Drug testing a babysitter

SmilingBluEyes · Jul 16, 2005

when i say "Trusted" i mean trusted by my kids AND myself.

gypsyatheart · Jul 16, 2005

I am about to hire a babysitter and want her to take a drug test. I was wondering how long marijuana(sp) stays in a persons urine. If this person passes the test how long at least will she have been clean? I know sounds like a weird question but I just don't know that much about drug testing.

Well, the OP states: "I'm about to hire a babysitter......how long will she be clean...?"

Certainly indicates to me that the OP has someone lined up and wants to hire, yet has concerns regarding drug use. States she has a special needs child on lots of meds. At first glance I don't even know why you would even consider hiring someone that you even had a shadow of a doubt about. :confused:

If she feels she will need this level of protection b/k she is hiring a stranger, I would certainly be in the group that opts for using an agency...they are handling drug testing, references, etc etc. Or even taking the child to a pre-school/school/center, that you have investigated. Perhaps your pediatrician can refer centers that work w/special needs kids.

If you are that uncomfortable....do you even want to leave your children at all? I, too, have worked my schedule around my husbands so our children don't go to a stranger.

Bottom line is....how much can you really trust any "stranger', what may seem like one thing today, will/could be something totally different tomorrow.

mtnmom · Jul 16, 2005

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.

I could not have said it better myself.

blueheaven · Jul 16, 2005

When my children were little, it was very difficult for me to find child care. I understand completely the concerns voiced. I would go through an agency or check with friends and coworkers for referrals. I had a very bad experience with a baby sitter (I checked references-so that really wasn't effective in screening out the lush) and thank goodness nothing adverse happened to my daughters. You cannot be TOO careful in choosing child care.

Missyb32641 · Jul 18, 2005

Well, the OP states: "I'm about to hire a babysitter......how long will she be clean...?"
Certainly indicates to me that the OP has someone lined up and wants to hire, yet has concerns regarding drug use. States she has a special needs child on lots of meds. At first glance I don't even know why you would even consider hiring someone that you even had a shadow of a doubt about.
If she feels she will need this level of protection b/k she is hiring a stranger, I would certainly be in the group that opts for using an agency...they are handling drug testing, references, etc etc. Or even taking the child to a pre-school/school/center, that you have investigated. Perhaps your pediatrician can refer centers that work w/special needs kids.
If you are that uncomfortable....do you even want to leave your children at all? I, too, have worked my schedule around my husbands so our children don't go to a stranger.
Bottom line is....how much can you really trust any "stranger', what may seem like one thing today, will/could be something totally different tomorrow.

Thanks to all who replied to my question, a lot of valid points were raised.

I am starting the process of looking for sitter. My friends and family work and if I want to go to NS I need a sitter for befroe and after school care 3 days a week. Thank you for the suggestions about using an agency. I hadn't even thought of this.I have never need a sitter other than family on the weekends before, and for this my mother watched them.

I would never hire someone I did not trust but trust only goes so far, these are my babies and I would do what ever it takes to keep them safe.

I did not realize that there may be legal issues involved and now that I know this will use an agency or a local day care center.

Thank you all for your help.

Missy B

LydiaNN · Jul 18, 2005

Thanks to all who replied to my question, a lot of valid points were raised.
I am starting the process of looking for sitter. My friends and family work and if I want to go to NS I need a sitter for befroe and after school care 3 days a week. Thank you for the suggestions about using an agency. I hadn't even thought of this.I have never need a sitter other than family on the weekends before, and for this my mother watched them.
I would never hire someone I did not trust but trust only goes so far, these are my babies and I would do what ever it takes to keep them safe.
I did not realize that there may be legal issues involved and now that I know this will use an agency or a local day care center.
Thank you all for your help.
Missy B

Don't worry, Missy B, you didn't start a controversy. You asked a legitimate question, and it was certainly clear to me that you weren't suggesting you'd consider hiring someone you didn't trust. It probably wasn't necessary to become engulfed in a conversation with those that thought otherwise, but it certainly wasn't your question that twisted this thread so awry.

z's playa · Jul 18, 2005

Thanks to all who replied to my question, a lot of valid points were raised.
I am starting the process of looking for sitter. My friends and family work and if I want to go to NS I need a sitter for befroe and after school care 3 days a week. Thank you for the suggestions about using an agency. I hadn't even thought of this.I have never need a sitter other than family on the weekends before, and for this my mother watched them.
I would never hire someone I did not trust but trust only goes so far, these are my babies and I would do what ever it takes to keep them safe.
I did not realize that there may be legal issues involved and now that I know this will use an agency or a local day care center.
Thank you all for your help.
Missy B

Glad to hear this . Good luck !

And no you didn't start a contraversy. Some people just take from certain posts what they want to take and twist it all around intentionally or not...me sometimes...or not. Its something that happens all the time and all part of the game of posting in a public forum. Kind of like playing 'telephone'.

Z

SmilingBluEyes · Jul 18, 2005

Don't worry, Missy B, you didn't start a controversy. You asked a legitimate question, and it was certainly clear to me that you weren't suggesting you'd consider hiring someone you didn't trust. It probably wasn't necessary to become engulfed in a conversation with those that thought otherwise, but it certainly wasn't your question that twisted this thread so awry.

I hate to disagree, but I don't think the thread went awry. Not knowing the OP and where she was going with all of this, several people offered their insights and suggestions for her assistance. When opinions are asked for on a public board, people get them---some they may not be able to use or don't like. They can discard what is not useful or helpful....... The issue is, no one here suggested for a minute the OP was willing to put her kids in jeopardy; quite the opposite actually.

The issues of legality are legitimate.

so are trust issues.

Many of us who are parents have never stopped for a second to consider privately testing babysitters for drugs----- because the need never arose. And most of us would never consider hiring someone we felt we had to test privately.

Also, there would be no need if an agency or certified daycare were used instead of hiring someone you dont' know or trust too well.

To Missy: Everyone here meant well----I am glad you have reached a decision and wish you well in finding the daycare situation that works best for you and your family.

I think you are a very conscientious parent to ask these questions and consider all the ramifications involved. IF anyone offended you in any way, it was not intended, believe me. Way to go on being so caring, Missy.!!!! :)