- Parenting
- Safety
Who's watching your child?

Babies don’t come with instruction manuals and not everyone is suited to babysit. When children are left with non-relative caregivers who have little or no child care experience and no family bonds, the results can be dangerous. A child who lives with an adult not related to him/her is nearly 50 times more likely to die of physical abuse than a child living with both biological parents.
If you choose to leave your child alone with a caregiver, ask yourself:
• Does the person expect the child to do things that are unrealistic for his/her age?
• Does the person show impatience or anger when your child cries or gets upset?
• Does the person overreact when your child doesn’t listen?
• Does the person call your child bad names or say your child is a nuisance?
• Does the person think it is funny to scare your baby?
• Does the person say you are a bad parent or not strict enough?
• Has the person hurt your child,or you, before?
• Does the person drink alcohol or use drugs around your child?
• Does the person handle guns or knives around your child?
• Has the person mistreated other children?
If the answer to any of these questions is “yes,” your child could be at risk. Find another babysitting option.
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Related resources
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Early Learning Coalition of Palm Beach County
Local child-care information, resource and referral, including help paying for care for eligible families
561-514-3300 Website Email -
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Florida Department of Children and Families
Abuse hotline
800-962-2873 Website Email -
- Education
- Parenting
Florida Department of Children & Families
Child care provider search, including license information and inspection reports
Website Email