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In many situations, choosing an appropriate caregiver or babysitter feels like an intuitive process. We often instinctively trust fris, family members, partners, or spouses with the care of our children assuming they'll prioritize our child's well-being.
However, such assumptions can be risky. Some individuals might automatically entrust their child to the care of a babysitter or caregiver without thoroughly assessing them, only for it later become apparent that this person was irresponsible andor abusive towards children. , unsafe caregivers could be anyone - even close fris, partners, neighbors, spouses, family members.
As your child's first protector, you have the power to ensure their safety. Even if you feel like you know someone well enough; it is important to exercise due diligence in verifying that the adults caring for your children are trustworthy and safe. Here’s how:
Think about these questions when considering anyone who cares for your child:
How do they treat people around them, particularly other kids cousins, fris' children?
Do they become agitated when you're sping time with your child?
Do they show impatience or anger at a child crying or having tantrums?
Have they ever called your child names that are disrespectful and derogatory?
Does it seem like they find it amusing to scare your child?
Are they inclined towards controlling the situation, always making decisions for you and your child without considering other perspectives?
Do they put you down or indicate you're a bad parent or that having children was a mistake?
Have they ever preted that an accident didn't have serious consequences, or were not forthcoming about how injuries occurred?
Does it seem like they try to shift blame onto you if your child gets hurt?
If there is negative answer for the first question, or you answer 'yes' to any of these questions, your child might be at risk. Never entrust your child to someone whose trustworthiness and ability to ensure their safety cannot be assured.
The following are signs that could indicate a potential caregiver would not provide safe care:
Inexperience in childcare.
Lack of certification for Child Development Resources or First d trning.
Concerns regarding alcohol, drug use including marijuana, with or without a prescription. Ask them about substance usage, have they been drinking? that even legal and prescribed medications can affect their interaction with your child.
Concerns over potential misuse of medication causing drowsiness or side effects which could impact their care.
Possession or discussion of having weapons avlable, including concealed carry.
A tency to become easily angered, or physically or verbally abusive towards children.
Avoidance when answering questions regarding activities involving your child.
Inability to expln accidents clearly. If you observe injuries like cuts or bruises on a baby, can the caregiver expln how they occurred?
Never trust someone with caring for your child without serious concern.
Provide the correct information for emergencies:
Create an emergency contact list that includes:
Where you'll be while they're under their care.
When you expect to return home.
A phone number where you will remn reachable during this time frame.
An alternate contact name and phone number who can reach you in case of emergency or when you are unavlable.
The name, phone number, and location for your child’s healthcare provider.
A list detling any medications your child requires if needed.
Any extra medicine or medical supplies you need to keep at hand; ensure they know where it is stored.
Special medical needs, including routines required due to a health condition.
Check if your baby has allergies, and provide this detl too. Ensure the caregiver understands this information well.
Note any signs that could suggest potential problems with their care.
CO4Kids, as an initiative of the Colorado Department of Services, create awareness about the statewide child welfare system. It focuses on educating people regarding the signs of child abuse and neglect while promoting the use of the Hotline 844-264-5437 for reporting concerns related to children or adolescents.
Additionally, CO4Kids emphasizes strengthening families as a preventive measure agnst abuse and neglect, ensuring all Colorado kids grow up in a safe environment. Lastly, it commits to recruiting and retning foster parents and adoptive parents so that when a child cannot be cared for at home, they have the opportunity to thrive in a secure environment.
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This article is reproduced from: https://co4kids.org/community-blog/how-to-choose-a-safe-caregiver-or-babysitter-for-your-child/
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Selecting Safe Caregivers Online Background Checks for Babysitters Trustworthy Childcare Providers Tips Emergency Contact for Kids Safety Colorado Department of Human Services Guide Prevention of Child Abuse Strategies