DC Going to The Grocery Store

[Solenas]

We're looking for a home daycare provider for our 7 month old baby. One of the providers we're interviewing sometimes will take the kids (6 to 7 of them) to the grocery store for shopping. Her example was if she ran out of milk, but she also talked about how all the kids would keep there hand on the cart and walk along and if every one did then she would reward good behavior back at the house with cookies.

She has to pick up a child from preschool, so transportation is part of the agreement. She has a big van so she can fit all the kids. My preference is as few trips out of the house as possible. It feels safer to me. Less risk of an accident or tragedy.

I don't know how often she would need a trip to the store during DC hours. It's hard for me to imagine going to the store with 3 kids under two, plus 3 or 4 more that can walk reliably. Is it a red flag that the provider knows she'll occasionally need to take the kids grocery shopping? It sounds like she's not well prepared? It seemed strange to me, but maybe it's totally normal. Your thoughts?

[Kaddidle Care]

If you have any reservation in your gut about leaving your child with a provider, find another one.

Some providers can manage that many because they have a group that works and fits well with their program.

Grocery shopping can be a wonderful learning experience for the children if you use your imagination. Counting, colors, etc. "I Spy" games. Children aren't a bother when shopping if it is fun for them.

There are providers that don't leave the home all day but if you want a provider that treats your child as their own, then they will be taking trips on occasion.

I would keep in mind the number of the group and find out what is the legal limit in your area.

Best wishes.

[Play Care]

It sounds as if the provider is being very upfront and honest about the type of service she provides. I agree with the pp, some providers have a knack for taking kids out, especially after years of experience.
I think at the point the fact you have doubts tells me this would not be an ideal placement for you. She isn't going to change the way she does things for *one* clients (nor should she have to) so the onus is on you to find care you will be comfortable with.
Best of luck!

[sharlan]

Some providers never leave the house with the kids.

Others, like me for instance, go on frequent outings. I am upfront and let the parents know in advance that we'll be going on a big outing that day. If I'm just headed to the grocery store or out to lunch, then I don't always tell them.

I let me parents know up front, first thing in all interviews.

You need to choose the provider that you are most comfortable with. If you are not comfortable in your child leaving the facility, then choose one that doesn't leave.

[Cradle2crayons]

I agree with all the pp. I won't even entertain an interview if the parents have an issue with transport. We go on frequent outings as part of our program.

I take 7 grocery shopping with me sometimes and it's no bother at all. Of course, I'm used to it.

I'm afraid transport isn't a gray area. They either transport, or they DON'T transport. Ad I'm afraid the provider isn't likely to negotiate that with you or any parent. And she shouldn't.

If you agree to them being transported, then you agree.

If you don't want them transported, then find one who NEVER leaves the house.

[Solenas]

Thanks for all the replies.

She is being very honest with me. I just found it difficult to imagine a provider taking several infants to the store at once.

Thanks for letting me know it's possible and not all that strange. And it's true that I'm generally uncomfortable with the idea and probably need to find another option for care.

[MrsSteinel'sHouse]

I do not transport regularly. I only have a car so I could only take 3 kidlets anywhere. Now, if I have 3 we may go somewhere if I plan that. Every once in a while I end up transporting but my parents know and I be sure that there is something kid oriented in the trip. For example I had to have my TB test read. I was able to get it put in without kids but had my two girls when I had to have it read. We went to the library also then. I also cannot image regularly transporting a larger number of kids- especially to run for milk!!
I would be worried about the rewarding with cookies part! I only serve nutritious food! I believe that our kids get too many treats and linking treats with reward... ugh. I expect good behavior without rewards.
If your not comfortable with that, find a different provider

[lovemykidstoo]

I don't transport at all. For many reasons. Here the auto insurance is through the roof if you put so much as 1 daycare child in the car. Not to mention, there is nothing I need during hours of daycare that can't wait until later for me. It's easier for me though because I don't work on Fridays so I can do errands on that day. Bottom line, if you're not comfortable with it, then keep looking.

[Unregistered]

We're looking for a home daycare provider for our 7 month old baby. One of the providers we're interviewing sometimes will take the kids (6 to 7 of them) to the grocery store for shopping. Her example was if she ran out of milk, but she also talked about how all the kids would keep there hand on the cart and walk along and if every one did then she would reward good behavior back at the house with cookies.

She has to pick up a child from preschool, so transportation is part of the agreement. She has a big van so she can fit all the kids. My preference is as few trips out of the house as possible. It feels safer to me. Less risk of an accident or tragedy.

I don't know how often she would need a trip to the store during DC hours. It's hard for me to imagine going to the store with 3 kids under two, plus 3 or 4 more that can walk reliably. Is it a red flag that the provider knows she'll occasionally need to take the kids grocery shopping? It sounds like she's not well prepared? It seemed strange to me, but maybe it's totally normal. Your thoughts?

I actually DID take the kids to the store. It was a LOT of fun! I also took them ALL out to eat sometimes, to the dollar store, the zoo, park, water park and many other places. I had a quad stroller for the babies and let the others walk and hold the stroller. I never once had a problem, never lost a kid, nothing. I think the biggest challenge was just buckling everyone in and making sure we had all their water cups, diapers, etc. The WORST thing I ever encountered was an old lady who said I had my hands full and because I had ALL mixes of races of children, assumed I had a bunch of different men father "my" 8 children. The BEST thing was when a couple paid for the WHOLE table (me + 8 kids) at a restaurant because the dc kids were so well behaved, even the 2yo's! I do not think it's a red flag at all that she wants to take them places or anything bad about her. BUT if you are not comfortable with her taking the children on outings, then it may not be the place for you. I feel that if you are going to trust your provider, you have to trust them FULLY, that includes going out. I was/am a safe driver, had appropriate insurance, made sure that each child had the proper seating, made sure they had enough to eat/drink at all times, were dry, were happy, and having a fun time. After all, the WHOLE point of being a kid is to have FUN in life, to not worry about everything, and to learn to be responsible little beings (i.e. hold the cart, be taught about the street and why we cross together, looking out for their baby friends and themselves, staying with provider and not going off with strangers, etc).

[providerandmomof4]

I normally have 8 kiddos, so if we go anywhere, we walk. And we do....every day (unless it's raining-) If I end up with a day that I only have three or four, we may definitely go on an outing to the store or the library, etc. It really breaks up the monotony of an average day. My parents know that we could and do go on outings...whenever possible!

[Laurel]

We're looking for a home daycare provider for our 7 month old baby. One of the providers we're interviewing sometimes will take the kids (6 to 7 of them) to the grocery store for shopping. Her example was if she ran out of milk, but she also talked about how all the kids would keep there hand on the cart and walk along and if every one did then she would reward good behavior back at the house with cookies.

She has to pick up a child from preschool, so transportation is part of the agreement. She has a big van so she can fit all the kids. My preference is as few trips out of the house as possible. It feels safer to me. Less risk of an accident or tragedy.

I don't know how often she would need a trip to the store during DC hours. It's hard for me to imagine going to the store with 3 kids under two, plus 3 or 4 more that can walk reliably. Is it a red flag that the provider knows she'll occasionally need to take the kids grocery shopping? It sounds like she's not well prepared? It seemed strange to me, but maybe it's totally normal. Your thoughts?

I personally wouldn't feel comfortable with that for the reasons you said. I don't transport. If I need milk, we walk to the corner store but I try to be prepared or have someone else bring me some.

When I only watched school aged children for a few summers, we did go out in the car but they were older.

I'm not saying it can't be done safely but I wouldn't risk it especially if my baby was only 7 months old.

That said, I do take the children on walks and people ask me how I've done that with 6 at times. I practice with them every day. I start with them being in the double stroller then go a short distance with them walking holding onto the stroller, then teach older ones to stop and look at every driveway and wait for me to tell them to cross it. By the time they can walk holding onto the stroller we've 'practiced' a lot. I imagine that transporting can work with trained children but personally I don't see the need for it.

Go with your gut on this. Luckily she told you. I know some who haven't.

Laurel

[Play Care]

I do not transport regularly. I only have a car so I could only take 3 kidlets anywhere. Now, if I have 3 we may go somewhere if I plan that. Every once in a while I end up transporting but my parents know and I be sure that there is something kid oriented in the trip. For example I had to have my TB test read. I was able to get it put in without kids but had my two girls when I had to have it read. We went to the library also then. I also cannot image regularly transporting a larger number of kids- especially to run for milk!!
I would be worried about the rewarding with cookies part! I only serve nutritious food! I believe that our kids get too many treats and linking treats with reward... ugh. I expect good behavior without rewards.
If your not comfortable with that, find a different provider

While I agree with you about the food treats, I wonder how often this is something that is done? I can't imagine the provider taking the children daily to the store.
It sounds as if mom questioned it in the interview and the provider brought up some scenarios where it might happen.
It seems this provider would not be a good fit, but through no fault on the provider's (or parent's) part.

[AnneCordelia]

Our grocery store is on the way to the school we walk to daily, so we frequent it. If we are baking together we shop for the ingredients and occasionally I run out of milk too. :-) I have been taking kids to the gcery with me for years now and am very good at managing so many children. I have five daycare kids ranging in age from 9mo to 3yo, and four children of my own (ages 2, 4, 8, 9). It doesn't sound possible to others until they see us in action..,but all the kids are well behaved and we have fun!

[AnneCordelia]

While I agree with you about the food treats, I wonder how often this is something that is done? I can't imagine the provider taking the children daily to the store.
It sounds as if mom questioned it in the interview and the provider brought up some scenarios where it might happen.
It seems this provider would not be a good fit, but through no fault on the provider's (or parent's) part.

And 'cookie' could mean what it does around here: an arrowroot or graham cracker. :-)

[jenn]

I don't think she is doing anything wrong. All providers do what works for them. Some transport and go on outings almost daily.
I do not ever transport or go on outings, because that feels safer to me.
If you don't feel comfortable with your child being taken out of the providers home, please look for another place. Good luck!