Venting Thread

[SnowGirl]

Since I'm legally unlicensed and only care for one other family right now, I've been very casual with my DCF. They've treated me very well, always picking up on time and understanding of my pregnancy and needing to take it easy sometimes. I gave them a huge sibling discount (also gave them the discount knowing I wouldn't be 100% energetic during pregnancy).

Part of my casual-ness has been over breakfast. They asked in interview if they could bring breakfast for dcg2, and I said as long as they dropped off by 7:30 that would be fine (morning snack is at 9:30 and my own family eats breakfast at 6:30). They've consistently dropped off at 7:45 or later, sometimes bringing breakfast, sometimes not. They always let their daughter know she has to share with my daughter (which is nice because otherwise this arrangement would NEVER work with two year olds).

Today, they drop off at 8:00 with a big bag of goldfish () and a large plate of cut fruit. They say to their daughter "share the goldfish. the fruit is only for you."

I've NEVER dealt with them acting like that, and I was just shocked. I never even serve the goldfish when they bring them, I just throw them straight in the trash. Needless to say, I just served the fruit, to BOTH girls, and served up some toast as well. I don't know why they would act that way - I'm hoping it was just thoughtlessness and nothing more. They are only here for a week more before my maternity leave (I'm 38 weeks!), and then DCG2 goes to preschool. They're bringing DCbaby back in May and we are renegotiating a contract before they come back, so I'm not sure whether I'll be more firm in policies or what (probably should be since I plan on getting licensed and getting more DCKs sometime this next year)...but I'm just a little put off by their behavior this morning.

Could be my hormones ::

[Boymom]

I think I may be approaching burn out. With everything.

Dcfs. Dcks. My own dks. My dh.

Blech. Looking forward to the long weekend.

Meeee too!!! I'm so burned out today I could just cry. I'm thankful to be at home with my boys, but everyone in this house is driving me up the wall. I'm so done and I can't wait to get off work today!!!

[Boymom]

How many time outs is too many?!

3 year old dcb I swear has not listened to me once today and he's kicking my rear end! I'm so done! I have to repeat myself over and over and over and over! I feel like a darn broken record. I can't even remember how many times I've had to put him in time out today. Is there a limit ?!

[MunchkinWrangler]

Repeat after me- We. Are. Human.
Let the guilt go. There are all sorts of things out there about "mom guilt" but I think anyone who works with kids day in day out experiences some version of that when they aren't always perfect because we have a sense that children are relatively powerless so it's up to us to do right by them. And we should, but that doesn't mean perfection, some days that means good enough. Hugs to you, enjoy your weekend!

Thank you! You are right, today I feel much better and rested, which helps! I think that is just it, striving for perfection can be exhausting. It's hard when you plan for certain activities and the kids aren't interested or looking at you like you're crazy. Feeling judged also doesn't help. Thank you, thank you, it helps to be reminded of this.

[Miss A]

Flaky drop-in DCM has text 3 times this week for drop-in care, as her usual provider is on vacation and flaky DCM doesn't plan ahead. Yesterday and today we have been hit with an awful winter storm. Today, only one DCK is here due to weather, and the local school's Easter break. About an hour ago we lost power, and about 4,000 residents in our county are without power as well. Flaky DCM texts for drop-in care, stating she doesn't have power and needs someplace with heat. Sorry DCM, I am without power too, the whole county is too. Not a huge deal, this DCM just rubs me wrong, and this really bothered me today. Thank God she only needs care every 6 months or so. Tuesday her diaper bag was packed with dirty clothes. Not DCK's dirty clothes, DCM's dirty underwear. I don't get paid enough for this!

[childcaremom]

I think I may be approaching burn out. With everything.

Dcfs. Dcks. My own dks. My dh.

Blech. Looking forward to the long weekend.

Today was frustrating to me. I was not keeping my cool today and it was apparent to the kids. I feel bad. I was trying to catch up on my personal chores and daycare chores and trying to keep everyone entertained and I'm planning our Easter celebration tomorrow. I've been wearing many hats lately and feeling overwhelmed. Looking forward to my 3 day weekend but I hate feeling guilty for being in a not so great mood today. I wear my heart on my sleeve so no matter how hard I try to mask my emotions, everyone notices. Ugh.

Repeat after me- We. Are. Human.
Let the guilt go. There are all sorts of things out there about "mom guilt" but I think anyone who works with kids day in day out experiences some version of that when they aren't always perfect because we have a sense that children are relatively powerless so it's up to us to do right by them. And we should, but that doesn't mean perfection, some days that means good enough. Hugs to you, enjoy your weekend!

[MunchkinWrangler]

Today was frustrating to me. I was not keeping my cool today and it was apparent to the kids. I feel bad. I was trying to catch up on my personal chores and daycare chores and trying to keep everyone entertained and I'm planning our Easter celebration tomorrow. I've been wearing many hats lately and feeling overwhelmed. Looking forward to my 3 day weekend but I hate feeling guilty for being in a not so great mood today. I wear my heart on my sleeve so no matter how hard I try to mask my emotions, everyone notices. Ugh.

So depressed and frustrated. I've been on disability since I was 18, my condition has improved as I've gotten older (I'm 30 and have Fibromyalgia) and I need to get myself and my three year old son out of my narcissistic mother's house. I started working, as a teacher, it's tough on me but I love it. And I still can't afford to get us out of here! I can't move because I share custody and rent is insane in the whole county! I work full time for over minimum wage and I would hardly afford a studio. And who wants a single mom and preschooler as their roommate? No one. It seems hopeless. The Section 8 wait here is 8to 10 years. 3 to 5 at income based housing. I could take a second job but I'd be leaving my son mainly with my parents then (his father works three cruddy jobs and is always busy) and hardly see him which would defeat the entire point! I'm working so hard and getting no freedom that's my vent.

[Play Care]

Thanks all!
I am off this Friday already. It will be nice, but I really just need more than a day off at this point.

[MunchkinWrangler]

I am flat out.
Like less than a nanosecond from snapping.
Between work, volunteer obligations, parenting, etc. I just can not do it.
I need time off, and not just a day.

Take next Friday off, just say it's a Dr. appt. or something! I'm sorry you've reached burn out. I had to take a step back and from someone's thread on here I decided to take off the last Friday of every other month for a personal day. Some of them worked out with holidays giving me a 4 day weekend. I made handouts which required signatures, explaining that these days would not be deducted for pay. All of my parents gladly and politely obliged. I'm blessed to have families that want to make sure that I am healthy and sane and are understanding. In the meantime :hug:

[Sunshine74]

I am flat out.
Like less than a nanosecond from snapping.
Between work, volunteer obligations, parenting, etc. I just can not do it.
I need time off, and not just a day.

I hear you. :hug: I hope you get some sort of break to recharge!

[daycarediva]

I am flat out.
Like less than a nanosecond from snapping.
Between work, volunteer obligations, parenting, etc. I just can not do it.
I need time off, and not just a day.

:hug:
Feel free to PM me as well!

I was feeling the same way this month- now I am closed Friday and have a spa appt (hair and massage!) I am taking a day off in June with dd to go have a girls day, lunch and shopping, and a three day weekend in July.

Maybe it's time to cut back? I didn't take any classes this semester and I probably wont for summer either.

[Blackcat31]

I am flat out.
Like less than a nanosecond from snapping.
Between work, volunteer obligations, parenting, etc. I just can not do it.
I need time off, and not just a day.

:hug: PM me if you need to vent some more...

[lovemydaycare0912]

I am flat out.
Like less than a nanosecond from snapping.
Between work, volunteer obligations, parenting, etc. I just can not do it.
I need time off, and not just a day.

Can you take a week vacation? or like me a 3 day weekend? My husband and I are going a few states away to a resort to just relax and do nothing. I can't wait. I need it so bad too.

I hope you are able to get some time off and do something for yourself.