Would you let your toddler go on a field trip with daycare?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Listen people, the original post was "Would you let your toddler go on a field trip with daycare?" People shared what they would do and why. The OP wanted different opinions and got them. There is no need to attack people for their choices.

I am one of the people who lets their toddler go on a school bus without seatbelts (which, as a PP rightfully point out, is the case on all public transportation). I also, *gasp* used to take my kid on planes as a lap child.

I know that some of you think these practices are unsafe, but those of us who disagree with you are not bad parents. We have considered the options and made decisions we are comfortable with. You can made different decisions, which is fine. I could call you a neurotic, over-protective helicopter parent whose child will grow up with no sense of independence. But I won't, because it's your child and your decision.

Amen!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm of the opinion that if a parent doesn't want their child to take part in a field trip, then it's the responsibility of the parents to find alternate care. I've worked in centers before and the suggestion to send the toddler with another teacher for the time of the field trip isn't always a possibility. Depending on the age of the child, sending the child to another classroom could affect the teacher to child ratio. For example, if a child is 2 years old and stays behind and is sent to a class with older children, then the ratio changes to reflect the age of the youngest child. In some cases, the ratio can go from 1:4 to 1:10. That's not a risk that most daycare centers are willing to take. The easiest solution is to either find alternate care for the field trip or go on the field trip with the child in your own vehicle. Since the trips are pre-planned, then finding back up shouldn't be too difficult.

I use daycare because I work, not because I have the luxury of taking time off because the daycare decides to transporta room of 2 year olds 30 miles away.

Wow. Take the day off. Show some interest in your kid's life.

Or just get a babysitter for the day. Hopefully your child won't pick up on the fact that his/her mom doesn't care.

I am the poster who are responding to. You are so self-righteous that you are hysterical. And clueless, to boot.

[Anonymous]

To me, the fundamental question is whether you fully trust your daycare providers. I did, and consequently I let my kids go on field trips with them at an early age. I also knew and trusted the other parents who were chaperones -- all of whom I knew -- to look out for my kids as well when I couldn't go. In fact, I would call or email one of my parent friends if I couldn't go and ask them to keep a special eye out on my kid, and they would do the same. I don't think the trip itself is inappropriate. Would you as parent hesistate to drive your child that far for an outing? And lets face it, how many outings are there at which a kid this age will last much more than an hour anyway?

If you feel a sense of unease, it is because your gut is telling you that maybe you aren't quite comfortable for a reason, and you should trust that instinct.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
I am one of the people who lets their toddler go on a school bus without seatbelts (which, as a PP rightfully point out, is the case on all public transportation). I also, *gasp* used to take my kid on planes as a lap child.

It is true that public transportation doesn't have seatbelts. However, most city buses aren't traveling at highway speeds on I-270. Metro doesn't have seat belts but metro is very safe -- cars just going in one direction, very few chances of a crach. Planes also are extremely safe all things considered.

For a trip of an hour or so on I-270 or another major highway, for preschoolers or toddlers, I'd really want kids to be in a car seat, properly buckled in.

[Anonymous]

OP here. My discomfort is about many things. It's hard to pinpoint just one thing. It's the distance, the cost, the presentation of this trip by the administration as "optional" when in fact, there is no care provision otherwise. They should not charge so much for the trip if I have no option otherwise. I feel like they are looking to make extra money in a bad economy and paint it as "enrichment." And it is also my heightened anxiety about 270 which I realize is my issue. I am sure the bus and carseats are safe. I don't know who the driver is either, but they tell me it's someone they've used for years. I trust the care providers, but just feel more comfortable when DD is behind the locked playground gate or inside the building. This is the first class outing and my DD in the past few months has run away from me in crowds. Not having seen this place, I am concerned about the parking lot and the "being in public" factor. Am I more neurotic than most? Probably. But there have been enough responses from parents who would not let their child go for me to think I am not such an outlier. I am leaning toward letting her go and driving my own car. I am also planning to inspect the car seat they have before I let her on the bus and then make a determination. Thanks to the PP for raising the diapering/toileting issue. They have not yet addressed with parents how this would work. There is surely to be a poop while on the trip by at least one child. Diaper bags for each child? What a pain in the ass.

[Anonymous]

Ok. I'm the 21:29 poster and a veteran daycare mom who is quite laid back. I think your concerns are all rational ones. I would drive your own child, and I would also address with the director their policy of not being able to opt out. My kids always had to have a permission slip to go, and had the option of staying behind in another class.

Like I said, I am not very uptight, but if there is one thing I have learned as a parent, it is always always always listen to your gut. It is never wrong.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Ok. I'm the 21:29 poster and a veteran daycare mom who is quite laid back. I think your concerns are all rational ones. I would drive your own child, and I would also address with the director their policy of not being able to opt out. My kids always had to have a permission slip to go, and had the option of staying behind in another class.

Like I said, I am not very uptight, but if there is one thing I have learned as a parent, it is always always always listen to your gut. It is never wrong.

My gut is sometimes wrong.