July 5th

[Leigh]

My handbook shows that I will be closed on the 5th of July. Parent asked me some time ago, if I was STILL going to close that day. Yes, I am. It's the SECOND day all year that I have closed for any reason (other was Memorial Day), when all parents were off work. Parent told me a month or so ago that both Mom & Dad have to work that day (5th).

Today, asks again if I am going to be closed. Yes, I am. Parent says "Oh, we were really hoping to be able to do something fun that day". Yeah, ME TOO!

So, I should feel guilty about taking off that day because you wanted to go "do something fun"? Well, I DON'T feel guilty, but now I feel angry. Whatever makes these people think that it's OK to try to guilt me into giving up MY time off? Yes, these parents are scheduled to work that day (they didn't lie about that-if they had, I'd have termed them this morning). They are taking vacation. They each get 4 weeks per year, plus every holiday on the calendar off. I am just burning up because they're put out over my TWO days off this year!

How have everyone else's parents been about the 5th?

[Play Care]

My handbook shows that I will be closed on the 5th of July. Parent asked me some time ago, if I was STILL going to close that day. Yes, I am. It's the SECOND day all year that I have closed for any reason (other was Memorial Day), when all parents were off work. Parent told me a month or so ago that both Mom & Dad have to work that day (5th).

Today, asks again if I am going to be closed. Yes, I am. Parent says "Oh, we were really hoping to be able to do something fun that day". Yeah, ME TOO!

So, I should feel guilty about taking off that day because you wanted to go "do something fun"? Well, I DON'T feel guilty, but now I feel angry. Whatever makes these people think that it's OK to try to guilt me into giving up MY time off? Yes, these parents are scheduled to work that day (they didn't lie about that-if they had, I'd have termed them this morning). They are taking vacation. They each get 4 weeks per year, plus every holiday on the calendar off. I am just burning up because they're put out over my TWO days off this year!

How have everyone else's parents been about the 5th?

I am closed that whole week, so no one has said anything But I would not hesitate to tell parents that asking me those types of questions are unacceptable. "How would you like it if you were scheduled for time off and a coworker kept asking you if you were *still* going to take that time off because they really wanted that day off? I can't imagine you would appreciate it. Well, I feel the same way."

[Blackcat31]

I take the entire week off.

I'd be livid if a parent did that to me. I am one of those "non-filtered" people and the second the parent tried to guilt me into being open on one of my scheduled and planned closed days, I would have probably said something really rude and VERY direct.

"You know Mary, I get the feeling you are trying to persuade me to stay open on my vacation day so YOU can play and have fun. That really isn't very kind now is it? I love my job and caring for your child has been a joy but you need to remember that Jimmy is YOUR child. Please don't try to negotiate my vacation days with me again. I provided plenty of notice about these days and don't appreciate you trying to strong arm me into changing my life for you. Have a great day at work!"

Then a bunch of these

[LoraJenkins]

I actually just sent a notice out this morning stating that I will be closed the 4th and 5th. No negotiations...just the way it is. If DCPs need care for that day...it's NOT my issue. Lol

[Crazy8]

I was just thinking this morning... WHY the heck do dcp's have to question every policy. Read the damn handbook and follow them. Asking me the same questions isn't going to make me change my mind, its just going to make me mad!!!!

I don't close the 5th but this summer I don't have kids on Fridays so I ended up with it off. I've already been jipped out of the holiday pay by 4 of my 5 families because of reduced schedules for summer and they don't come on Thursdays. I should add something to my contract that they pay for summer holidays regardless!

[Blackcat31]

I was just thinking this morning... WHY the heck do dcp's have to question every policy. Read the damn handbook and follow them. Asking me the same questions isn't going to make me change my mind, its just going to make me mad!!!!
I don't close the 5th but this summer I don't have kids on Fridays so I ended up with it off. I've already been jipped out of the holiday pay by 4 of my 5 families because of reduced schedules for summer and they don't come on Thursdays. I should add something to my contract that they pay for summer holidays regardless!

Recently, I went through this with a DCM I've had for several years now.

For some reason, she kept asking over and over again about policies that she already KNEW the answers to. (I know and you know that it the method parents choose to use when they are fixing to ask for special....LOL!)

So just to be a smart alec, I took my handbook and printed it off in "wallet size" and stapled it together and handed it to her at pick up.

I said "Here, I made this purse size handbook just for you so you can reference it any time and stop asking me things you already know the answers to or for those times you aren't at home to reference your regular handbook"

She kind of chuckled with this confused look on her face. I doubt she was half as amused as I was. ::

Oh well.

[TheGoodLife]

I am closed that whole week, so no one has said anything But I would not hesitate to tell parents that asking me those types of questions are unacceptable. "How would you like it if you were scheduled for time off and a coworker kept asking you if you were *still* going to take that time off because they really wanted that day off? I can't imagine you would appreciate it. Well, I feel the same way."

[mamac]

Recently, I went through this with a DCM I've had for several years now.

For some reason, she kept asking over and over again about policies that she already KNEW the answers to. (I know and you know that it the method parents choose to use when they are fixing to ask for special....LOL!)

So just to be a smart alec, I took my handbook and printed it off in "wallet size" and stapled it together and handed it to her at pick up.

I said "Here, I made this purse size handbook just for you so you can reference it any time and stop asking me things you already know the answers to or for those times you aren't at home to reference your regular handbook"

She kind of chuckled with this confused look on her face. I doubt she was half as amused as I was. ::

Oh well.

Now that's a good idea! ::

[Lyss]

Recently, I went through this with a DCM I've had for several years now.

For some reason, she kept asking over and over again about policies that she already KNEW the answers to. (I know and you know that it the method parents choose to use when they are fixing to ask for special....LOL!)

So just to be a smart alec, I took my handbook and printed it off in "wallet size" and stapled it together and handed it to her at pick up.

I said "Here, I made this purse size handbook just for you so you can reference it any time and stop asking me things you already know the answers to or for those times you aren't at home to reference your regular handbook"

She kind of chuckled with this confused look on her face. I doubt she was half as amused as I was. ::

Oh well.

:::::: I love this!

[My3cents]

Recently, I went through this with a DCM I've had for several years now.

For some reason, she kept asking over and over again about policies that she already KNEW the answers to. (I know and you know that it the method parents choose to use when they are fixing to ask for special....LOL!)

So just to be a smart alec, I took my handbook and printed it off in "wallet size" and stapled it together and handed it to her at pick up.

I said "Here, I made this purse size handbook just for you so you can reference it any time and stop asking me things you already know the answers to or for those times you aren't at home to reference your regular handbook"

She kind of chuckled with this confused look on her face. I doubt she was half as amused as I was. ::

Oh well.

I wish I had it in me to do something like this. I just find it kind of brings me down to a level I don't want to go at. I don't quite have that big of a backbone yet, but thanks to this forum it is getting better every day.

I just find parents don't think at all about the daycare provider as having needs, it is not in the mindset. Because we are offering a service they have it that you do for me, you make my life easier, because that is your job and what you love to do. I do love my job, but I love my family too and my time etc..... I just do a lot of rinse and repeat and reminders and picking of my battles.

I do love your idea......I see that idea as something to give the parents when they sign on. Here is my policy book and a small copy for your purse to have handy if needed.

[Blackcat31]

I wish I had it in me to do something like this. I just find it kind of brings me down to a level I don't want to go at. I don't quite have that big of a backbone yet, but thanks to this forum it is getting better every day.

I just find parents don't think at all about the daycare provider as having needs, it is not in the mindset. Because we are offering a service they have it that you do for me, you make my life easier, because that is your job and what you love to do. I do love my job, but I love my family too and my time etc..... I just do a lot of rinse and repeat and reminders and picking of my battles.

I do love your idea......I see that idea as something to give the parents when they sign on. Here is my policy book and a small copy for your purse to have handy if needed.

Oh don't get me wrong....none of my actions are done in an immature or snide manner...it's all done with just the right amount of sarcasm and seriousness to make my point firmly but lightheartedly.

My mom says there is a special kind of flair you need to use to assert yourself in a manner that commands respect but yet is not bordering outright bitchiness...kwim?

Apparently having 4 younger brothers has helped me hone that skill.

I also have a pretty good relationship with all m DCP's. They understand my humor coming in so none of them are ever really offended.

[Leigh]

Thought I'd get over it, but I'm still steamed. She signed an agreement to abide by holidays and vacations and not try to bully, guilt, or coerce me into taking their children. I actually have that in my handbook to let parents know that when I take a day off, I really mean that I AM taking that day off.

I would like to photocopy that page and sew it to her kid's shirt while he naps so she can't miss it tonight.

[williams2008]

I actually just sent a notice out this morning stating that I will be closed the 4th and 5th. No negotiations...just the way it is. If DCPs need care for that day...it's NOT my issue. Lol

[williams2008]

Recently, I went through this with a DCM I've had for several years now.

For some reason, she kept asking over and over again about policies that she already KNEW the answers to. (I know and you know that it the method parents choose to use when they are fixing to ask for special....LOL!)

So just to be a smart alec, I took my handbook and printed it off in "wallet size" and stapled it together and handed it to her at pick up.

I said "Here, I made this purse size handbook just for you so you can reference it any time and stop asking me things you already know the answers to or for those times you aren't at home to reference your regular handbook"

She kind of chuckled with this confused look on her face. I doubt she was half as amused as I was. ::

Oh well.

::

[Crazy8]

Oh don't get me wrong....none of my actions are done in an immature or snide manner...it's all done with just the right amount of sarcasm and seriousness to make my point firmly but lightheartedly.

My mom says there is a special kind of flair you need to use to assert yourself in a manner that commands respect but yet is not bordering outright bitchiness...kwim?

Apparently having 4 younger brothers has helped me hone that skill.

I also have a pretty good relationship with all m DCP's. They understand my humor coming in so none of them are ever really offended.

If you could bottle that special kind of flair you'd be a millionaire!!!!! I have trouble hiding how annoyed I am sometimes so I tend to not say anything. I wish I didn't live in fear of kids being pulled out too!!