[Dianna]

Nobody MOLESTED me or mistreated me, of course. I'm sure that's because my parents supervised and used discretion in the matter--without my being aware of that. So I wasn't scared of people. That's a good thing, isn't it?

Very few people are allowed to watch my children. I've only used a teenaged babysitter once (my kids were probably 3 and 9 at the time). All babysitters (aside from the teen) have been very close, adult, woman friends of mine.

My parents were very careful too. Much more careful than anyone else I knew in the 70's. My brother was molested by a family member. Aside from my parents, there aren't many family members I'd be happy with as sitters either.

[ChemistCat]

I took my kids out of public school because this lets me pick the adults who influence them. So I know what you mean. I guess I could still be wrong....

...But everybody who works with my kids now is someone I am pretty sure I can trust, and that's the best we can get!

[netmilsmom]

I have to say, I live 200 miles away from my family. My parents are gone. His mother is a flake. I haven't known anyone here long enough to let them watch my girls. My one trusted friend in MI moved to LA. Then we moved north.

You too may think I'm crazy, but I have one shot with my children. If I make a bad decision, it's for life. And what is so bad about being with your kids anyway? I love my girls and if we can't do it as a family, why do it? Sooner, more than later, they grow up and are into their whole lives. If the only difference I make in the world is teaching two little girls that when one has a child, that child is the first priority, I feel I have done ok.