When you choose a partner, you're not just choosing one for yourself. You're choosing one for your child.

But sometimes, when you're in love, you don't see the signs that could tip you off to a dangerous situation for your child.

The first thing to check when thinking about having your partner care for your child is the way your child reacts to your partner. Is your child afraid every time you leave? Does your child cry uncontrollably or shake with fear? Has the child started to show new behaviors like bed-wetting, thumb-sucking, being clingier than normal or crying uncontrollably every time you leave the room?

If you see any of these behaviors, think about the safety of your child.

Does your partner:

• Have a criminal history? Check out Resources link for websites that can be searched.
• Get easily irritated or short-tempered when talking to your child?
• Seem immature or overreact to things and need constant attention?
• Deliver harsh punishments for minor rule infractions?
• Show anger or impatience when your child cries or throws a tantrum?
• Call your child bad names or put down your child?
• Think it is funny to scare your child?
• Make all the decisions for you and your child?
• Say that you are a bad parent and not strict enough?
• Hurt your child and blame you?
• Handle weapons or illegal substances around your child?
• Call your child a nuisance?

If you have answered "yes" to even one of these questions, your child could be at risk!

Do the right thing. Choose your child over your partner.