Daycare Decision

Part 1: Bonnie was divorced a few years ago and suddenly found out she needs to work full time. She is a single parent with one child. The child’s name is Chipper, he just turned 18 years old. Bonnie has little support from her ex-husband. Sometimes the checks don’t arrive on time. No monthly check came on January 1.

Bonnie has some savings but realizes she must go back to work. It is the first week of February and no check came for February either. Bonnie reported the father as a dead beat who don’t pay child support. The result is that Chipper is 18 and the payments stop.

Bonnie is taking a 9 am to 5 pm job in an office building. She is a secretary for an IBM executive. Her pay will be good enough to pay the bills and have some savings. The present problem is what to do with Chipper while she works all day. She does not want him left at home alone.

Chipper graduated high school but is a little small for his age. He does not work and is also slow for his age. Mom was hoping to send him to college but she can’t afford this. His grades are only average. Chipper is 5’2” tall and weighs only 90 lbs.

Bonnie is healthy being 5’ 9” tall and she weighs 160 lbs. She knows the neighbor Heidi works at Deluxe Daycare. “Hello Heidi, I suddenly have to go back to work full time,” Bonnie said, “would the Deluxe Daycare take my son Monday thru Friday from 9 am to 5 pm?”

“That would be out of the ordinary for them to do this,” Heidi said, “but I will ask them and get back to you.” “I believe Chipper is 18 now so his age is a problem.”

“We normally don’t take any child over 12,” Miss Parker said after talking with Heidi. “You know our rules and our older children are all special needs kids.” “If you watch him and he obeys the rules we can take Chipper at Deluxe Daycare,”

Heidi calls Bonnie back and tells her the good news. “Yes they will take Chipper but he must obey the daycares rules,” Heidi explained, “the older children have special needs and will expect Chipper to be treated as they are.”

“Chipper is a little slow but I would not call him a special needs child,” Bonnie said, “I am sure he can put up with a few rules.”

It is settled that Chipper will attend Deluxe Daycare on Monday when mother start working full time again. Chipper does not know this yet. Heidi is happy to provide transportation to and from the daycare. Chipper will be watched by Heidi and her assistant Sally.

Heidi is a no nonsense 40 year old working mother. Her 2 children are grown and moved out recently. Heidi is big at 6’ tall and 180 lbs. Her assistant Sally is 21 and a former cheerleader. She is blond and shapely at 5’ 8” tall and 150 lbs. Sally is a strong girl and athletic.

“You do know that all the special needs children are kept in diapers,” inquired Heidi, “Chipper might object to being treated the same.”

“Oh my goodness, I had no idea this was true,” Bonnie replied, “this will be a shock for Chipper but I have no other choice.”

Bonnie will get a discount on Chippers child care being friends with Heidi. This is great since daycare can be expensive. Deluxe Daycare is quite nice and a modern facility.

“Thanks for arranging everything Heidi,” Bonnie said, “I will send Chipper over when I leave for work on Monday morning.”

The phone conversations end, now Bonnie must break the news to Chipper. He will not like being put in Daycare at 18 years old. Bonnie is certain he will not like being diapered like the special needs kids.

It is Saturday afternoon and Chipper is in his room playing video games. Bonnie has dinner in the oven and wants to have a chat with Chipper. She goes to his room and interrupts his games.

“Hello there Chipper mommy wants to have a talk with you,” Bonnie said with a smile on her face. “Turn off the games for a while.”

Mom explains that she will no longer get child support for Chipper since he is considered an adult at age 18. She tells him how she is going back to work full time this coming Monday.

“I am sorry honey but I can’t leave you home alone all day,” Bonnie said, “I will not be here to watch you or cook your meals.”

“Don’t worry mom I can take care of myself,” Chipper said, “after all I am an 18 year old adult.”

“Sorry Chipper but I can’t be at work all day worrying about you,” mom continued, “you might burn or cut yourself cooking,” “I don’t feel you are responsible enough to be left home alone.”

Chipper sees that mom is serious and wonders what she has in mind. “I am afraid I will have to put you in Deluxe Daycare while I work,” mom explains, “the children there are no older than 12 and have special needs.”

Bonnie tells Chipper how desperate her situation is. She explains all about Heidi the neighbor and her assistant Sally. Chipper knows Sally but not very good, he thinks she is very pretty.

“You will have to be a good boy and not cause any trouble,” mom said, “you have to be treated like the other children.” “Good thing you are small so you will be the same as one of them.”

Mom explains the oldest child at Deluxe Daycare is only 12. “The older kids have special needs son,” mom said, “some may be slow mentally and others have physical problems.”

Dreading this next part mom explains some more about this daycare. “Children with special needs may have accidents Chipper,” mom said, “some may wet their pants or the cribs they take naps in.” “To prevent problems the staff keeps all the children in a diaper.”