Jealous much?

[Unregistered]

Logged out for paranoia... I know that I'm being a big jealous baby but I can't understand it and never will!! One of my distant family members has a home daycare and has for many years...way before I decided to run a childcare. I always thought that she wasn't very kid friendly. I know that she basically herds her children into the playroom and puts up a baby gate from the rest of the house and this is where they spend the majority of their day.

I on the other hand take my children for nature walks daily, play outside, do art work and learning time, reading time, etc...

The thing is...she is always full! I, on the other hand, struggle to keep my small numbers. And I feel I have a very enriching program...The parents don't seem to mind that she is the way she is! She is constantly getting referrals from her parents..Why??? They don't ever bring home art work, or anything they have made? They are basically delegated to one room and expected to "play".

Is this what parents are looking for? A nice house in a nice neighborhood, with an older nice looking lady? My family members say, "____ got another new child today, she always is full." I could just bite nails! Why, people? Her program stinks! Why don't you parents look around and try to find the best program for your child?!

[MyAngels]

How familiar are you with the day-to-day operation at her place? Maybe there's more to it than meets the eye?

I'd imagine there's a reason that she is able to stay so full, especially since she's been in business for a long time.

[SilverSabre25]

My guess would be she charges very little

[BumbleBee]

What are her rates compared to her area?

+ if she's always getting new kids that means either other kids are leaving, or she's over ratio.

Fwiw: the other provider in town does something similar and she's always full as well. Drives me nuts.

[Play Care]

I am so sorry. Maybe there is something more that you are not seeing?

On a side note, I always see a provider in my town out and about with her kids. They are usually munching on cookies while she's talking away on her cell. Now, maybe that just happens to be when I happen to see her. But it always leaves a bad taste. And she always seems to have a full house.

[Blackcat31]

If it isn't the rate, it is her people skills.

IMPO, management of PARENTS is sooooooo important.

The interactions between the parent and the provider are far more important to parents sometimes than the program itself...kwim?

If a provider gets along great with her parents/clients and can be warm, friendly, accommodating and flexible she will always be full.

Enforcing policies is tough but if you can do it in way that doesn't alienate the parents then you've found the secret to staying full.

[crazydaycarelady]

I completely agree with BC - your relative has people skills!!