Interesting thread. I was going to open with... OMG, a LATTE, you say?!,
but, I thought that would sound a bit harsh coming from a newbie.
Seriously, though, mothers and fathers deserve to take a break from their children, and what they choose to do while on that break is their own business. It doesn't make them unfit. It doesn't mean their children are being neglected.
I have been both a stay at home mom, (I had quite a few children in a row...hence the 'fertile' in my name) and a daycare provider. Not Mary Poppins, (I loathe uniforms
), but still quite sought after and respected. My advice to anyone out there using daycare would be to find someone who is licensed. This usually means they have been finger printed and cleared through a background check, and have had training in 1st aid, CPR, and, possibly, nutrition. When interviewing, even if you like what you see and hear, please go home and call all the references you were given. I can't tell you how many people don't bother to do this! Also, during the interview tell the provider you will be dropping in, unexpectedly, from time to time. And, then, actually do it. As soon as you suspect there is a problem of any kind, immediately bring it to the caregiver's attention. Let her/him know how concerned you are. If you have gotten lucky and found a real Mary Poppins, show your appreciation with a generous tip. Gifts are nice, too, but most daycare providers are underpaid.