Other people driving your child

I have a babysitter that comes to the house 12-15 hrs per week to take care of my 2 year old while I work from home. She started about a month ago. She just came and asked me if she could drive my DD into the village to see the ducks - about a 15 min ride away. My heart literally stopped with fear as this is the first time I have been put in that position and I said No!

I explained to her that its not that I dont trust her that I wouldnt want anyone other than my husband or I driving our DD.

Am I being overly protective or not?

My instincts tell me I am right but am I?

TIA

Re: Other people driving your child

i dont know this is a tough one. i dont even like my parents drving my DC around. it took me forever to teach them how to snap in her infant seat and i still worry that they wont do it right

Re: Other people driving your child

If your instincts tell you that you're right, then you are.

I definitely had a fear of DD driving in the car with others (in fact, I didn't even like her in the car with me when she was a newborn! ), but there was really no way around it the days she went to my cousin's when I worked. So, I had to get over it. Now, I'm pretty comfortable with others driving her...not that it happens frequently.

Re: Other people driving your child

I've always let people drive with my kids. What happens when they have a playdate and the mother wants to pick them up at preschool or reg school and bring them directly to her house? As long as they are properly buckled I didn't mind.

Re: Other people driving your child

Unfortunately it becomes a necessary evil....and one that you learn to deal with.

Im still nervous when DS is with anyone other than myself..even when he is with DH I worry...but with my older girls it doesnt bother me any more...

When Im babysitting I dont take the little ones out with me..but I will take my older girls friends with me...I think it's partly an age issue...

Re: Other people driving your child

Message edited 5/14/2008 12:03:39 PM.

Re: Other people driving your child

I let everyone drive Andrew. It doesn't bother me one bit.

Re: Other people driving your child

I would have a hard time letting someone else drive my child. I know one day I will have to get over it.

Re: Other people driving your child

I think it really depends on who it is.

Re: Other people driving your child

Re: Other people driving your child

I would allow it, but that is a decision that you need to be comfortable with it

DC would probably love to see the duckies

Re: Other people driving your child

I really don't like anyone else driving DS. The only other person who has driven him has been my father

Re: Other people driving your child

My babysitter drives with DD often. The babysitter has errands to run and I don't want DD stuck in the house all the time so I gave her a car seat base for her car.

Re: Other people driving your child

i'm ok with people driving my DS but that's because it is people that I know and trust that they drive responsibly. If there was someone who was either inexperienced or who I knew was not a cautious driver than I would have my doubts and not allow it.

But this is totally your decision --- if you are uncomfortable with it and it makes your heart stop then I think you did the right thing by expressing that you weren't comfortable with it.

Re: Other people driving your child

most family members, i don't think twice about letting them. My parents, my sisters, my BIL and SIL. however, I will not allow her to be driven around by my MIL, i do not trust her driving herself around never mind DD.

Re: Other people driving your child

I am OK with people driving my kids but not all people. I have to feel comfortable with them and their driving. So I don't think you are being overprotective as much as not comfortable with it and IMO, that's your prerogative as a parent. Would you feel better if you drove with the babysitter a few times to see if, in general, you feel like she is a good driver? Otherwise, you have to go with your instincts, I would never tell a Mother she is wrong about her instincts.

Re: Other people driving your child

Are you being overly protective?

I think so...but it's not unusual to be that way. I think it's something that you warm up to eventually - not because you want to, but because you have to.

If you're not there yet, don't feel bad about it. It's your call.

Have you been in the car with the babysitter driving?

Re: Other people driving your child

I would be nervous too, and I am....
My dad drives like a 90 year old senile person, I told him he's never driving my son around, but it's pretty unavoidable, so I just try not to think about it.....

Re: Other people driving your child

Thanks for your replies I have never been in the car with the babysitter driving - have never had a reason to so cannot comment on her driving. I think for now I am going to stick to my guns and say no to any requests to take my DD out as I just dont feel comfortable allowing that.

I will take DD to see the ducks myself this evening

Re: Other people driving your child

Re: Other people driving your child

my IL's drive DS all the time and it scaresme..not because its them..just because I am not there

Re: Other people driving your child

If you're paying someone to watch DC, then they should do ask you say. If you're not comfortable with the sitter driving, then that's the end of that. I personally wouldn't have a problem with it though.

Re: Other people driving your child

To be honest, I never thought about it before. I trust my family (the only one's who have driven DS are MIL, SIL, and my sister). I guess if it were someone else I would worry, but sometimes it is necessary.

Re: Other people driving your child

I agree with you. I signed dd up for a library function on Wed. and the next one was going to be on a day I had to work. the librarian told me oh the babysitter can bring her for you....initially I thought it was fine, but after speaking with dh---he said he rather not. Then I realized he had a point. I'd rather not put dd in a situation. Granted I do let the babysitter take her out for walks in her stroller.

Re: Other people driving your child

If the driver has a valid drivers license, I would let them drive the kids. Wouldn't bother me. I can't be in control of everything all of the time...

I have just the same likliehood of getting into an accident as anyone else, I'm not *that* special, although I am *pretty* special.