The Kid Without a Coat

[daycarediva]

It was 38* here when we went outside. It is our routine. It wasn't raining, and dcb didn't have a good coat. It's completely MY FAULT as my deadline to have one was today but Mom came in and I was with another parent (new family started today) and wasn't thinking. I didn't notice until he grabbed his 'jacket' (windbreaker) no hat, gloves, boots, nothing. W.T.H!? I was SO MAD. I sent Mom a text (that went unresponded) and left Dad a voicemail (never answered back)to bring something warmer. I ended up letting him go out in a sweatshirt, ds's old fall jacket and gloves/hats that were mine. At pick up I told Mom that he needs to have a coat TOMORROW MORNING. She said that they lost his from last year (that was too small then....) and that she can't afford to buy one until she gets paid. Poor dcb. We ended up going inside within 30 minutes (of our 1+ hour recess time) and not going out in the afternoon as planned because of this.

He is supposed to be here tomorrow and I will just make do (I have extra coats from kids who won't be here in cubbies, so I will borrow, wash and return) but Mom is going to be getting a lovely notice from me telling her that dcb cannot come back until he has a HEAVY winter coat, hat, gloves and boots EVERYDAY.

I just fail to understand how cigarrettes (her and her dh smoke a pack a day) are a priority and the coat isn't. If they didn't smoke for ONE DAY they could buy him a heavy coat at Walmart.

[daycarediva]

I also have to add that this family spends a LOT of money on their older daughter. They just bought her a brand new drum set and have a big party planned for her birthday next month, complete with custom invitations.

Dcb is a SWEET kid, and it pissed me off.

ok, end rant.

[daycare]

I also have to add that this family spends a LOT of money on their older daughter. They just bought her a brand new drum set and have a big party planned for her birthday next month, complete with custom invitations.

Dcb is a SWEET kid, and it pissed me off.

ok, end rant.

knowing this, I would not accept her excuse that she does not have the cash...

Her child is her responsibility and that is NEGLECT to not provide him with proper clothing to be able to suffice in cold weather... I would have stuck to my guns and said, NO, he needs a jacket when he comes tomorrow or I cannot care for him. Shoot they can buy a used one from craigs list...

[MarinaVanessa]

She said that they lost his from last year (that was too small then....) and that she can't afford to buy one until she gets paid.

"Oh Sally that really is unfortunate. We go outside twice a day everyday for over an hour for recess and because of health & safety issues and licencing regulations I can't take him outside without complete gear. I tried bundling him up with what I could scrounge up here but without gear it just didn't keep him warm enough and I had to cut morning recess short and coudn't go out this afternoon. I HAVE to be able to take the kids out everyday, it's mandatory. I'm sure you can figure something out for him by either borrowing winter gear that fits from someone or borrowing the $20 that it will cost you to buy a winter coat and gloves from Wal-mart but it has to be done by tomorrow. I just CAN'T accept him in the morning without one and the deadline was today."
Then smile a big one and walk away.

[spud912]

I agree that you shouldn't accept him into care tomorrow

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

"Oh Sally that really is unfortunate. We go outside twice a day everyday for over an hour for recess and because of health & safety issues and licencing regulations I can't take him outside without complete gear. I tried bundling him up with what I could scrounge up here but without gear it just didn't keep him warm enough and I had to cut morning recess short and coudn't go out this afternoon. I HAVE to be able to take the kids out everyday, it's mandatory. I'm sure you can figure something out for him by either borrowing winter gear that fits from someone or borrowing the $20 that it will cost you to buy a winter coat and gloves from Wal-mart but it has to be done by tomorrow. I just CAN'T accept him in the morning without one and the deadline was today."
Then smile a big one and walk away.

Send an e-mail saying this! Mom will get it before tomorrow morning.

[DaisyMamma]

Send an e-mail saying this! Mom will get it before tomorrow morning.

Seriously. What's wrong with people? Cigarettes are $10/pack.

[dave4him]

I always hate how much people are willing to spend on themselves while their children have needs.

[daycarediva]

Well he is here- with his sisters pink hand me down jacket 2 sizes too big. It will work for today, but a notice is going home tonight that he cannot come back Monday without a heavy coat, hat, gloves, winter boots and snow pants. I'm going to jump the gun and guess that the next (snowpants and boots when ANY snow is on the ground or it is below freezing) rule will go unanswered as well.

Worst parents, best kid. WHY!?!?

[countrymom]

really no money for a coat, thats pathetic.

[Blackcat31]

Had a child earlier this week come with snow pants, hat, mittens and boots but no coat.

It's 24F here and we had 2 inches of snow on the ground. I didn't let the child go outside since they weren't dressed properly. I had sent a reminder notice home earlier in the week.

The child was telling me this morning that their parents were talking on the way here about how the child had to stay inside that day and that they thought I was a "B*@$%"! for it.

Sometimes, I wonder what goes through parents' heads when we have their child's safety, health and well-being in mind and yet somehow, we are the B*@$%'s for it. :confused:

Glad it's Friday.

[MarinaVanessa]

Well he is here- with his sisters pink hand me down jacket 2 sizes too big. It will work for today, but a notice is going home tonight that he cannot come back Monday without a heavy coat, hat, gloves, winter boots and snow pants. I'm going to jump the gun and guess that the next (snowpants and boots when ANY snow is on the ground or it is below freezing) rule will go unanswered as well.

Worst parents, best kid. WHY!?!?

Can I suggest just sitting down with DC parents and letting them know that you'll be adding an extra $5 to their weekly fee until you have enough to cover the amount for proper snow gear? I'd personally do this to avoid this problem in the future if I really liked the child and didn't want to lose the family. It's unfortunate to have to hold someone's hand like this but sometimes I think it's easier than to keep having to deal with the issues KWIM?

Charge extra every week and as you buy what he needs keep the receipts and give them to the parents, return any money leftover. I'd tell her that it's either this, or you turn her away at the door if he's unprepared for the day. :confused:

[littlemissmuffet]

It was 38* here when we went outside. It is our routine. It wasn't raining, and dcb didn't have a good coat. It's completely MY FAULT as my deadline to have one was today but Mom came in and I was with another parent (new family started today) and wasn't thinking. I didn't notice until he grabbed his 'jacket' (windbreaker) no hat, gloves, boots, nothing. W.T.H!? I was SO MAD. I sent Mom a text (that went unresponded) and left Dad a voicemail (never answered back)to bring something warmer. I ended up letting him go out in a sweatshirt, ds's old fall jacket and gloves/hats that were mine. At pick up I told Mom that he needs to have a coat TOMORROW MORNING. She said that they lost his from last year (that was too small then....) and that she can't afford to buy one until she gets paid. Poor dcb. We ended up going inside within 30 minutes (of our 1+ hour recess time) and not going out in the afternoon as planned because of this.

He is supposed to be here tomorrow and I will just make do (I have extra coats from kids who won't be here in cubbies, so I will borrow, wash and return) but Mom is going to be getting a lovely notice from me telling her that dcb cannot come back until he has a HEAVY winter coat, hat, gloves and boots EVERYDAY.

I just fail to understand how cigarrettes (her and her dh smoke a pack a day) are a priority and the coat isn't. If they didn't smoke for ONE DAY they could buy him a heavy coat at Walmart.

Of course. Every single time a parent tells me they can't afford something I bring up their smoking, their cellphone, etc. Because any parent who has ever brought up being broke has a pack of smokes and cellphone in their pocket... not priorities, IMO. Is it embarrassing for them, yes... but I make a point and whatever I am asking for (payment, new shoes, ski pants, etc) I get it.

Parents must bring and LEAVE a jacket, snow pants, scarft, gloves, hat, etc here every winter. Is it costly, probably, but I'm tired of fighting with these parents about dressing their kids PROPERLY. I shouldn't have to. If parents don't bring the items by the deadline I set out then they don't get child care 9and still pay) until they do bring the items. If a kid shows up in shoes in the winter, even if there is no snow on the ground, they are sent home for the day - I no longer wait for parents to go home and get items to bring back... STOP WASTING MY TIME!

[Meeko]

Had a child earlier this week come with snow pants, hat, mittens and boots but no coat.

It's 24F here and we had 2 inches of snow on the ground. I didn't let the child go outside since they weren't dressed properly. I had sent a reminder notice home earlier in the week.

The child was telling me this morning that their parents were talking on the way here about how the child had to stay inside that day and that they thought I was a "B*@$%"! for it.

Sometimes, I wonder what goes through parents' heads when we have their child's safety, health and well-being in mind and yet somehow, we are the B*@$%'s for it. :confused:

Glad it's Friday.

Oooh! I'd call them out on that one at pick up!

"DCB? What was it Mommy called me in the car because you couldn't go outside today?"

Then watch her squirm.

To tell the truth, I would tell them to leave and never darken my door again. I couldn't work with people I KNEW were making rude comments about me in front of the children I need to respect me.

[Southern Mama]

I'm seriously shocked at what parents do and don't consider necessities!! Poor lil sweetie.