How To Get My Point Across...ADVICE PLEASE!

[littlemissmuffet]

I don't have the patience you folks do. I have a 3 strikes and you're out rule here... for all of my policies (don't care if it's the same rule or a combination). I have zero tolerance for people who think that the rules do not apply to them. The first time, I would have handed the toys back and said "Our policy is no outside toys are to be brought in the daycare, don't do it again". Second time would have been "This is your final warning, do not bring outside toys in my home". Third time would have been "Here's your child's toy and here's your termination letter for not following my policies"!

Sounds harsh, but really, why bother even having rules if you're not going to enforce them seriously?

[Crystal]

I would directly ask the parent "I am certain that you understand the policy about no toys being brought to daycare, as I have told you several times, as well as have provided - and had you sign- the policy. WHY do you continue to disrespect me my disregarding my policies?"

I'd say it firmly, with a stern look on my face and I'd MAKE them answer me.

They can only disrespect you if you allow it. I guarantee you if you call them out on it, bluntly and directly, it will stop.

[Blackcat31]

I would directly ask the parent "I am certain that you understand the policy about no toys being brought to daycare, as I have told you several times, as well as have provided - and had you sign- the policy. WHY do you continue to disrespect me my disregarding my policies?"

I'd say it firmly, with a stern look on my face and I'd MAKE them answer me.

They can only disrespect you if you allow it. I guarantee you if you call them out on it, bluntly and directly, it will stop.

especially the part about respecting you.

[sharlan]

I would directly ask the parent "I am certain that you understand the policy about no toys being brought to daycare, as I have told you several times, as well as have provided - and had you sign- the policy. WHY do you continue to disrespect me my disregarding my policies?"

I'd say it firmly, with a stern look on my face and I'd MAKE them answer me.

They can only disrespect you if you allow it. I guarantee you if you call them out on it, bluntly and directly, it will stop.

I totally agree.

[RPrunell]

I don't have the patience you folks do. I have a 3 strikes and you're out rule here... for all of my policies (don't care if it's the same rule or a combination). I have zero tolerance for people who think that the rules do not apply to them. The first time, I would have handed the toys back and said "Our policy is no outside toys are to be brought in the daycare, don't do it again". Second time would have been "This is your final warning, do not bring outside toys in my home". Third time would have been "Here's your child's toy and here's your termination letter for not following my policies"!

Sounds harsh, but really, why bother even having rules if you're not going to enforce them seriously?

Unfortunately, this may not be an option for a lot of people here. Some of us need the income from running a day care and we don't have a list of people waiting to get in.

[MarinaVanessa]

Personally I like the idea of having a container of some sort outside on the front porch next to the entrance. Personally I wouldn't make it a trash can but maybe perhaps a cardboard box would work. I'd write "Place Outside Toys Here" directly on it in big bold letters. I'd make it a priority to meet this family at the door every morning. If you were accustomed to having your door unlocked, I'd lock it just for this family. When they arrived and knocked, I'd answer the door and block the entrance with my body and ask to be given all of the toys. Then I would hold the toys and move out of the way and let them inside. Once they were inside I would put the toys in the box and come inside and close the door.

I would also be prepared for whatever situation arised afterwards. If the kids cried for their toys I would tell the parent "This is why I don't allow toys from home". If the parent asks why or says it's not a big deal I'd explain it one last time verbally and refer them to the contract/handbook. If the parent continued to bring toys each day and continued to question it then I would type up the policy and an explaination about why I don't allow toys from the outside and examples of some scenarios that can or have happened (no names). I would hand them this letter each time they brought a toy from home (the same exact letter) and I would not explain it any further to them, just keep putting the toys in the box and hand them another letter.

[Ariana]

Yeah I'd definately hang a bag in my entrance and immediately put the toys in there. Mom and dad clearly don't want conflict with their kids so they're pushing your boundaries instead of using discipline. Just take the toys from mom and dad and plop them right into the bag....let the kids have their little tantrum and move on with your day. Give it two weeks and the kids will learn. It's unfortunate that you're the one having to teach them this.