One Yr Old Keeps Getting Scratches

[allsmiles]

I have a very fair skinned crawler that has gotten a scratch at least twice a week the last 2 weeks.. now the first was another crawler that pawed at her, but the few after that were definately not other children.. i have no idea where these lil scratches are coming from..one it was her leg, today its her arm. i totally understand the dcd's concern BUT im tired of assuring him she is adequately supervised. I am not talking deep flesh scratches either..
what kind of wording do i need to let him know that i cant quarantune her to a play pen and i cant be worried every time she touches something he will scold me.. .. he has to trust me or find other care...
any suggestions of a nice letter?

[Soccermom]

I would just remain really casual about it..I would tell DCD that he has nothing to worry about and that scrapes and bruises are all part of exploring and growing. At this age their little nails are super sharp too and they easily scratch themselves and others.

If he continues to make a fuss about it, I would suggest he find another provider as it is obvious he does not trust that you are a caring and loving DP.

This must be their first born...any seasoned parent knows that bumps and scratches are an everyday thing for kids, especially crawlers.

[allsmiles]

your words are EXACTLY what i told him this morning soccer mom.. i looked on this site for advice because my youngest is 11.. i dont remember this stage, but i did know this lil girl is watched like a hawk! so i gathered the courage to tell him it was normal for this age.
i was already tired cuz he mentioned it last week.. i told him then she is a crawler, but we will keep an eye on her..
then she scratched HERSELF in the face in frustration a few days later and dad said he was CONCERNED about all these scratches becuz she doesnt do this at home??? so this morning i said ur exact words.. and a lil after breakfast, low and behold..she has a lil scratch on her arm????????????? im like WTH???? there are NOOOO other babies here today.. i dont want to go thru this EVERY time a faint lil scratch comes up on her..
and yes he does have other children but he must have forgot like i did LOL..
im just fed up with his questions..what do you want me to do?? you need to just find another dc..

[Josiegirl]

I always feel so terrible when a baby or toddler gets a mark of any kind. BUT all you can do is tell them exactly what you told them. They need to put their trust in you and if they cannot do that, then they might need to stay home with dck and keep them in their bubble.
I felt bad Monday when my new little 1 yo was standing by the doorway and a 4 yo dcg turned around and knocked her right down, complete accident. Big bruise on her forehead. Dcm took it much better than I did. But once a child starts moving, scratches, bruises and marks appear from anywhere.

[NeedaVaca]

Have you checked her nails? If they are jagged or too long you should tell the DCD to start keeping them trimmed to eliminate the scratches. Outdoor play could easily cause scratches but there is nothing in my house that would.

[MarinaVanessa]

Have you checked her nails? If they are jagged or too long you should tell the DCD to start keeping them trimmed to eliminate the scratches. Outdoor play could easily cause scratches but there is nothing in my house that would.

I was JUST going to ask this. Babies have the sharpest nails ever and sometimes even when they are trimmed regularly even with the slightest growth they can scratch themselves.

[allsmiles]

thanks u guys..:hug: i did check her nails.. they seemed fine..now the other infants nails were jagged which is why it made such an ugly scratch.. i asked that mom to please cut and file them.. but these other scratches are very faint and are gone the next day?? ughhh .. he swings her upside down and flips her in the air in my presence and has the nerve to question her safety with me LOL

[Heidi]

Ok, in all honestly, I would be ready next time to roll my eyes and suggest they wrap her in bubble wrap from now on!

Come on...SCRATCHES?

Now, if she had a black eye or was missing a limb, they'd have a legitimate complaint!

Ladies...lets give her some good come backs she can just throw out there next time.

Something like:

Yep, she's got a scratch, but if you don't stop whining about it, we'll have bigger problems when I tear out all my hair!

Ok, that's weak. I know you more creative ladies will think of some....

[daycare]

the next drop off, as soon as DCG arrives start checking for scratches on her. Make sure DCP joins you. Check under clothing and check her nails.

If you find anything make sure to point it out right away to DCD. who's to say that she didn't do it on the car ride over???

I had a first time parent that was like this years ago. I got so sick of it that I just said, would you like me to bubble wrap your kid.......they got it and eventually stopped

[Heidi]

this should do the trick:

http://familyonbikes.org/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/bubble-wrap-kid.jpg

[daycare]

this should do the trick:

http://familyonbikes.org/blog/wp-con...e-wrap-kid.jpg

hahahhahahhahahahahhaah I am soooo going to print that out....super super funny

[nanglgrl]

It always seemed that my kids nails seemed sharper right after I cut them. I never did file them though.

[allsmiles]

omgggggggggggggggggg heidi that is hilarious.. thats exactly what she needs!!!

[Play Care]

I know the parent is being ridiculous, but I would resist the temptation to make snarky comebacks. Instead I would say in a reassuring voice "DCD, this is *very* normal, your child is learning and exploring and in the next year or so until she learns to walk well, will get bumps, scratches and bruises. Bruises, bumps and scratches on arms, legs, and even their forehead are very normal! It would hinder dck's development for me to keep her penned in, and a few scratches are a small price to pay for all the great things that come from this stage! I can assure you I will continue to supervise and ensure dck's safety as I always have done."

When a child in my care gets a mark, I try to point it out to the parent first at pick up. "Susie was having a great time today! I noticed this small scratch but she didn't seem bothered by it!" all said in a normal, cheerful voice (ie: this is normal, not a big deal, go home:: )

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

I know the parent is being ridiculous, but I would resist the temptation to make snarky comebacks. Instead I would say in a reassuring voice "DCD, this is *very* normal, your child is learning and exploring and in the next year or so until she learns to walk well, will get bumps, scratches and bruises. Bruises, bumps and scratches on arms, legs, and even their forehead are very normal! It would hinder dck's development for me to keep her penned in, and a few scratches are a small price to pay for all the great things that come from this stage! I can assure you I will continue to supervise and ensure dck's safety as I always have done."

When a child in my care gets a mark, I try to point it out to the parent first at pick up. "Susie was having a great time today! I noticed this small scratch but she didn't seem bothered by it!" all said in a normal, cheerful voice (ie: this is normal, not a big deal, go home:: )

That would cause me anxiety, though, so I feel for you. :hug: