Dirty Drop-offs?

[DuckGirlJoey]

Hey all, new poster here. So glad I found this place.

I've been perusing, and maybe I'm missing it, but I didn't see anything pertaining to this subject, so here goes.

Do any of you ever have issues with children being dropped off with dirty diapers? I do--especially with one particular child. Sometimes, it's a fresh soil and may have happened in the car on the way over. Other times, it seems as if this child has not even been changed out of his overnight diaper.

I do have a clause in my handbook that says 'I will make every effort to send your child home fresh and clean at pick-up time, as well as in a fresh diaper, and would appreciate the same courtesy from you upon your child's drop-off time.'

The same mom who will expect me to deal with the mess her child made while with her at drop-off will also stand there at the the end of the day and expect me to change him in front of her before she takes him home.

I'm really not a tit-for-tat person, but this is getting old with this same mom. And it isn't only her, I have others that have done this from time to time, and also will have kids show up with food-faces, crusty noses, etc. The only problem is I would never DREAM of sending kids home in this condition when they were under my watch, and I feel parents should at least take the time to clean their kids up a bit before dropping them off for the day.

I'd like to think it's just that they're in a hurry to get to work and don't have the time (or don't make the time rather) but these moms still find time to chat to me or other moms or even talk on their cell phones outside their cars for at least 5-10 minutes before finally leaving. No big hurry there.

I am a good provider, and cleaning messes is a big part of this job. But I feel there are just certain courtesies that could be taken on the parents' part that would really make a difference for everyone involved.

What would you do? Or what have you done, if in this position before?
Thanks.

[Blackcat31]

Hi, welcome to the forum

Your status has been upgraded so you can post freely now.

When I have a parent come in and I notice the child is dirty, I will hand the parent the child back and say "Oh-oh, looks like Johnny made a mess while on the way over. Come on in and I will get you a diaper and some wipes."

If they bolt before I can say anything, I won't make a big deal of it and won't mention it. If they do it repeatedly (more than 1x per week) I will mention it and say that they will need to take care of their child's needs before leaving them with me as I extend the same courtesy to them at pick up and make sure the children are clean and freshly changed before the parent arrives.

Goes both ways.

[EchoMom]

I haven't had this problem so far. The parents I have have come in and changed their child when they knew they're diaper was dirty. I feel very respected by this and am lucky I guess! If it did happen often though I guess I would have to say, Uh oh, Baby has a stinky, you can go ahead and change that in the diaper room, help yourself his bin is the one in the middle"

[PitterPatter]

Yes I had that problem with 2 siblings for a long time and you will too if you don't MAKE the parent stop. I would tell her repeatedly every day and get the excuse they must have pooed on the way. Maybe 1 maybe once or twice a week but not both every day and so bad that it had started to dry on around teh edges. I discussed it with Mom & Dad as a team and the Dad admitted that Mom doesn't change diapers at home either. I told them that they need to arrive in a clean diaper or they will be asked to change it upon arrival. It almost stopped just a few here and there after that. Sitting in filthy diapers caused the kids to get bad rashes and finally MRSA on the bottoms repeatedly so if you think this is something that may be going on at home maybe you could mention that risk to her. If not then at least mention the fact the child has been brought many times in a dirty diaper and that you would like the same respect as you show her when you send home clean. If nothing else tell her the mornings everyone MUST come clean and ready for the day including a fresh diaper so you can get breakfast without making others wait.

Good luck!

[DBug]

I agree with what everyone else has said . I haven't had this problem except on the rare occasion. However, I do have a change pad, spare diapers and wipes right at the daycare entrance. When it has happened, I've just stayed with the other kids in the playroom and told the parent to help themselves to the changing supplies.

There's nothing quite like seeing a soldier in fatigues hunched over on the floor changing a squirmy toddler .

Like I said though, it doesn't happen that often (maybe because they see the supplies waiting for them ..?).