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I would buy it and write it off at tax time. I don't like using other people's careseats....I keep my car VERY clean, never allowing food in the car, etc. Most parents allow food in the car, and the carseat is usually very dirty, not something I want in my car. YUCK! Booster seats are inexpensive and small so they don't take much storage space. I wouldn't lie to Mom and say a friend got pulled over....why would you need to do that? Of course, that's just me, I'd feel guilty about it.
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Tax write off or not, it's money that I would have to pay out right now. I don't charge her all that much anyways.
Plus if I bought one to use for this child, I'd feel like I'd also need to buy for the other two children who I have to put in the car to go get him. Their mother provides seats for them. That would mean two boosters and a 5 point seat for the little one (at the cheapest that would be about $60 at one pop)
And No I don't feel guilty over one little small white lie. People do get ticketed for no child seat...more people should be. She maybe needs to be.Comment
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Let us know what she says about it, she should be the one to purchase a new one for you, if she wants to continue to have you pick up her child from school.Comment
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well, gee, if you didn't want another opinion, why did you ask for it? Seems you already know what you are going to do.
And I'd ALWAYS feel guilty for a little white lie, it's unethical. If you feel so strongly about it, be honest and forthright about it.... tell her that it is against the law, and as per law as a mandated reporter, you are required to report it. And, technically you ARE supposed to.Comment
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I'm not licensed yet.well, gee, if you didn't want another opinion, why did you ask for it? Seems you already know what you are going to do.
And I'd ALWAYS feel guilty for a little white lie, it's unethical. If you feel so strongly about it, be honest and forthright about it.... tell her that it is against the law, and as per law as a mandated reporter, you are required to report it. And, technically you ARE supposed to.Comment
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Speaking directly with her is your best method. Just say that you are concerned that something may happen to your child and you do not feel comfortable in driving him/her without a carseat. Explain that there is a fine if you do get run over that you aren't willing to risk and that you can even have child protective services after you in the case that you are in an accident. If this happens (and assuming your are licensed) you can loose your license. I have a handbook of policies that works in conjunction with my contract that explains what is expected and I have a section about not being able to leave a child without a child/booster seat. I make it simple, if you don't have a carseat I won't watch your kid.Comment
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I feel it's up to you to provide proper restraints for each age of child. If you don't have them, you shouldn't be transporting kids in your vehicle.Comment
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I have to agree with Joyce, you should supply a booster seat. Since you've already been driving him without one, why should Mom suddenly share your change of heart? To me it's also just a question of having the proper equipment to do your job. You wouldn't ask parents to supply the toys, craft supplies, dishes, sippy cups, playpens, and high chairs their children use at your place, right? Same with the booster. Although, if you don't want to start supplying them for every new kid that comes along, why not add that to your policy/registration for any new parents you interview? But I think with this child at least, you're stuck.Comment
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I don't mean to be so forward and I hope this doesn't make me the bad guy but.... you are just as guilty. I understand you have gotten a conscience about it, but you have been going along with this for months.
I know no one likes the devils advocate but I just want to point out while yes mom is stupid and wrong here, she is not the only guilty party.Comment
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I would simply tell her that if you are to continue to pick her up, that she must have a booster seat supplied to you within 3 days. I think your "little white lie" is a good intro into asking her to supply it. Honestly, sometimes a little white lie makes some things easier to deal with, and it causes absolutely no harm to anyone. As far as whether or not the mother uses a car seat in her own vehicle, I personally don't think that is anyones business but her'
s. She is making a bad choice, but it is her choice, and honestly not anyone else's business until the police catch her. You also need to add to your contract that if transportation is required and a booster or child seat is needed, that the parent must provide it in accordance with the law. I don't think it is unreasonable at all to ask for the parent to provide it. I have had many a parent ask me when they started their infant if I needed a pack in play, a high chair, saucer, and they were willing to supply if needed. (I supply it all though) I understand that buying this stuff is expensive, and while you do get the write off at tax time, you still have to pay for it now, but either way, you need to have one for the child.
This is why I do not transport, ever. I don't want the responsibility of someone else's child in my car, I don't want the extra insurance expense and liability issues, and many of my current parents asked if I transported children in my vehicle because they were looking for a provider who did not do this. I don't ever. Let us know how it all worked out.Comment
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I have really considered buying some to use on field trips
I always have the parents leave their carseats when we have a planned field trip. But some seats are huge, some tall, some shorter, too wide etc...I want to get 4 that fit in my vehicle and I can put them in the night before the field trip so we are ready to go. I think it is worth the cost for the convenience. Plus of course you can deduct it on taxes.Comment
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