Ok, My kids father and I have Joint custody of our girls. School will be out this up coming Thursday for the summer. My question is. Will I be considered a bad Mom to the Court
if I refuse to let the father put them in Daycare at the YMCA! I do want the girls to be around other kids. My reason for not wanting them to attend is:

I've stressed to the father on several occassions, that I don't fill comfortable about our 4 year old being there. She is fasinated with water. She has a disability, and will wonder off. I sometimes don't fill comfortable in my own home to sleep with her up. I have double locks on the doors so she will not get out If, I'm cleaning or upstairs. And, the 2 year old is her partner in crime. I know I must put the negative things away, but this is my child. On, a visit to Alabama. The father family was having a cook out. One of his sisters said she would watch her while I went in the house to eat. The father came back from Wal-mart, and ask where was our daughter. I said outside. That his sister was watching her. He went out there, came back in, looked through the house. And, said she wasn't out there, and know one knew where she was. Everyone jumped up. It was like my life had stopped. I couldn't move my legs.
When someone opened the door . There was a lady walking down the street with her. She went into her yard (my daughter) about 4 houses down. And, the lady took her from house to house to see if she belonged there. It was the 4th of July. My point is. God was watching over her. And, returned her safely back to her.
She will wonder off. I've stressed this to him. And, it's his way or know way.

He will be taking me to court for Full custody. I don't think I'm over reacting. But, I also don't know if the Judge will feel that way, keeping the kids from developing in a positive way! I will be getting representation. Waiting on some referrals. He just filed this week. So, I have to get moving!

Your opinions will be appreciated.

And, another thing. I'm not working at this time. If, the father was to put the 4 year old in a daycare somewhere other then the YMCA, I will feel better. But, while I'm home. The 2 year old. Which just turned 2 on yesterday. I feel should be home with me. Until I do return back to work. I don't know what he's thinking. But, I do feel that he's up to something!!!! Why, should I have Joint custody, if I can't make any decisions?

Not sure what to say to you. If you have legitimate concerns about the child being properly supervised at the Y, then you should investigate those with the Y to see if they can accomodate her. If not, then suggest that she stay home wiht you and you will take both kids on supervised activities. I do not think a court will challenge that. You are not opposed to the childrens' socialization, but need to make sure it is safe based on the childrens' personalities and social skills. Most judges should understand that. It is hard to speak about the custody battle. Most judges will not take younger children away from a fit mother, but be careful how you handle the Y thing so it is not used against you. If you believe it is wrong for the child and can articulate that reasonably, you have to go with your parental gut and suggest other alternatives.

Thanks elklaw!

We can sometimes get so wrapped up in our fears, that we make big mistakes.
I'm glad that I found this board!

Thanks again,