19 Jun Put the bubble wrap away, Mom

Parenting is tough.  It’s stressful and exhausting, and on top of it all, it is our responsibility to be our children’s front-line protectors.  How can we do that when we still have to work and can’t keep them by our sides all day?  If only we could cover them in bubble wrap to keep them safe!  

 Summer brings a new challenge to these questions, but there are steps to take and questions to ask potential caregivers and summer camps that can help ease your mind in knowing your child is in fact, safe with a trusted adult.  

 Deciding where our children go for summer care is a big decision that deserves a lot of thought. There are a few key points to consider when making that choice, even if it is a family member or significant other babysitting.  

 The first thing to consider when thinking about your options is to recognize the potential caregiver’s past behaviors and habits, such as taking any prescription medicines, drinking alcohol, or carrying a weapon.  

 Ask yourself the following questions:  

• Do they get angry or impatient when your child is throwing a tantrum? 
• Do they think it is funny to scare your child or say mean and hurtful things to/about them? 

• When your child gets hurt do they play it off like it’s no big deal? 
• Does my child feel comfortable around this person? 

Once you feel like you have trustworthy options for a summer caregiver, you can take these next steps:  

• Request a criminal background check done for only $25 by visiting the Kentucky Court of Justice website  

• Check the sex offenders list by name or address radius 
• Request a background check of the child abuse and neglect registry for $10 through the Cabinet for Health and Family Services
• You can learn more about these background checks here. 

 Be sure to check out Face It’s newest resource, “Playing It Safe.” Before you send your child to another home for the day or overnight, go over the information with your child and review the questions on the back page to make sure you and your child are ready. 

Blog by: Courtney Rasche, Kentucky Youth Advocates