Just Need To Vent

[Lilbutterflie]

I just need to vent. I've had a frustrating week already, and it's only Tuesday.

I take 8 holidays per year, paid. Other than that, I RARELY take any time off at all. Even when my A/C was broken in 110 degree heat, I figured out an alternative house to have the daycare in so that I didn't have to close. I am rarely sick, and usually only close when my kids are sick. Seriously, I'm almost on burnout, but I don't close.

So, I gave notice today that I am taking the day after Thanksgiving off to be with my parents who are coming in from CA. Normal daycares around here are closed the day after Thanksgiving, but I am open.

Guess who was upset about it?? My TEACHER!! My teacher, who is OFF that whole week. She gave a big sigh, saying "We were planning on bringing her that day!" and then leaving a pause like she was expecting me to change my plans. I stayed firm and told her it was a special occasion and I was taking that ONE day off to be there with my parents- even though they are going to be here for a full week. I could have taken the whole week off to be with them, but I didn't because I didn't want to inconvenience my daycare families! Geesh! And the one parent who has a problem with it is actually off that day anyway!! So, after hearing that I wasn't going to budge on the issue, she says "Well, (sigh), I guess we'll have to figure something out then."


Grrrrr. This is just not a good week.

[Nickel]

Wow! I hate when parents are rude like that! I mean, seriously!!!! grrrr. I am angry for you! I

had an incident where a parent texted me in the morning and told me her child was so much better, no fever, and no vomiting since she was sent home yesterday. Luckily I was busy with the children and didn't answer her text. A few minutes later she sent that she would probably just keep her home anyway and bring her tomorrow. (My policy) So I have learned to just not respond and see what happens.

If they don't get the hint, I say, something like, sorry, but I can't. I am definitely closed the day after Thanskgiving. I do the whole black Friday thing and I tell them, I am really looking forward to shopping and getting some great deals for daycare toys!!!

People are rude... Sorry she wasn't more sensitive.

[wahmof3]

First of all- I am so sorry that this parent is being so insensitive

This is one of my biggest issues with running this type of business. We do not get "vacation days" like people who work in the so called "real world". I cannot get up one morning and say... gosh I really don't want to work today and not go to work. This is part of my feelings of burnout.

I would really want to say to the parent: Too Bad So Sad.

Its especially sad because the DCP probably wanted to go shopping. Arrrggg!!

(((hugs))) to you!

[nanglgrl]

I just added a thing to my bulletin board that I made up (but I acted like I found it online....passive aggressive, I know) I titled it "things your daycare provider would like to tell you but she doesn't because she's too polite..."
Number 6 is: please don't complain or tell me how you will be inconvenienced when I take a day off. Taking time off is an inconvenience to me too so rest assured I've thought long and hard about it and my decision is final.
Harsh? Yes but we all know these type of parents are the ones that need tough love...even if it is in a passive aggressive manner.

[Crystal]

Oh, girl, you need to change your contract and take EVERY Thanskgiving and following day off! I don't know ANY providers that are open the day after, and you should be no exception. I guarantee you 95% of families have at least one parent or grandparent off that day.

[Lilbutterflie]

Thanks y'all! I just needed to vent and hear some encouraging words.

I usually am open that day, because honestly I am NOT into the shopping thing on black friday. Don't like it. My husband is off that day but he spends it putting up the Christmas lights. I stay home, so I may as well stay open for my families. But seriously, to take this one day off to be with my parents who are traveling halfway across the country to see us after not seeing us for a year and a half; and she has to complain!!

This is the same teacher who, upon the interview, asked for an exception to my extended leave policy. My policy states that clients have to pay in full for any vacations they take (since she's a teacher, she'll get 1 week Thanksgiving, 2 weeks Christmas, and 1 week spring break); BUT she only has to pay half tuition for the summer off to hold the spot. She asked if she could only pay half tuition during the 2 week Christmas break. My immediate reaction, since it was the interview and she caught me off guard; was to let me think on it. And I said that it all depended on how things went with them. Well, guess what?? She just made up my mind for me! If she is going to complain about taking ONE day off, I'm not going to allow her to pay half tuition for two weeks off and break my policy. She's also the same one I had a previous thread about that never brought in a carseat after 2 months of being here. I finally had to go out and buy one and charge her for it. Still venting. Thanks for listening!!!

[wahmof3]

Oh, girl, you need to change your contract and take EVERY Thanskgiving and following day off! I don't know ANY providers that are open the day after, and you should be no exception. I guarantee you 95% of families have at least one parent or grandparent off that day.

ABSOLUTELY THIS!!!!!!

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

Give me a break. If she's off of work and it is a holiday then spend it with your child.

It's not your responsibility to parent other people's children because they don't wish to on holidays.