Re: child care provider chores (starting new thread...)

Stephanie wrote:
all works out in the end with no need to micromanage a provider's
> time if you trust that your end goal and hers (most often) are the same;

> excellent care, nurturing, activities, nutricion, environment for the 
> children in her care.

> Stephanie 
> 


This is what I was after when I looked for care.  I had a neighbor 
provide care for my first two children.  They, along with her own, were 
the only two kids she watched - unless the other neighbor/her friend 
came over to visit.  I was happy that my children were in a 'typical' 
environment during the day and I did not attempt to micromanage her 
time.  She also took them on errands.

If I had a relative watch my kids (not an option for me but 
hypothetically) I would expect them to go on about their lives while 
watching my kids.  Much as I do when I am home with them.  If I had to 
spend 8hrs a day glued to my kid, not able to do a single chore, not 
able to go anywhere, we'd all be crazy.  I'm not sure why we would 
expect others to do that.

If I was using a typical home daycare in my state (which has up to 12 
kids w/one provider) I'd expect a little more 'nothing but watch the 
child'.  I wasn't really comfortable with those and never used them. 
For the daycare center I used - I expected it to be staffed so that 
someone was always watching the kids.  I did not expect them to have 
constant interaction though.  They did go on trips but we signed waivers 
and they were trips for the kids (not errands).

The only time I expect someone to pay 100% attention to my kids is if I 
hire a teen babysitter for a few hours (I wish).  In that cir***stance I 
don't trust them to multi-task and 3-4hrs of playtime once every couple 
of weeks isn't crazy making.

I have anxiety regarding my babies just like any mother.  I try to be 
level headed.  If I can clearly identify real dangers or reasons for 
concern I act on them.  If it is just some nebulous anxiety not based on 
any real thing - I really try to make appropriate decisions based on 
what meets everyone's needs.

--

Nikki, mama to 4 boys.