Conference moira::parenting_v3

         Take a deep breath.  Now, I don't know how long it has been since
    you called, but in any event call back now to see what is happening! 
    This way your concerns will be answered.  This is what I would do.
    
    Diane, a mother-who-calls-about-everything
    

    
    I don't know all the facts but from what you've said, I'd be on my 
    way over there.  I suggest that you call again and if no answer go
    over and see what's up.
    
    When it comes to someone caring for my children I am much more at
    ease knowing that they are at a daycare center rather than at a
    private residence.  
    I can recommend 2 centers that I have had very good experiences with,
    depending on his age there may be openings at First Steps in Hudson 
    where my children are now.  It may cost alittle more than a private 
    residence but, in my opinion, its worth it.
                                  
    I hope everything works out.
    

    I say, go to daycare now.  If you are worried, you cann't work
    anyway.   If daycare is not far from your office, a quick visit
    may ease your mind.
    
    Wendy

    I concur. Get in your car and GO. If you do not like what you see, get
    your son out of there. Bring him back to work if you must, but he is
    your first priority. It sounds like something worth investigating.
    
    Lee Ann
    

    
    I will call back again.  I guess I just wanted to ..talk to someone
    first.  
    
    The first call was at 11:45 ..the second at 12:00 (this is why I was so
    concerned..it's lunch time for the kids! and her oldest comes home on
    the bus at 12:30)

    Maybe they were outside when you called the second time?  Let us know
    what happened please.

    
    Ok...I just called again...NO ANSWER.
    
    I'll be leaving in 15 minutes or so If anyone has any more advise I
    think I could use it.
    
    ...thanks for your fast answers so far!!
    
    el
    

    Maybe Sue had to run an errand, and her mom is watching the kid(s). 
    Maybe they are out for fresh air (with the mom) since it's nice outside
    right now.  
    
    Maybe Sue asked her mom not to answer the phone while she's out because 
    she feels guilty that her mom is in charge (when she should really be 
    there at all times)?
    
    Good luck
    

    
    Her mom watching is really not the issue, but she is operating a
    licensed daycare, to which her mom is not licensed to participate.
    And this is not permissable...etc.
    
    What the issue is ..is that I left my son in HER care and right now I
    don't know what is going on!
    
    el
    
    
    

    This is probably late but, here's what I'd do:
    
    I get my buns over there immediately!!!
    
    Lori B.

    WELL.......What happened??????
    
    Roberta

    
    First, thank you all for your fast responses on friday, I was so
    worried.  Perhaps because we hear more horror stories than good stories
    about what can happen to your child at daycare we tend to think the
    worst.
    
    When I arrived at Sue's everything was ... fine ...  
    
    Because I said that I would call back she thought I had just called
    to say Hi, which I sometimes do.  
    
    There was a problem with the phone that she was not aware of.  
    When I got there WE checked the phone there was no dial tone and 
    I reported the trouble for her when I got my little pumpkin HOME.
    
    We have made an agreement, when I call NO MATTER WHAT if I do not get
    her she is to return my call asap emergency or not.
    
    Thanks again for your help.
    
    el
    

    I just "tuned in" late to this one, and feel your worries and reactions
    were very definitely warranted.  And I would have done the same.
    
    From my experience though, it was common knowledge that the
    home-provider would never leave the children outside unattended to go
    in and answer the phone.  She later bought a cordless phone for that
    very reason. I felt both actions to be justified.  She also would bring
    her baby minder outside, since her daughter was still an infant and she
    would frequently leave her napping while the older boys were outside
    playing.  She also had a van type vehicle and often spent most of the
    morning at the local playground or playgroup.  I just knew she wasn't
    at home most morning.
    
    I say if you just don't have a warm fuzzy feeling, then speak up, and
    if that doesn't work, change situations.
    
    Hope all is calm now.
    Lyn

    Boy does THIS sound familiar!  I had a situation about 5 years ago
    where I temporarily lost my regular daycare person.  I had my two
    children at another providers who I was beginning to feel uncomfortable
    with (her kids against mine type of thing...).  Well, I called one day
    and got no answer.  This was the middle of winter and she wouldn't have
    had the kids outside on this particular day.  I tried and tried calling
    and still no answer.  The things that went through my head were
    UNBELIEVEABLE!  I was SURE someone had broken into her house and killed
    them all!  I drove to her house crying all the way....walked
    in....and...EVERYTHING WAS FINE!  She had turned the ringer off on her
    phone because her son was napping and had forgotten to turn it back on!
    
    So, you're not alone in worrying!  Better to check it out then sit
    there torturing yourself!
    
    Linda

    I've been fortunate enough to only have my son in a home day situation
    for 3-4 months when I first returned to work. Now, Daddy is home all
    day with him. We all love it!

    In response to the issue at hand... I have given this situation some
    thought, as there were times that I couldn't reach the child care
    provider by phone. If I need daycare again, I will ask for a neighbor's
    phone number, just incase I can't reach the caretaker.

    Just a thought,
    Norma