I agree with what everyone has said -- go with your mommy instinct. I would not leave my child with her. You listed too many unstable variables -- traveling, going to another house (that you've never been to) to be with people (who you've never met) and the whole dog thing. I would be greatly concerned about the three dogs she has alone. Don't even get me started on the pitbull thing.

I hope you can find somebody else who will care for your child and ease your mind. It is so hard to find good and affordable child care.

Ok I haven't read all the posts but I do have to say this...

I take care of my two nieces and one 7 yo boy who is a classmate of my older dd and older niece. I treat the boy like family when he is with us and I take him to my mom's maybe once a week when we go because 1. she is my dd's and nieces grandma and she wants them over 2. they have a huge backyard, neighbors with kids and a great park close by 3. they would get bored stuck in the house all day and my yard is too small and there aren't any decent parks within walking distance. Now I understand your concern having someone else drive your kids around but put yourself in her shoes and not everyone is a horrible driver, I'm sure she wouldn't endanger her own kids and btw accidents could happen to anyone even you when your with your kids.

Now about the dog thing I don't like dogs or trust them so I wouldn't let anyone with a dog take care of my kids, esp. a pit bull since in Chicago last year there was a horrible attack on a little boy by 3 pitbulls who "never had any problems before".

So just follow your gut and good luck to you.

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i forgot to say that I always ask the boy's parents if it's okay that I take him to my mom's house and the reason why, what time we'll be back, etc. And the parents have met my mom and stepdad several times and they are also welcome at my mom's house. So each situation is different. If she ever refuses to give you details then no you shouldn't leave your kids with her. I give my sister and the boy's mom details about their day everyday... what they ate and how much, what they did, etc. I find it very important because I would want the same consideration.

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first and last listen to your mommy instinct its yours and your childrens safety net.

Id be wary because you asked in the first place that meant you didnt feel fully confident or your wouldnt have posted this.

secondly I wouldnt have children around pit bull unless he was stuffed and on the mantlepiece! thats one of the breeds thats a no no for me round chidren.

thirdly there are wonderful unlicenced day care providers out there but if they are licenced its easier to be sure of them in the legal sense.

(and Im not getting at any unlicenced daycare providers moms on the board)

Good luck with your decisions

Anne