Childcare under pressure because of poor economy

Summer is always a precarious time for families struggling to provide daycare for young children while both parents -- or the single parent -- works.

Too often, accidents or incidents can be traced to young children being inadequately supervised during the summer months.

The situation is exacerbated by the struggling economy and the need for adults to work extra part-time jobs or take on more hours to get by.

While most states have no laws governing how old a child must be to be left home alone, experts agree parents should do what they can to make arrangements to ensure children are not left home alone, and that children younger than 13 not be left home alone to watch younger children.

That's especially true about swimming, which young children should never be allowed to do unsupervised.

But some children are more mature than others. Some 10-year-olds might be better equipped to handle difficult situations better than some 14-year-0lds.

Can they follow house rules? Would they know enough not to turn on the oven and possibly start a fire?

Other issues to consider:

* Does the child know to call 911? Are there nearby relatives and neighbors whom the parents trust to contact or talk to in case there is a problem? Could he or she perform basic first aid?

* Does the child know not to open the door to any stranger? Are you sure?

Do you know other parents who may face similar problems? Perhaps you can network through friends or church to share or trade daycare or find other solutions.

Most employers are reasonable about their employee's family obligations, and help is available through existing social services.

But it is the parents' ultimate responsibility to see that their children are safe, regardless of other circumstances.