Child Care Questions? Call 800-683-3327

Informal Child Care

For many families, formal child care in a center or family child care home is simply not an option. Some worry about the cost. Others would rather have a close friend or relative provide care.

Whatever the reason, there are steps you can take before leaving your child in someone else’s hands.

• Discuss the child’s health and daily schedule, such as eating, sleeping, playing, etc.
  
• Clearly outline house rules, such as whether the child is allowed to watch TV or eat sweets.
   
• Emphasis child safety, such as using a properly installed car seat and placing a baby to sleep on his back.
   
• Clearly communicate expectations, such as how many hours you’ll need the care and how you can be contacted in case of emergency.
   
• Discuss compensation – whether payment, child care exchange or other services.

Click here to visit the AARP web site for great advice for grandparents caring for grandchildren. Much of the information can also be used when child care arrangements are made with other relatives, friends or neighbors. Check it out:

Considering a Babysitter?

Then consider the following before letting an older sibling or neighborhood teen watch your child:

• How mature is the babysitter? Even at 12, a child may be too immature to care for other children.
• How old is the child(ren) being cared for? Even a mature 12-year-old shouldn’t watch an infant for a long period of time.
• What is the physical/mental health of the child(ren) being cared for? A medically needy child should not be under the care of another child.
• What is the behavioral history of the child(ren) being cared for? Some children are more challenging or need more attention than others.
• Has the sitter taken a babysitting class or other child care class? It may not be the answer to everything, but at least it will provide a foundation for the sitter.

For links to babysitting classes, or for other parenting information, click here to visit the American Red Cross web site.