XP: WWYD re: daycare

shaadi

My daycare providers take the children out  for walks, including visiting a senior center nearby. Sometimes, the senior center residents also visit the kids, and help with bottle feeding and playing. This is supposed to promote intergenerational bonding.

Although I think it is wonderful for the old people and the kids, I am not very comfortable in letting some stranger holding my baby and even feeding him a bottle.

I need to give authorization for my child to take part in this "program". What would you do?

el25

That is a really tough question.  I was uncomfortable bringing my baby into a nursing home last week.  I don't think that I would my child to take part in that program.

EastCoastBride

shaadi:

My daycare providers take the children out  for walks, including visiting a senior center nearby. Sometimes, the senior center residents also visit the kids, and help with bottle feeding and playing. This is supposed to promote intergenerational bonding.

Although I think it is wonderful for the old people and the kids, I am not very comfortable in letting some stranger holding my baby and even feeding him a bottle.

I need to give authorization for my child to take part in this "program". What would you do?

Just playing devils advocate here because I don't know what I would do.  But - you think it's a great program, as long as it's not your kid?  If all parents thought this, then there would be no program, right?

KathrynMD

I think it sounds great for everyone involved.  As long as there were safety and sanitary precautions, I'd be totally fine with it.  That really sounds sweet.  Honestly, it makes me a teary to picture it - how sweet for the seniors and the babies.

JssBB6

Depends on the age of the baby, I don't think I would let my 3 month old.  She's to little to understand and it just adds to more people taking care/holding her.  I think at this age they need consistant caregivers.  Plus, I'm not a fan of pass the baby around due to germs.

Bearbride05

KathrynMD:

I think it sounds great for everyone involved.  As long as there were safety and sanitary precautions, I'd be totally fine with it.  That really sounds sweet.  Honestly, it makes me a teary to picture it - how sweet for the seniors and the babies.

 

Ditto this with the safety and sanitary precautions. As long as the residents are strong enough to safely hold a child of a certain weight and as long as they screen the residents to make sure they are not sick on any given day.

pmkmp

I'm a preemie mom, so I'm probably more cautious than most, but I wouldn't do it.  My initial reaction was, OMG the germs!  Even if they wash their hands, there are still so many air born germs. Preemie or not, young babies are very susceptible to germs.  I'd also be worried about the residents being able to hold a squirmy baby.  I've watched DD with her great-grandparents and have had to make some quick moves to keep her from accidently being dropped.  Just my over-cautious 2 cents!

Angela814

Can you tag along one day and see how the program is actually run?  That might ease some of the concerns you have.  It does sound like a great program.

abpdjs

Bearbride05:

KathrynMD:

I think it sounds great for everyone involved.  As long as there were safety and sanitary precautions, I'd be totally fine with it.  That really sounds sweet.  Honestly, it makes me a teary to picture it - how sweet for the seniors and the babies.

 

Ditto this with the safety and sanitary precautions. As long as the residents are strong enough to safely hold a child of a certain weight and as long as they screen the residents to make sure they are not sick on any given day.

ditto this.  safety and sanitary would be my biggest concerns.

lucyred

I would want to know more about the program before a yes or no.  There is a big difference btw a 65 yr old and an 85 yr old senior citizen.

And remember germs go both ways!  Do these old folks really want kid germs!?!?  lol

itsmyturn2

I would let DS go, but if you aren't comfortable with it - then say no - I'm sure you can always change your mind.