I had no idea.
Finding daycare is hands down the most difficult thing I have EVER had to do. Not only have I called literally over 75 daycare providers, and been told they are full, have no openings, or don’t take infants, but I have been appalled at the TWO that said they had openings and did interviews with. Here’s the synopsis:
Lady #1:
–Would only have 2 children. Henry and a little 4 year old girl. Great! Lots of personal attention!
—Is Christian. They pray before meals. Awesome!
—Has a pit bull. Don’t worry she says…it has it’s own fenced off portion of the yard, and it’s tied up on top of that. Oh no…
So, as much as I am okay with dogs, my stomach sunk when she told me she had a Pit. Let’s be serious, they are not exactly the most stable of breeds. I know a lot of them are sweet and wonderful, but the fact remains that they are also responsible for a vast majority of bites, serious maulings and fatalities. But, to be fair, I go check it out because I really like her otherwise. I get to the house, and the lawn is overgrown, there’s old cars parked on the grass, and looks in otherwise disrepair. I sigh and knock on the door anyway. A woman answers the door, shirt stained, dirty bare feet and greasy hair that looks like it hasn’t been washed in at least a week. I go into the house and find that it is filthy. Old food on the kitchen counter, junk everywhere, it stinks. And the pit bull is jumping, barking, snarling, drooling and basically trying to eat me through the sliding glass door. She must have seen my face because she quickly says, the dog is usually tied up over there…and she points to a small area of the yard fenced off…by a three foot high fence. NEXT.
Lady #2:
–Lives on 5 acres. Has horses, ducks, chickens. Perfect for a little boy!
—Has one 2 year old, 2 one year olds, and 1 five month old. Hmmm, not sure how much one on one time Henry will get…
Nice property, nice house, a whole back room dedicated to the daycare area. The five month old is napping. The 2 one year olds are in a playpen together and the two year old is sitting on the floor. All three are GLUED to the T.V. She has what seems like 100 kid’s video tapes on a bookshelf. There are toys too, but they are all in their proper place on the shelves. I ask her what her policy on TV time is. She says they don’t watch much, but she put it on since she knew I was coming over and this way, we could talk uninterrupted. But here’s the thing: first of all, if I’m coming over to see your program, why would you have the kids set up in a way that isn’t really what you supposedly do? Secondly, part of what I want to see is how you interact with the kids. Little zombies watching Blue’s Clues is not helping my cause. And if they don’t watch much TV, why do you need so many tapes? Thirdly, if the kids have been there since 7:30 and they were only now put in front of the TV, why are there no toys out? Is it because you cleaned up or because they haven’t played with any yet? Lastly, my gut just told me she was lying. Maybe that’s wrong of me to suspect the worst, but something in the way those kids were so mesmerized told me that that television was on all day long. Or at least, a lot longer than I would ever want Henry to watch. I’m not anti-TV…I’m just anti TV babysitting.
So, it’s back to the drawing board. It’s amazing how great these women sounded over the phone and how different it was when I actually checked out their place! Our saving grace is that Dori has been gracious enough to offer to watch little Henry for a few months in case we can’t find daycare in time for me to go back to work. But in the meantime, this stinks!
Latest posts by jeannett (see all)
- Dirt in a Jar, Laundry Scientists, and Clean Water - October 20, 2015
- Because Cake. - October 11, 2015
- How to design a luxury bathroom for less - August 12, 2015
oh, jeannett. i’m so sorry–that sounds awful. you’ll find something though–God will provide. God bless your hunt! Oh and are you going to come tomorrow night? No pressure, just checking. it would be great to see you and brianna is coming, too.
what a nightmare..I can’t even imagine how disheartening that must be. Have you tried Craigslist or zzstar? I’ve heard of some local people who had alot of luck there…
Tried Craigslist about a month ago, but I’ll try again…good idea on the zzstar…
Thanks!
I would love to help you if I can. I can’t be a permanent solution.. but if others are sick, or things come up, please call me.. and if I can help, I will. I’ll be praying that God sends the right person… He will.
How is Henry’s heart? My kids and I are still praying for his heart each night and that it will continue to heal.
We have an appointment with the pediatric cardiologist down in Santa Barbara on Sept. 24th…so we’ll have an update then! Thanks for thinking and praying for him all this time! I love my friends…
Have you tried looking for a nanny? One that could come to your home? I know there are several in AG that I have met at the park. There are lots of young married women who want to work with kids, but don’t neccesarily want a traditional job and would be great nanny’s. Anyway, just a thought! There is a sight online for local nanny’s but I totally don’t know what it is, you could do a google search.
Unfortunately, nannies go for about $12 an hour…so, the typical 10 hour day (8-5 plus half hour drop off and half hour pick up) would cost me $120 a DAY!
Ouch! Bummer, okay, ummmmm, do you have to go back to work?? JK! Good luck and I’ll be praying for you!
I wish I could be there to help. Don’t worry… you will find someone!!! These people are lying because you haven’t found the right person, yet. She’s out there… put your faith in God’s hands. He’ll take care of you. He gave you Lizzie when you had nowhere to go. He gave you Andy when all you had was Lizzie. He gave you a new job just before He gave you Henry… He’s taken care of you!!!
that is scary crazy! i am praying for a good solution and a person who will love and nurture henry so you can have peace of mind while you work. xoxo