Originally Posted by Cat Herder:
I got there through experience. 
I loved trips to the movies, libraries, state parks, skating rinks, etc. Never failed someone:
- showed up late/early and demanded we return immediately
- showed up without appropriate supplies/cash
- forgot/refused to sign the permission slip
- forgot carseat
- showed up from licensing unannounced and demanded our immediate return
Then daycares started leaving kids in vans to die of exposure at alarming rates and the regs locked us all down. 
Several still die in those vans every year, though.
Yep, pretty much the same for me too.....the nail that sealed the coffin for me was licensing.
I just couldn't keep up with the required paperwork and extra trainings required for even a short field trip a couple blocks away to the park.
Keeping them all confined to one home/yard is THE easiest way for all now. If parents want their child to experience the children's science museum, I heard they let parents in too!
