are concerned, it has to be the best ALL the time, not just when she feels like it. Next year I will be working less and we have 2 days of preschool booked at the church run centre my son attended 13 years ago, and many of the same staff are still there!! I'm looking forward to a good year.