• Parenting
  • Safety

Who's watching your child?

Posted
Baby in crib

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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