I've been trying to simply ignore the extra kids, to try and prove the point to the parents that I'm not there to actively supervise their kids, but it's hard when the kids fall and hurt themselves, or are about to, or aren't sharing MY toys that they've helped themselves to without asking. In my opinion, kids under 10 shouldn't be outside unsupervised if they're not in a fenced-in yard. My neighbours, unfortunately, don't seem to agree.

On top of that, I have a 5yr old dcb with a severe nut and peanut allergy. It makes me nervous enough just being outside with him, in an environment that I can't control, but what if little neighbourhood Suzy comes up eating a sandwich or something, and her parents are no where to be found to ask if there's nuts in it? I don't really trust a 4-year-old to tell me correctly what she's eating.

A minute after we went in, I watched out the kitchen window, and sure enough, mothers reappeared and made their kids come in. It seems like because I take care of other people's children, no one thinks I will mind taking care of a few more outside, without even being asked or anything.

The more I think about it, the more worried I get about someone reporting me if/when this happens again. I have three kids under 6 of my own, plus 4 dckids atm (only 2 were here today though) and another interview tomorrow. I could potentially be out with 8 kids under 6 this summer, and if it looks like I have even more than that, hell, I'd probably at least consider reporting someone who looked like that!