Provider's Guilt Anyone?

[Mary Poppins]

Does anyone else feel guilty over things related to being a dcp? I guess I never expected to feel like this but there are times when I feel guilt for various things and it's horrible!!

For instance, in the last couple weeks, I was the first one to hear about a first loose tooth. I was the first one to see the baby stand on her own. I was the first to hear the 1yo say "please" and "thank you". You get the idea.

Then there is the guilt over actually charging a fair rate and not feeling guilty over that! WTH is wrong with me? Yep. I actually feel guilty asking for over 2 bucks an hour per kid when I know I am well worth it.

Urghhh.

Anyone else deal with provider's guilt or am I all alone out here?

[bluemoose_mom]

I do! I feel guilty that until now (my DD is 2 1/2) I was a sahm. I feel guilty that we don't NEED this income, but I've changed DD world so much (it's the right thing for my family however. I just repeat that over and over). I feel guilty that I'm charging a fair rate, even though again, I don't NEED this income. I feel guilty that I know one of my mom's would love to stay home, but can't, but I did.

I guess that's mostly mom guilt, not really provider guilt...but it's still just as hard.

[EchoMom]

I absolutely feel guilt! I feel guilty when the kids get each other sick. I do what I can to prevent it, but I still feel like it's my fault when a cold goes around.

And yes, I feel guilt too about how much people pay me. I'm worth it, but still I feel guilty when I think that people are paying me hundreds of dollars a month. I added up my income for the last 6 months since starting my business and one family has paid me over 3k for their 2 kids. That makes me feel guilty that they paid that money, but yet that's how it works in any business.

[Countrygal]

I definitely feel guilt about many of the same things. I just lost two dck because of financial reasons, but I charge a fair rate for my services and I live off the income, so really can't charge any less. These kids are going to stay home with their dad and I think it is wonderful!

There is always guilt and worry in this business, but 1/2 of that is because most of us have a nurturing personality.....

[Blackcat31]

I absolutely feel guilt! I feel guilty when the kids get each other sick. I do what I can to prevent it, but I still feel like it's my fault when a cold goes around.

And yes, I feel guilt too about how much people pay me. I'm worth it, but still I feel guilty when I think that people are paying me hundreds of dollars a month. I added up my income for the last 6 months since starting my business and one family has paid me over 3k for their 2 kids. That makes me feel guilty that they paid that money, but yet that's how it works in any business.

Oh Hun, I can help you stop feeling guilty........According to the Forbes list of top 25 WORST or LOWEST paying jobs is child care providers...... http://www.forbes.com/2007/06/04/job...peed=undefined

and it isn't just them (Forbes)...if you search any list of lowest paying jobs, child care workers is on the list almost every time.

http://www.careerbuilder.com/Article/CB-872-Changing-Jobs-Americas-Lowest-Paying-Jobs/

And 3K for 2 kids is nothing.....I had a family with 3 kids and at the end of the year I wrote them a year-end receipt for $25,745.00. but yet, I don't consider myself highly paid....kwim?

[Kiki]

Oh Hun, I can help you stop feeling guilty........According to the Forbes list of top 25 WORST or LOWEST paying jobs is child care providers...... http://www.forbes.com/2007/06/04/job...peed=undefined

and it isn't just them (Forbes)...if you search any list of lowest paying jobs, child care workers is on the list almost every time.

http://www.careerbuilder.com/Article/CB-872-Changing-Jobs-Americas-Lowest-Paying-Jobs/

And 3K for 2 kids is nothing.....I had a family with 3 kids and at the end of the year I wrote them a year-end receipt for $25,745.00. but yet, I don't consider myself highly paid....kwim?

Gives you something to think about that's for sure!

The only time I ever really feel guilty is if I'm sick, and can't care for children. (RARE!) Or if I am charging a family that is going on vacation, I know their whole train of thought is, 'They aren't there, why am I paying again?!' so it makes me feel bad.
Sometimes firsts make me feel bad, but I don't ever tell parents about any of them except for rolling, so really they are seeing a 'first' too!

[Country Kids]

Oh Hun, I can help you stop feeling guilty........According to the Forbes list of top 25 WORST or LOWEST paying jobs is child care providers...... http://www.forbes.com/2007/06/04/job...peed=undefined

and it isn't just them (Forbes)...if you search any list of lowest paying jobs, child care workers is on the list almost every time.

http://www.careerbuilder.com/Article/CB-872-Changing-Jobs-Americas-Lowest-Paying-Jobs/

And 3K for 2 kids is nothing.....I had a family with 3 kids and at the end of the year I wrote them a year-end receipt for $25,745.00. but yet, I don't consider myself highly paid....kwim?

OH, my gosh blackcat!!! What you wrote that receipt for I might, just might make in an entire year with TEN children!!!! I would love to be able to make that with just 3 kids!! Wow, I would love my job even more if I were able to make money like that but sadly our area can't support childcare like that-

[Blackcat31]

OH, my gosh blackcat!!! What you wrote that receipt for I might, just might make in an entire year with TEN children!!!! I would love to be able to make that with just 3 kids!! Wow, I would love my job even more if I were able to make money like that but sadly our area can't support childcare like that-

...and sadly when you break it down it is around $163-165 per week for one child.

Which is not the most expensive child care or the least so more food for thought...

[Country Kids]

...and sadly when you break it down it is around $163-165 per week for one child.

Which is not the most expensive child care or the least so more food for thought...

Yes, I see what your saying but.......I get an hourly rate (less then three dollars an hour), and a full timer is around $125 a week. The thing is parents complaining about that and I run an awesome program per all my parents but they don't like having to pay for it.

My first ever little boy I watched as a fulltime childcare provider just graduated from highschool! He wants to be a cardiologist-lovethislovethislovethis. His mom gives me full credit for enstilling an awesome preschool experience into him to this day. She says she tells everyone if it wasn't for me he wouldn't be where he is today.

I told her when he graduates from medical school I want a picture so I can hang it up and say " This is what your paying for, your childs future"!

[Blackcat31]

Yes, I see what your saying but.......I get an hourly rate (less then three dollars an hour), and a full timer is around $125 a week. The thing is parents complaining about that and I run an awesome program per all my parents but they don't like having to pay for it.

My first ever little boy I watched as a fulltime childcare provider just graduated from highschool! He wants to be a cardiologist-lovethislovethislovethis. His mom gives me full credit for enstilling an awesome preschool experience into him to this day. She says she tells everyone if it wasn't for me he wouldn't be where he is today.

I told her when he graduates from medical school I want a picture so I can hang it up and say " This is what your paying for, your childs future"!

That is super sweet! lovethis

[Countrygal]

Oh Hun, I can help you stop feeling guilty........According to the Forbes list of top 25 WORST or LOWEST paying jobs is child care providers...... http://www.forbes.com/2007/06/04/job...peed=undefined

and it isn't just them (Forbes)...if you search any list of lowest paying jobs, child care workers is on the list almost every time.

http://www.careerbuilder.com/Article/CB-872-Changing-Jobs-Americas-Lowest-Paying-Jobs/

And 3K for 2 kids is nothing.....I had a family with 3 kids and at the end of the year I wrote them a year-end receipt for $25,745.00. but yet, I don't consider myself highly paid....kwim?

I soooooooo need to move!!!

[Countrygal]

My first ever little boy I watched as a fulltime childcare provider just graduated from highschool! He wants to be a cardiologist-

I told her when he graduates from medical school I want a picture so I can hang it up and say " This is what your paying for, your childs future"!

This is AWESOME!!! I could do that with my homeschooled kids! Great idea!!!

[Unregistered]

pgjsnf

$25,000!!! It is a hard receipt to give out.I gave my one family their end of year statement-$28,000! Dad was like,Holy S*#@!,that's how much I pay for daycare?" They are both attorneys so i know they make good money but i felt a little guilty(for like a second) Hey,they say kids are expensive!

[Ariana]

Oh Hun, I can help you stop feeling guilty........According to the Forbes list of top 25 WORST or LOWEST paying jobs is child care providers...... http://www.forbes.com/2007/06/04/job...peed=undefined

Yikes!! I made $30K working part-time as a daycare teacher!!!

[SunshineMama]

Honestly, I don't feel guilty. My family and I made some huge sacrifices, and I took over $30k per year pay cut to be with my own kids and do a daycare. Those parents are welcome to do the same. I know there are exceptions, like single parents, etc- but do I feel guilty for being the first one to see your child walk? Nope. When you have kids you have to choose what you feel is best for them. If you have the option of a luxurious life but both parents have to work, I have no guilt, because that Mercedes and Tiffany's jewelry you wear everyday is obviously more important than seeing your child's first step. Again, this isn't directed toward those who have no choice, this is directed to those who choose to let someone else raise their kids so they can have nice stuff. And I know that is a choice as well, and that is perfectly fine to make that choice. My point is, you should not feel guilty. You have to make a living, and although child are is read as the worst paying most frustrating occupation, it is really rewarding when we see that child, whom we have been working with daily, take that first step. I remember reading a lady's blog about how she is a SAHM and lives on her husbands $28k a year job for their family of 6. She's super thrifty, but a great example that it can be done.