What Can I Do??

[kayla]

Ok so i am so frustrated with everything right now im 26 weks pregnant and i have a child that repeatedly comes smelling of cigarette smoke. And i mean bad i cant even walk by him without smelling it and it lasts all day long... Do i say something to the parent?? Also he showed up today in the same clothes he wore yesterday, also he has not had a bath all week... I have already called cps on this family once before but they dont do anything... Also he always tells me he does not have a tooth brush... How is this right and how did cps not do anything about it??? Also have another parent that is so nosy i dont know what i should say to her or do?? shes always asking about other people and critisizing there parenting, like shes the bet parent...Today i put up a gate at the topof the stairs to prevent her from doing that stuff but i mean she literally reads whats on my callendar and looks at any paper or bills i have on my counters i need advice asap.... also anyone have these problems before??? seriously making me reconsider my occupation...

[Zoe]

For the kid that smells of cigarettes, change him into an extra set of clothes right away so you can get through the day. Heck, even brush his teeth there!

For the nosy mom, tell her she's being nosy! Honesty works!

[Blackcat31]

Hun, I know it is tough but you need to speak up! The nosey mom needs to be told that unless somehting directly concerns her, it is none of her business.

The one that smells like smoke....well you need to speak up there too and tell the parents that he needs to come bathed, in clean clothes and ready for the day. every day. The no toothbrush thing is not too much to be concerned about as back in the ol' days (! I am dating myself ) we didn't see a dentist until much later than the norm today. I don't think I owned a toothbrush either until closer to Kindy age. (fwiw~ I have good teeth and no issues because of that either. )

Having a backbone or voice in this profession is tough but you won't make it long if you don't find it. Once you find and use it, it gets a lot easier....I promise!

Don't let a couple tough situations run you outta business.....it would be sad to see a good, loving and caring provider leave this field because of this type of thing.

[daycare]

Ok so i am so frustrated with everything right now im 26 weks pregnant and i have a child that repeatedly comes smelling of cigarette smoke. And i mean bad i cant even walk by him without smelling it and it lasts all day long... Do i say something to the parent?? Also he showed up today in the same clothes he wore yesterday, also he has not had a bath all week... I have already called cps on this family once before but they dont do anything... Also he always tells me he does not have a tooth brush... How is this right and how did cps not do anything about it??? Also have another parent that is so nosy i dont know what i should say to her or do?? shes always asking about other people and critisizing there parenting, like shes the bet parent...Today i put up a gate at the topof the stairs to prevent her from doing that stuff but i mean she literally reads whats on my callendar and looks at any paper or bills i have on my counters i need advice asap.... also anyone have these problems before??? seriously making me reconsider my occupation...

not what sure what the laws are where you are, but here in cali a new law was passed that it is now against the law to smoke in front of a minor. That is so sad.

If you don't want to go that route, I would do what the PP said. I am sure there would be no way to get it out of the childs hair, but at least you can get it out of the clothes.

If I were you, I would also talk to mom and let her know how it makes you feel

[Cat Herder]

I'd just start DCB's day with a bubble bath, shampoo, fresh clothes and toss his in the laundry to go into his cubby for tomorrow. I do it so often here, it would raise no eyebrows at all.

I'd also show him how to brush his teeth everyday. Anything the child needs while they are in my care...they get. IMHO, You have already made the report, they investigated...so now the ball is back in your court.

The ones I have done this with started doing it themselves when they noticed how many compliments they got in public and from family about how great the kids look/smelled. Sometimes SEEING the difference makes it stand out for them.

For Snooping DCM I'd go with the "Buh Bye Outside Program" in your shoes.

Myself, I'd just ask.... "Find anything good?? All I saw was bills.... You wanna pay those for me???"

[BBDC]

I have a child that I feel does not get baths regularly at home either and I give him baths at daycare sometimes. I dont feel its the childs fault. His parents both work long hours at farms so I dont think they mean to I just dont think they think about it like we do? But the smoke I also say yes maybe just change his clothes right away!