WHY Is It So Hard?

[SilverSabre25]

I've always had trouble with parents not dressing their kids right for the weather, and being resistant to providing me with things i need to be kept here. I've been getting stricter, but there's only so much i can do.

so just yesterday, i asked dcm to bring a lightweight waterproof jacket to stay here for the spring and summer. i tried to explain that it's for chilly or rainy days, especially since we have a nonoptional twice a day walk to the bus stop, but she interrupted me to say "i don't think we have one."

okay...so go to once upon a child and buy one. i said that, actually, and she agreed, then went on to say that they might have one but it probably doesn't fit. she ended the conversation by saying that shred work on getting me one.

okay, first off, is it just me, or is it common sense to keep a coat at daycare for those unexpected rainy days or windy or cool days? so your child is comfortable? furthermore, am i weird that in march i start getting the spring and summer clothes together for my own kids?

so today it's about thirty degrees cooler than yesterday (putting it solidly into "chilly enough for a jacket" and PERFECTLY NORMAL FOR OHIO) and it's raining. he's wearing sorts he's worn for two years (they're too small, but they're overalls so it's hard to tell) and of course has no coat.

ARGH.

[Meyou]

It's not unreasonable. My parents need to provide rainboots, sneakers, warm jacket, rain jacket, hat, mitts and splash pants daily this time of year so an appropriate jacket is totally reasonable. I send them home to get them if they forget.

I've always had trouble with parents not dressing their kids right for the weather, and being resistant to providing me with things i need to be kept here. I've been getting stricter, but there's only so much i can do.

so just yesterday, i asked dcm to bring a lightweight waterproof jacket to stay here for the spring and summer. i tried to explain that it's for chilly or rainy days, especially since we have a nonoptional twice a day walk to the bus stop, but she interrupted me to say "i don't think we have one."

okay...so go to once upon a child and buy one. i said that, actually, and she agreed, then went on to say that they might have one but it probably doesn't fit. she ended the conversation by saying that shred work on getting me one.

okay, first off, is it just me, or is it common sense to keep a coat at daycare for those unexpected rainy days or windy or cool days? so your child is comfortable? furthermore, am i weird that in march i start getting the spring and summer clothes together for my own kids?

so today it's about thirty degrees cooler than yesterday (putting it solidly into "chilly enough for a jacket" and PERFECTLY NORMAL FOR OHIO) and it's raining. he's wearing sorts he's worn for two years (they're too small, but they're overalls so it's hard to tell) and of course has no coat.

ARGH.

[ksmith]

I think if they are not providing items the child needs, then I would start charging them. For example, I would send out a notice that they need to bring a coat by whatever date, and if they don't they will be charged a fee for you to provide one. It would be up to you if you actually gave them the coat or it then "rented" it. That way the child has what they need, and it's up to the parent if they want to provide or pay for the item(s).

[countrymom]

the other day I had a girl come in a tshirt with a vest. It was cold here too. Oh she was out on friday because she had an ear infection and was sick all weekend. Yet my own kids had hats and gloves on.

[daycarediva]

I have played the guilt trip card "Oh little Susie was so cold on our walk this morning in shorts, can you bring something to leave here so that doesn't happen again?"

I have sent them home to change.

I have called for pickups.

I have charged them and provided the gear myself.

NONE OF WHICH actually solved the issue, the next season change, right back to square 1.

I now do a notice 30 days in advance of what I REQUIRE to be kept here, and I refuse care unless I have it ALL on the due date. If they would prefer to just write a check, I supply the items as rentals, for a fee. I buy consignment, and neutrals as much as possible, but this is the option 5/6 of my dcp's chose this every time since offering it. It is the only 'solution' that I could get to stick.

for instance, in Feb, I sent what needed to be brought for March 1 or they could opt to pay $20 for the use of raincoat and rainboots throughout the season. 1 parent brought them in, the rest wrote me an additional check.

May 1 I will send home the notice for summer gear, due June 1. unsure of the fee yet, probably higher since a summer's worth of sunscreen and bug spray isn't cheap. If they chose not to pay it, and show up without it after the due date, they are refused into care that day until they bring it all in.

[MarinaVanessa]

I think that it's total common sense and totally okay to expect parent's to provide items like these for daycare. I've had issues with clients forgetting (or not bringing) REQUIRED items and here are some of the things that I have done.

I have written them individual letters with a deadline of when to bring the items with the consequence that I would go out and buy one and add the amount to their next invoice. I get to pick which item it is and they have to pay it no matter what the price. I try to get the most inexpensive one I can get.

I keep stuff like clothes and shoes on hand for emergencies but only keep khaki shorts, white t shirts, socks and shoes. I charge them a small fee to use these items because now I have to wash them. I do not let them take them home. I wait until pick-up for the parent to get here and I change the child back into what he was wearing in front of the parent while the parent has to wait. If they want to take the items home I allow it (except the shoes, those NEVER leave my house) but they are charged for the item and they keep it.

Refused them at the door. For things like jackets that I personally simply do not have room to store I will simply turn them away at the door. "Sally, the weather report says it's going to be really cold and windy today. Did you remember to bring his jacket like I asked? No? Okay, well you'll have to go back and get one or he can't stay otherwise I'd have to keep all of the kids in which I won't do or take him out without a jacket which I can't do. Oh you have to go to work? I know, but I've been asking for a jacket for some time now and I just can't keep the kids inside today. I have to be able to take them out every day."

If the day starts out fine then the weather changes or if they run out of something then I call DCP's to come and pick up their child or they can run to the store and bring me what I need if they want to go back to work.

[AmyKidsCo]

I agree! I have extra clothing for emergencies and charge parents a replacement fee if the clothing isn't returned clean within a week. So far I haven't had to charge the fee though.

[Meyou]

One thing that helped me was to write out a checklist if what everyone needed and post it by the front door. As the gear arrived for the spring season I checked off their name and each item with a brightly colored marker. Even adults don't want to be the only one with their name on the list.

My note said something like:

It's spring and it's messy in the yard. We all need warm jackets, splash pants, boots and sneakers every single day so we can play!

Bobby: splash pants, wipes, diapers
Suzy: change of clothes, boots, hat
Sally:
Andy: splash pants, diapers, socks, warm jacket

[rmc20021]

I really don't understand parents. I've had them bring their 3 yo's inside wrapped in a blanket...no coat or shoes, in 20 degree weather. Tshirts when it's in the teens. I've asked every parent to make sure their child is dressed for the weather. Yet these are the same kids who are sick all the time...it would seem as though the parents would 'get it' sooner or later.

[sharlan]

I don't have problems with the parents bringing jackets. We don't have that much rain or really cold weather.

I have had a lot of problems lately with the kids wearing clothes and shoes that don't fit.

I have a really scrawny 3 yo. Size 2 pants fit the waist, but are way too short. Size 3's fit the length, but fall down when she runs. I went out and bought 2 belts, but made an issue of taking them off before the child leaves. The child now comes with a belt on.

The same child has a dozen pair of shoes, but only 1 or 2 pair fit right. The rest are so small that she bends her toes in them. The others are so big or wide that they fall off when she runs.

I have another parent that puts 3 layers of clothes on her child, plus a snow jacket if it's going to be below 70. We don't get snow. I strip the child down first thing.

[Michelle]

I just have an elaborate collection of sweatshirts pants and socks..
all different sizes and colors. ( I buy them cheap at walmart and target)

The parents I have always bring everything back for me. They usually are very good at restocking their kids cubbies and I just don't seem to have a problem with this issue.

I like the shoe idea! I should keep shoes here too!

[Michelle]

I don't have problems with the parents bringing jackets. We don't have that much rain or really cold weather.

I have had a lot of problems lately with the kids wearing clothes and shoes that don't fit.

I have a really scrawny 3 yo. Size 2 pants fit the waist, but are way too short. Size 3's fit the length, but fall down when she runs. I went out and bought 2 belts, but made an issue of taking them off before the child leaves. The child now comes with a belt on.

The same child has a dozen pair of shoes, but only 1 or 2 pair fit right. The rest are so small that she bends her toes in them. The others are so big or wide that they fall off when she runs.

I have another parent that puts 3 layers of clothes on her child, plus a snow jacket if it's going to be below 70. We don't get snow. I strip the child down first thing.

I have that same child!!!! 3-4 layers of clothes, even in the summer!
The parents are from Nigeria and I am pretty sure they as children suffered from the cold or something..they also must have starved as kids because they force feed their kids until they throw up!

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

I really don't understand parents. I've had them bring their 3 yo's inside wrapped in a blanket...no coat or shoes, in 20 degree weather. Tshirts when it's in the teens. I've asked every parent to make sure their child is dressed for the weather. Yet these are the same kids who are sick all the time...it would seem as though the parents would 'get it' sooner or later.

This has been my exact experience!

[sharlan]

I have that same child!!!! 3-4 layers of clothes, even in the summer!
The parents are from Nigeria and I am pretty sure they as children suffered from the cold or something..they also must have starved as kids because they force feed their kids until they throw up!

Kenya

[SilverSabre25]

I actually had already thought of having a list, a deadline, and a fee (then buying the stuff myself). I just wasn't going to implement it until next fall. (I had trouble getting winter/snow gear from my *other* family). Well actually it's a bit late to implement it now...so I guess I will be waiting until next fall.

I'm really glad I'm not the only one with chronic troubles in this area. I just wish I could figure out why it's so hard for all these parents to understand, and follow through, and PROVIDE the stuff we need to properly care for and educate their precious darlings! (because I consider plenty of outside time in ALL the weathers to be part of an essential early childhood education)