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Conference moira::parenting

Title:Parenting
Notice:Previous PARENTING version at MOIRA::PARENTING_V3
Moderator:GEMEVN::FAIMANY
Created:Thu Apr 09 1992
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:1292
Total number of notes:34837

413.0. "Phone-Sitter Service" by USOPS::OP_DONOVAN () Sun Dec 27 1992 22:22

    I had an idea. How feasible do you think this is?
    
    We all know there are lots of latch-key kids out there. When kids are
    in that 12-16 year old range they are too old to need day care
    but too young to be left totally alone. 
    
    What if a person started a business calling kids at home making sure
    everything is ok. Like a phone-sitter service. If the child doesn't
    answer or it sounds like WWII in the background, Mom or Dad gets a call
    or Gramma or someone.
    
    How would you market this service? Do you think there may be a call for
    this service? What are the caveats? What would be a reasonable price?
    
    
    Thanks for your replies,
    
    Kate
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413.1SSGV01::ANDERSENMake a note if it !Mon Dec 28 1992 08:463
	Seems to me the parents or a relative could do the same thing, and 
	probably do, for nothing.
413.2I've heard of this one, just can't recall where.BOSEPM::DISMUKERomans 12:2Mon Dec 28 1992 08:4715
    This is a service.  I've heard of it already, but can't remember
    the details.  Maybe someone here can help.
    
    I personally am in a position to do this myself since I am near a phone
    all day.  I know of many parents in my office who have their kids call
    in when they arrive home or to just let them know if they are going to
    a friends house etc.
    
    I think it can and probably does work.
    
    Another good thing to have is two phone numbers for your kids to call
    just in case they need someone right away and you are not at the phone.
    
    -sandy
    
413.3talk to personnelMARX::FLEURYMon Dec 28 1992 09:2310
Somebody is already selling this service.  DEC sent out a flyer about it 
a couple months back through interoffice mail.  Although the service wasn't 
offered by DEC directly,  your personel advisor may have some literature on 
it (in the same way they carry information about the Child Care Referral Service).

Like any service - there is always room for more than one providor.  A little
healthy competition would probably be good (at least from my perspective as a 
potential customer)

- Carol
413.4A couple of other free servicesVERGA::STEWARTCaryn....Perspective is Everything!Wed Dec 30 1992 09:1512
I have also heard of a service, I believe in Boston, where retired folks
"adopt a grandchild" and call each day when the child returns from school.

I think it's a free service aimed to provide companionship for the "adopted
grandparent" and after-school support fort the latchkey child.

There used to be a service in Worcester also for school kids to call for
help/companionship.  I don't know if it's still in service though.  It was
also free and sponsored I believe by the United Way.

~Caryn

413.5As many phone #'s as necessaryICS::NELSONKWed Dec 30 1992 11:1213
    If I were to start such a business, I'd want to run a background
    check on every employee and make sure they were bonded.  In other
    words, no sickos need apply.  
    
    I've heard of such services in other parts of the country; don't
    know of anything here, however -- maybe that's because my kids are
    not of school age yet!
    
    The idea another noter had about making sure the kids had an alternate
    adult to check in with is an excellent one.  I also have a portable
    car phone that is ALWAYS plugged in when I'm on the road, and everyone
    who sits for us has that number, too.  There are very few times when
    I can't be reached.
413.6Similar business for elderlyNIODEV::MIDTTUNLisa Midttun,285-3450,NIO/N4,Pole H14-15Wed Dec 30 1992 11:483
    I've heard of a similar business but instead of calling kids the
    service called your elderly relatives. Might be a way to diversify the
    business!