What do you all think about Playcares?

• 09-02-2009 8:45 PM

  Nikki08 Joined on 06-08-2008 Posts 499

  What do you all think about Playcares? Reply Contact This is an hourly play center where you can take kids from 6 weeks on up......the rate here is $9/hr.......and you pay $30 annually.....it is like an on call babysitter...... I stay home with my son....but I also handle the house, as do we all........but I pretty much do everything once a month....I grocery shop(this takes around 2-3hrs), pay bills, go to the cleaners, get a pedicure and manicure, (once every 2 or 3 months, get a haircut).........I usually schlep my son around with me....but as he gets older and more active...its harder..plus I don't think its too fair to him......if someone would watch him for me, that will help me greatly.....you would think my husband could do it, but I want someone who WANTS to do it and someone who will give him the undivided attention he needs........I think that everything would take me around 5-7hrs(haircut included)..... I wish I knew an individual(another mom or a young girl) who could do it and I don't have family around me...(but even if I did, I don't know if they would be up for 5-7hrs).... But since I've never had a babysitter before...is $9 reasonable? Are these places safe? Will he get sick there?

• 09-02-2009 9:02 PM

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  Jill - Arizona Mom Joined on 12-10-2005 Lilyana Elise born 11/24/08 Posts 5,201

  Re: What do you all think about Playcares? Reply Contact  That's pretty cheap.  I hate daycares (just my personal opinion), and I doubt a playcare is much different.  I guess I'd have to see the place and really check it out.  I saw one going up in east Mesa, and I thought about taking a look, but I'm one of those who doesn't like to let my kids out of my sight (sending Abby to school everyday stresses me out).  My kids go everywhere with me, but I'm so grateful when my mom volunteers to take a few of them.  Honestly, I wouldn't expect the people at the playcare to give him undivided attention.  Look into the place, and give them a try . . .  Maybe start out with an hour or two and see how it goes.

• 09-02-2009 9:30 PM

  In reply to

  Nikki08 Joined on 06-08-2008 Posts 499

  Re: What do you all think about Playcares? Reply Contact I'm like you Jill....I don't want him out of my sight...I don't know what I will do when it comes to his going to school..... I debate on a private babysitter...but then I don't want him in a stranger's house, so I would rather they come to my house.....I know it sounds weird, but I think that a public daycare would provide more security...and screening....you know what I mean? I said that I didn't know anyone else who could watch him...I do know a lady who I would totally trust....but she has a 2yr old who get jealous when I bring the baby to visit and she is holding the baby......seems like it would be exhausting for her to deal with my son and then her daughter.....and it seems like anytime over 30 minutes would be too long.....

• 09-02-2009 10:23 PM

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  *BrandyandConnor11/15* Joined on 02-18-2005 3 Princes & a Princess!!! Posts 597

  Re: What do you all think about Playcares? Reply Contact I've never heard of one (Jill, where is it in E. Mesa?), and I've never, ever had my kids in daycare.  If I were to use them, I personally wouldn't do it during cold/flu season.  that's totally my paranoia and all, but I don't let my kids in the playland at the mall or McDonald's during the fall/winter.  I know they can catch a cold anywhere, but it's bad enough they have to go to school, I don't want my 3 yr old crawling around those places and then putting his hands in his mouth or whatever.  Soooo, maybe try it if you're not as freaked out as I am about germs.  I also am not keen on letting strangers watch my kids (never had an outside baby-sitter in 9 yrs of having kids), but again, if you're not as freaked out as I am, it's worth it so you can get done what you need to.  DH suggested I take DD to the daycare when I go to the gym....that conversation ended real quick!!!

• 09-03-2009 5:59 AM

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  amberrr64 Joined on 11-06-2006 Joseph born 01/01/09 Posts 1,205	Re: What do you all think about Playcares? Reply Contact  I wish we had one by me, I would definitely use it. Sorry but you know you cant get anything done nowadays with our mobile little monsters :)

• 09-03-2009 7:35 AM

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  Jill - Arizona Mom Joined on 12-10-2005 Lilyana Elise born 11/24/08 Posts 5,201	Re: What do you all think about Playcares? Reply Contact It's on the corner of Sossaman & Hampton.  There's a Fresh & Easy next to it, and it's across Hampton from Costco.

• 09-03-2009 8:30 AM

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  Devoney2798069 Joined on 04-13-2008 Posts 823	Re: What do you all think about Playcares? Reply Contact I have never heard of playcares. Sounds pretty cool though.

• 09-03-2009 10:28 AM

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  Jolene2961261 Joined on 07-24-2008 #4! Jorja Gabriella 11/11/2008 Posts 1,014

  Re: What do you all think about Playcares? Reply Contact  If we had anything like that, I would be all over it, at least once a month. If they weren't safe they probably would not be around. $9 is reasonable in my opinion. I like the idea of something like that because then my kids would get to get out of the house and play somewhere new every once and a while, which all kids love. On top of that they get somewhat used to doing something without mom or dad, which will help any separation anxiety. as for getting sick, well, it is nice to prevent them from being sick, but kids are going to get sick no matter what at some point. The odd cold now and then is normal and I know people don't intend to have germs spread everywhere, but you can't disinfect everything all the time. When they eventually go to school, they get thrown into a germ factory so a little immunity from being sick younger helps.

• 09-03-2009 11:33 AM

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  Alisha2840354 Joined on 05-23-2008 Las Vegas #1: Lilly Raine 12-21-2008 Posts 1,522

  Re: What do you all think about Playcares? Reply Contact I have never seen a Playcare but I LOVE daycare for Lilly. I know a lot of moms don't like them, and they are entitled to their opinion, but Lilly and I both love it. She has so much fun with the kids, loves her teacher, has a HUGE smile on her face when we walk through the door, and has only been sick once since she has been born. Lilly goes to daycare 3 days per week and has gone since February. I am one who thinks that germs and exposing children to them is a good thing, as it builds up their immunity. I also think that sheltering your children from germs causes more problems. This is only my opionion and my example is my SIL. She is a huge germ freak, always disinfecting things, carries those wipes with her everywhere, and her kids are ALWAYS sick! Her kids catch everything that goes around...so what's the benefit? I was also raised in a very laid back family, ran around barefoot, sat in grocery cart seats, played in play grounds at McDonalds, went to daycare occasionally and was/am a very healthy kid/adult. So again, this is just my opinion and I absolutely do not have anything against moms who think otherwise. We are all doign what we think is good for our children and that is all that matters =).

• 09-03-2009 12:20 PM

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  Jill - Arizona Mom Joined on 12-10-2005 Lilyana Elise born 11/24/08 Posts 5,201

  Re: What do you all think about Playcares? Reply Contact You always hear that daycare is good for building up immunity.  I believe there is probably a little bit of truth to that, but babies have weak immune systems, so exposing them so young sometimes isn't a good thing.  As far as disinfectants, most daycares use disinfectants.  I think it has a lot to do with the individual child.  Furthermore, there are so many variants of different diseases, there is no way you could possibly expose your child to all of them.  I think in a lot of cases, exposure just makes for a sick kid.  I can trace back one fairly serious illness all of the kids got (and then passed on to me) after a trip to Chuck E Cheeses (which is what I imagine when I think playcare).  Doctors always ask now if your child is in daycare, because there are diseases out there that are most often associated with day cares and day cares only.  School aged children often understand hygeine and take better care of themselves, like frequent hand washing, covering their mouths and noses when they sneeze and cough, using tissues and throwing them away, etc.  So although yes, they can still catch illnesses, it's a little bit more difficult, and they have stronger immune systems by this time.  Anyway, that's just my opinion on daycares & germs.  I'm not trying to upset anybody.

• 09-03-2009 3:17 PM

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  Alisha2840354 Joined on 05-23-2008 Las Vegas #1: Lilly Raine 12-21-2008 Posts 1,522

  Re: What do you all think about Playcares? Reply Contact Jill, I totally understand your point. I agree that it depends on the kid and I think that is what I was trying to say. I think that the website you posted is biased towards one opinion and any information they have there will only support their side of the arguement. I opened it up and immediatly lost interest in what they had to say when I saw this."This collection of day care information seeks to counterbalance the relentless pressure placed upon parents to abandon their children to these impersonal institutions.". I have definitely not abandoned my daughter to an impersonal institution and I am well aware that they do not love my child like I do. I am not looking for a person to love my child but to provide them with a safe enviornement while I am away. I am very sorry for coming off arguementative about this topic but I feel strongly about it (as we all do) and have had an absolutely HORRIBLE day. I do know that we are all from different walks of life with different opinions about this stuff. I think we all make the best decisions we can for our children and thats the best we can do. =) I think it's important to remember that for every study that says one thing, there is another that says the opposite. http://www.monstersandcritics.com/lifestyle/consumerhealth/news/article_1213527.php/Exposure_to_germs_can_actually_protect_children_from_some_allergies Please, please, please let it be Friday already!

• 09-03-2009 4:50 PM

  In reply to

  Jill - Arizona Mom Joined on 12-10-2005 Lilyana Elise born 11/24/08 Posts 5,201

  Re: What do you all think about Playcares? Reply Contact I understand, Alisha.  I only posted that website because there is some good information there that is true, although I understand the website is biased.  I don't think people who use daycares abandon their children.  The website exists mostly to push the govt into giving stay at home parents the same tax credits available to parents who use daycare.  (I'm deleting the website info as I didn't read the part about abandoment and I don't want to offend.)  I totally understand it is necessary to use daycare in some instances.  I don't think moms who work are terrible people or anything like that.  However, I do think that women feel pushed to "do it all," and sometimes, we're made to feel like failures if we don't.  (I suppose most of this stems from a conversation I just had with my grandmother where she said she wished I had finished college.  She said, "Think about where you'd be now!"  I'm like "What's wrong with where I am?"  I grew up very poor, and I know material things are not necessary to raise a happy child.)  Honestly, I sometimes wish I could work, and eventually, I will go back.  For me, right now, staying home is the right choice.  I didn't mean to offend, and I think you're a pretty cool chick and a great mom . . .  Anyway, yes, you're right, there is always another viewpoint, but I tend to go with experience more than anything, and I've seen some pretty sickly daycare kids.  But then again, right now, Lily has a nasty cold!  Who knows where she got it, but she got it, and so did I.  My body seems to be handling it much better though.

• 09-03-2009 6:25 PM

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  beckarelle Joined on 04-24-2006 my December boy born Tuesday 16th Posts 3,016

  Re: What do you all think about Playcares? Reply Contact I think if it seems good, go for it. I've never put my kids into care under 2.5yrs, I haven't needed to. By then they seem to pick up less. In germ season who the heck knows where these things are coming from. I've had Adria pick up a cold and the only place I'd been was the mall! Personally I'm not for daycare for babies for the fact that I think/wish every mom could be a sahm for the first year at least, thats JMO. But I know a lot of babies are like Alisha's and are doing really well with daycare. As for letting my kids out of my sight, I found I had NO problems with that once they hit the terrible 2's LOL. Can't say I've ever missed my girls once they went to daycare or school. I really thought I would considering I was a clingy child myself, but nope. I think they need to socialise, it makes them more well rounded.

• 09-04-2009 11:30 AM

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  Alisha2840354 Joined on 05-23-2008 Las Vegas #1: Lilly Raine 12-21-2008 Posts 1,522

  Re: What do you all think about Playcares? Reply Contact Totally agree Jill! Your an awesome mom and I know you were not trying to offend. I'm sorry if I took any offense it was only because I want to kill my boss!!!! If I had my choice, I would absolutely LOVE to stay home with Lilly...I am very jealous of all moms who do =(. For now, this is what I have to do so I will make the best of it. I have to say I think I lucked out at daycare though...mine is awesome! =)

• 09-20-2009 1:45 AM

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  Mara+Haley Joined on 05-05-2009 Posts 284

  Re: What do you all think about Playcares? Reply Contact I've used the one here in the mall about 5 times.  But they don't take infants.  I think the youngest they take is 2 years.  They're ok, but I'm not sure I'd leave an infant there even if they did take them.  Just my personal feeling.  They have kind of a drive-thru mentality, kwim?  At least by 2 or so your kid can tell you if it's awful, lol.    I found a wonderful sitter on Craigslist who lives nearby and can always help me in a pinch.  It takes a time investment (I required CPR certification and checked numerous references), but finding a good sitter is so worth it.     Regarding daycare in general, I have Haley in part time and never thought I would have to do that.  But I have to say it has been fine, even a happy experience for both of us.  This is nearly totally due to her extremely social and happy temperament.  With my oldest, it would have probably been horrible for all involved.  She was a more anxious child and I was the only one she was really happy and secure with for the first two years of her life.  I am so grateful that I was able to be with her during that time as she is now a confident, independent nearly four year old and I think a lot of that is because she did get her immense need for secure attachment met.   I think ideally a baby is with her mom.  But if daycare is needed I have the best possible situation and I'm so grateful for that.