Christmas Gifts And Bonuses

[GretasLittleFriends]

I'm usually not given physical gifts, but my parents are constantly thanking me. I would love to get a week's pay as an added bonus, but know times are tough and most of my families are just making it paycheck to paycheck. Knowing I make a difference in their lives and that they appreciate me is a wonderful feeling though.

I did get a present this morning though, which is wonderful. I got a pair of mittens made from old sweaters. I tried them on, they fit, they're double layered, and VERY WARM!! In Minnesota, this is a wonderful gift.

[Everyday_Mom]

At what point did society become so entitled that people are complaining about GIFTS?

[LittleD]

Your feelings are your own, I wouldn't be ashamed, who doesn't like getting gifts and when they give you a picture of the child you watch (like I have gotten) I think ''Oh how nice, now I can add it to the other 3000000 I have already taken of him myself, LOL!'' I have one family that gets us little gifts, my children myself and the daycare. I always felt bad because I never got her anything, just crafty stuff her child made. This year I got all of the kids a magnetic book, a colouring book and crayons. It's not much, but it is a token to celebrate Christmas. Kids don't put dollar value on things, and quantity is better then quality in their eyes, LOL! They will like it and thats all that matters, at least that's what I tell myself.

[dEHmom]

At what point did society become so entitled that people are complaining about GIFTS?

I agree. DH's work has never given out gifts for christmas before, this year they gave out a gift basket. It's not a cheap basket either, it's from an expensive well known Italian place in the city. It's food stuff we would probably never use or buy ever, but I know for a fact it's expensive stuff and it came with cheese in it too.
Everyone at my DH's work complained. It's a large factory with probably a good 5000 plus employees. Even if these baskets only cost the company $5 just add that up, $25000. They were saying stuff like "i'd rather have got nothing".

While I feel we deserve some recognition as an important person in the dcf's lives, I don't think it's a monetary thing, or material thing that shows that. A card that says thank you for all you do, or something along those lines is what is going to last. Not a box of chocolates, not a gift card, not money, nothing else goes as far as a thank you.

[Heidi]

You could send out a newsletter for January and say something like: I appreciate all the wonderful gifts you gave me. I especially enjoyed the gift cards to restaurants, it's great to get out after a busy day. Thanks also for the daycare craft supplies, that really shows be how much you appreciate the crafts I send home with your kids.

One or two of the parents might get the message and give you those things next year. Just remember to thank them the same way next year too. I found posting a thank you to all who returned renewal paperwork early helped everyone get theirs in. All the parents read it and assumed they were the only ones running late. Truth was that no one had got the paperwork back before I posted the thank you note and I had all the paperwork back in two days.

wow are you clever! awesome....::::

[Heidi]

At what point did society become so entitled that people are complaining about GIFTS?

In a way you're right, of course.

For the most part, we are wishing more than complaining, I think. Most people who work for a company get a year end or Christmas Bonus of some sort. Childcare providers work long hours, and most of us aren't exactly making a fortune, and then to give a lot more than "care" to our children.

We are not entitled to anything, but like everyone, we would like to be appreciated. That's all.

[Crystal]

In a way you're right, of course.

For the most part, we are wishing more than complaining, I think. Most people who work for a company get a year end or Christmas Bonus of some sort. Childcare providers work long hours, and most of us aren't exactly making a fortune, and then to give a lot more than "care" to our children.

We are not entitled to anything, but like everyone, we would like to be appreciated. That's all.

Sure. But that OP was a complaint. Not a wish.

I say learn to expect nothing and appreciating even the smallest gesture. Even if secretly you don't like it.

[Unregistered]

not all parents get holiday or year end bonuses... They've never given them out at my company and my husband has been at a couple companies over the past few years and never gotten them there either (and it's not because we're crappy employees or anything, they just don't do it, for anyone).

[Unregistered]

My daughter's preschool teacher sent this note home a couple of weeks before Christmas. I thought it was worded very nicely.

"In the past, some of the preschool children have generously provided gifts for their preschool teacher and para-educator. In lieu of personal Christmas gifts, we would like to recommend some items for the classroom that the children would enjoy. Please know that gifts are not necessary but if you were planning to purchase a gift, here are some suggestions:" Followed by a list of items.

[MyAngels]

Sure. But that OP was a complaint. Not a wish.

I say learn to expect nothing and appreciating even the smallest gesture. Even if secretly you don't like it.

I agree with this. The only thing I expect from my families is that they pay (on time) and follow the rules set forth in my contract. Do that, and I'm a happy camper.

I've received plenty of wonderful gifts, some not so wonderful, and one or two families over the years have given nothing at all. Whatever they do at Christmas time doesn't make me think better or worse of them.

[laundrymom]

I have received a vast varying in the gift department from a huge bunch of homemade candies and puppy chow. That I love!!!! To one family " tipping" me $15!!!! I've cared for their children for 4 1/2 years and it's always the same.

My top 3 fav gifts,.....
12 gift cards for a local bakery/coffee shop. For me to go out once a month, sip coffee, eat snacks I don't have to share, and relax.

A gift card to have my truck tires rotated. I had commented thT I hated helping dh rotate tires, then cell and hurt my arm the next day. We had 38 in tires and they were huge and heavy. How feeaking awesome and thoughtful was that?!

I had a dad who worked at ups. He took my Christmas packages to work AND paid postage!!

Worst, a fruit basket. Containing a coconut. I'm allergic. They knew. Ugh

[momma2girls]

I have always given great XMas gifts to all my daycare children every yr. I would spend about $25-$35.00 on each of them. Up until I moved to a larger city, and one yr. I received one ornament, from one of the families out of 4 of them and that was it. I never received a thank you for their gifts, nothing!! That was heartbreaking to me!! From now on, I spend about 10-$15.00 on each of them. I have gotten new parents since then, and all but one family have gotten me a Christmas present this yr. Last yr. I had before school boys and I didn't charge them near what I should have charge them- I didn't even receive a thank you for their gifts I gave them. I spent about $15.00-$20.00 on each one of them, and I received nothing in return, not even a thank you. Sometimes it's quite hard to take in, not even receving a card, a thank you, etc... it hurts, but oh well, move on...... This yr. I received 2 gift cards, which I totally love!!

[KEG123]

I always say "Never look a gift horse in the mouth."

I'm surprised some of you are complaining about giftcards, candles, etc. I'd be happy they at least thought of you!!

I probably won't get anything. I don't expect to! Sure it would be nice! But to me, Christmas is about giving and not recieving.

One of the daycare families came in today with a gift for my son and the other daycare boy here, too. I was surprised and very happy she thought of them!

[Sugar Magnolia]

The best gifts are those that cost nothing to give.

I expect nothing money-wise, so if I do get something, I'm pretty happy with whatever it is. In these economic times, I wouldn't dream of asking, or making a "wish list" of supplies. I charge $175 a year for an annual supply fee, so I'd never ask parents to donate items to the school. I gladly accept them, however. Now, if you DON'T charge a supply fee, a wish list is ok, but honestly, I wouldn't do this during the Holidays, sorry. What I DO expect is respect, kindness and honesty from my families and I have received plenty of that this year already. That is free and easy to give and much less awkward to accept. There is another thread that asks if we give gifts to parents? Yep. I give out respect, kindness and honesty, as well as loving, worry-free care to their children all year round. Tips, gifts and bonuses are just that. Expect nothing and you will be pleasantly suprised if you do get something. My motto for life, basically.

[Blackcat31]

I expect nothing from my DCF's. Not that I think they wouldn't give gifts to me but because I have a job, I do my job, I get paid for it.

I take paid vacation during this time of the year also so I don't think I should get a gift on top of all that.

I also don't get bent out of shape if I don't hear a thank you now and then either.

I guess the way I see it is most my families stay with me until their kids age out of my program. I haven't had to actively look for new enrollees in several years and have gotten new DCK's through referral from current families. THAT tells me they appreciate what I do.

Plus they keep coming back happy every morning....LOL!! ::