Background Checks?

No, it isn't overboard.

Back when I baby sat, There were a few mother's who stayed while I watched ahead of time(before they would really need me), to see how I was with the children.
I don't think this would be out of the normal either, being you don't personally know her or her husband.
You could also take this opportunity to tell her a FEW things that might make watching your baby easier for both of you, routines, habits, likes to have his head rubbed when falling asleep, or this means that, etc.. and see how she handles it espcially if she has children.

I couldn't agree more with Amanda. Your child is your most precious gift and you have to care for it as much as possible before you hand him over to God. She should understand and if she gets affended that she is not the right one for this job.

I hope this helps.
Blessings
M.

If she is licensed or registered with TXDPRS, they have already done background checks on both her and her husband - and any other regular visitor to her home over 14 years of age. If she's not registered, I'd ask her why not.

Then, if I weren't comfortable asking myself I'd blame my husband for wanting a background check on her husband and anyone else who lives there. I blame him for that stuff all the time. :) He blames me sometimes too.

S.

I would, just to be safe. I think a gut feeling goes a long way, but unfortunately, you can't be too careful these days.

Go ahead and request it. If she has any issues with it then that is not the place for your child to be. My sitter provided us with background checks on everyone over 14 in the home (sitter, her hubby, and two of her own kids). Good luck!

I agree with you-you can never be too careful. I would check the husband's background. If she gets mad or offended, take your son somewhere else.

I think everyone who is going to be around the children should have a background check. That is how public schools and churches do it. If he or she becomes upset that you ask, find a different sitter!

If she is only keeping your child and no one else's, then ask her to be listed with the state. The state will run those background checks but they will not monitor her like they would if she was registered or licensed. If she is keeping other children besides yours then she needs to be with the state childcare licensing. If she is not with the state then she is keeping children illegally. Go to the Texas Department of Family and Regulatory Services, you can read about all of the rules and regulations.

I do in-home childcare and I (nor my husband) would have ANY problem running a background check on the both of us. You can't be too careful with your kids. If they have a problem with it, then they might have something to hide. You should always be able to trust the people involved in your child's life!