Drug testing a babysitter

z's playa · Jul 15, 2005

I think your idea is very reasonable and smart.

Thank you. :)

Agencies are also willing to conduct repeat testing as long as it was a reasonable length of time between tests. (not every day )

So.....sounds good if one feels safer that way.

Z

LydiaNN · Jul 15, 2005

Yes but mercy she did suggest she was going to hire someone she didn't completely trust. She said she is ABOUT to hire a babysitter. The fact she wants to drug test her potentail BB sitter suggests doubt right there. I don't drug test people I trust either, as you yourself stated. (I don't think my mom would go for it anyhow. )
And to reinforce the idea that she was considering hiring someone she didn't trust completely..the OP goes on to say .....
If this person passes the test how long at least will she have been clean?
....which basically asks....if I assume she (sitter) were doing drugs...when did she stop.
No trust even WITH the test according to OPs post. Sorry to OP if I sound harsh. Just 'splaining.
But then again this wasn't the point to my post. I only wanted to point out that instead of asking the potential babysittters to subject themselves to drugtesting at OPs discretion.....just go to an agency where the screening was already done on applicants (who won't be insulted they were asked in the first place....... if we want to talk about insulting here.) With the agency the people are used to drug tests so its liable to be received better than just asking someone to go to the bathroom to pee in a personal drug tester.
ANYways.... :)
I understand where you're coming from mercy. We posted almost the exact same time too so I only got to read the post you directed at me. I'm sorry if I sound too argumentative. I sound that way sometimes when I try too hard to explain what I mean. I bla bla bla my way into a hole. :chuckle
Z

Well, I guess the OP would have to clarify this for herself, but it sounded more to me like she was about to start the process of hiring a babysitter. Not that she was about to make an offer to a particular person. I just can't imagine any parent that would consider hiring someone that they don't trust to care for their care. If you were bringing in an outside person, I can understand why you would explore available avenues to instill that trust. The OP"s question was actually a technical one about the test itself, not a philosophical one about the bigger issue of who we allow to care for our children. And as far as the agency idea being a good one, um, yeah- I suggested it, too.

**canoehead, BSN, RN** · Jul 15, 2005

As an adult, if I was being hired to a position I would say...go for it, test me as often and for whatever you want. I would want to know when I took the job that this would be expected of me though- honesty goes both ways.

As a parent of a teen I would strongly discourage my child from taking a job where they needed to be drug tested, just because it implies a lack of trust from the beginning. It puts the child in a situation where he/she might have to respond to accusations that should eb handled by an adult (not just drug related). I think a child should be taking their first jobs in a supportive environment, not an adversarial one.

That said, you have a right to ask whatever you want of your employees, and telling them up front what your concerns are is commendable.

imenid37 · Jul 15, 2005

Hopefully, the OP is hiring an adult esp. since her kids have special needs. People have strong opinions abt. child care and they are entitled to them. If you need to hire a "stranger" or perhaps someone w/ specific qualifications since the one child is a special needs kid, I don't think you need to explain why you don't have a friend or family watching the kids. I would not take on the committment of watching someone else's kids other than if they are my patients (and it's during working hours). :) That includes family or friends for more than just a casual few hours here and there. It is a big committment to watch kids on a regular basis. While I feel lucky that I was able to find childcare for my kids that was reccomended to me by people who I trusted and who knew the providers personally, everyone is not as fortunate. My biggest advice for someone looking for childcare is to go w/ your gut and if you do want the drug and alcohol screening, try an agecy as "z" suggested. I wish you the best of luck because this is certainly one of the biggest decisions of your life. I am so glad my kids are beyond the age of needing sitters. Best of luck to you.

SmilingBluEyes · Jul 15, 2005

But I was not one of the people who said to "go for it". As a matter of fact, I specifically said that a clean test really doesn't guarantee a sitter's suitability. I also specifcally said that I have never been able to leave my child with someone I don't know. I am sure I said these things, because they are right there in my post.

*sigh*

I did not say you were one of them. Please, let's not make this all personal or some sort of huge debate.

I was just saying (to those who would truly consider drug testing any babysitter in their own), "be careful"---for several reasons. It may not be legal. Also, if one feels he/she must drug test a babysitter he/she personally hires, also "be careful".

If the shoe does not fit........

well, you know. :)

SmilingBluEyes · Jul 15, 2005

As an adult, if I was being hired to a position I would say...go for it, test me as often and for whatever you want. I would want to know when I took the job that this would be expected of me though- honesty goes both ways.
As a parent of a teen I would strongly discourage my child from taking a job where they needed to be drug tested, just because it implies a lack of trust from the beginning. It puts the child in a situation where he/she might have to respond to accusations that should eb handled by an adult (not just drug related). I think a child should be taking their first jobs in a supportive environment, not an adversarial one.
That said, you have a right to ask whatever you want of your employees, and telling them up front what your concerns are is commendable.

thoughtful post. I agree. My son need not apply at this time for a job that requires drug testing....sure you can ask what you want of your employees; no one disputes that. I would say, "be careful" in undertaking drug testing of your employee, no matter who she/he is. The suggestion to go through an agency is not unreasonable or a bad idea, either.

I also think it does indeed come down to knowing who the heck is watching your kids. I have to wonder, why, if you are hiring someone, you would have to undertake this. I would do one of a couple things. Either, I would only allow a certified sitter through an agency with references (and that does test them) do this------ Or, ONLY a trusted family member or close family friend would be doing it. There are alternatives that are safe and reassuring.

I realize this is only me, and I am not making judgements on anyone here, let me be clear. I am just saying, there are ways around doing something that may put one in legal hot water by drug testing a babysitter to ensure his/her kids are in good hands.

Nothing is more important to any of us who are parents than the wellbeing of our kids, on that, I bet we can all agree.

SmilingBluEyes · Jul 15, 2005

I found this curious, because I am the mother of an 11-year old, and my circle of close friends includes parents of kids from infants to early 20s. Through the years we've discussed virtually everthing under the sun r/t raising kids, including the difficulties of child care, but I have never heard anyone suggest trying to impose drug testing on a privately hired sitter.
While the OPs vigilance is warranted, I think z's playa and SmilingBluEyes make some very valid points about the uncertain practicalities & legalities involved in trying to do conduct drug testing on an individual basis. If the OP is in the unfortunate position of needing to hire a stranger for child care, I strongly agree with the suggestion to go through a reputable agency.

thank you. I am glad someone sees what I was trying to say here. :)

Altra, BSN, RN · Jul 15, 2005

thank you. I am glad someone sees what I was trying to say here. :)

Thank you ... I thought perhaps I had been unclear. :)

sunnyjohn · Jul 15, 2005

I found this curious, because I am the mother of an 11-year old, and my circle of close friends includes parents of kids from infants to early 20s. Through the years we've discussed virtually everthing under the sun r/t raising kids, including the difficulties of child care, but I have never heard anyone suggest trying to impose drug testing on a privately hired sitter.
While the OPs vigilance is warranted, I think z's playa and SmilingBluEyes make some very valid points about the uncertain practicalities & legalities involved in trying to do conduct drug testing on an individual basis. If the OP is in the unfortunate position of needing to hire a stranger for child care, I strongly agree with the suggestion to go through a reputable agency.

:)

zambezi, BSN, RN · Jul 15, 2005

I agree with those that have that have said to look into the legalities of home drug testing. On another note related to drug testing...unless the test is random, it is easy to pass if you know you are going to be tested and have some time to abstain...especially if there are no follow up random tests...Also, for those that are really motivated, there are all kinds of other methods used to pass, which may or may not be effective but are easily found on the internet. Examples include: substitution, dilution, taking aspirin along with some other OTC products and dilution, other "cleaning" products... I am not trying to deter you or scare you, but the tests can be beat...and even if someone passes a test, it does not make them safe (though they may be drug free!) Marijuana can stay in a person's system for typically 3-30 days or longer depending on how much they smoke and their metabolism...

I can certainly understand why you would want your kids to be with the safest babysitter possible-I think that your best bet, as others have mentioned, would be to go with someone you know and trust or through an agency (at least if you go through an agency they are drug tested, have background checks, and you don't have to directly pay for it). I wish you luck...I realize that you probably would love to stay at home with your kids but it just isn't possible for everyone...if you work at a hospital, they may also have a day care/preschool program so you can check on your kids during your breaks (and they empolyees have all been run though the hosptial system/hiring process.

LydiaNN · Jul 15, 2005

*sigh*
I did not say you were one of them. Please, let's not make this all personal or some sort of huge debate.
I was just saying (to those who would truly consider drug testing any babysitter in their own), "be careful"---for several reasons. It may not be legal. Also, if one feels he/she must drug test a babysitter he/she personally hires, also "be careful".
If the shoe does not fit........
well, you know. :)

Okaaaaay. My post was quoted and yet I am meant to understand that the response isn't directed to me specifically. That's certainly... logical.

Pvt. Parts · Jul 16, 2005

I second the agency recommendation. Background checks reveal more about a person's character and sitting ability than a drug test will.

Those of you who recommend sticking with trusted people... Who trusts them? You or your children? I personally had a bad experience with a sitter that my parents trusted and didn't do drugs, but she was a sick freak!