Not Expecting Responses Just Need To Have My Say

[Josiegirl]

It's all a matter of balance for me. I used to let dcps walk all over me some 30+ years ago because I didn't know any better. Fast forward to now and I realize I can run my business any way I want to. I am very flexible with parents, very respectful and accommodating. However, they're also that way with me. As long as they pay on time and don't take advantage of me, then it's all good. But then I've been extremely lucky in that I've had some awesome parents over the past 10 years or more. And if they weren't that awesome, they didn't seem to last long.
A lot of the policies in my handbook are worded 'at my discretion', such as late fees, overtime. I have them in place just in case someone starts abusing my rules or my generosity.
So yes, I think we all run our businesses differently. As long as it satisfies our needs and works for us, then why worry if what you're doing appeals to other providers here? I've gotten lots of wonderful advice, great ideas, added a couple things to my handbook, all from here, but basically I still am running it the way I want to. Yay for being your own business woman!

[jenn]

Congratulations for having a successful daycare career for so long. I'm sure you have a lot of ideas and opinions that could help many of us on the forum.
I believe one of the beauties of running a home business is that there are multiple ways of doing things and we are free to do what works for us.
I have found that a mix of family relationship and business works well for me. Some parents want the family feel of being friendly with each other, and their child having a home away from home while at daycare. Other parents are looking for more structured business like relationships. I am willing to provide either and have different relationships with each family. I do have rules that I follow and expect them all to follow as this is the main source of income for my family.

[MyAngels]

I understand where you are coming from, and how it's easy to see that on this forum. However I see most of the 'business' posts/questions on this forum are generally when there are problems, if everything is going smoothly and you have a great relationship with the parents, why ask the question, or have to be firm. I guess I give the other providers the benefit of the doubt, and think that there is a lot of more personal interaction we don't see on here.
I also believe it's vital to include family in a partnership, but understand that somethings can't be compromised (licensing requirements, and some things that conflict with being able to care for the rest of the children). I see some of the 'strict' rules that providers have BECAUSE they want to help make sure the child has time with their family (including for themselves and their own children), and they know how important that relationship is.

Definitely stick around for awhile and continue to participate. It takes awhile to get to know the other personalities here but after awhile you realize that most everyone is really multi-faceted.

Personally I'm a bit of a mix between hard and soft. I tend to be easy going on quite a few of the things that drive others bonkers (bringing in food and toys, pacifiers & lovies come to mind) but am absolutely hard line on some things (showing up late and paying late - don't even try it :.

[blandino]

Definitely stick around for awhile and continue to participate. It takes awhile to get to know the other personalities here but after awhile you realize that most everyone is really multi-faceted.

I thought the same as OP at first. But you will never find people who understand your insecurities/irritations. It is almost like other DCP have an inherent understanding of what you are trying to say.

[Maria2013]

I have come here many times wondering if I have been too strict, and maybe should have been a little more lenient with things such as stuffed animals, sick policies, etc. Other times, I've been a push over and need to stand firmer. I love the varied perspectives the members provide- it gives me more than just my opinion to reflect on, and sometimes gives me the backbone I have been lacking!

I was a major pushover when I started and I never want to go back to that!
I don't feel I'm all business either... but the reality is that I do this as a job and yes I have to watch my financial benefit...I'm extremely flexible when it comes to helping families so long as I'm not taken for granted, and that is really all I can do

[jessrlee]

I have the best relationship with my families and we all go above and beyond for each other. It's the way it should be. I'm easy going when they have something they need to do and several of my long term moms help me out in a pinch. Especially when Hubs is deployed they all pitch in and will grab milk on their way if I need it

[Play Care]

I am fairly new to the forum. And I have been in the business for more than 24 years so I have to be doing something right. BUT, I am astonished at the way many of the providers here are all "business" and jump all over someone that might want to give a parent the benefit of the doubt now and again. That might want to try to help make things a little smoother for a parent that is overwhelmed. That sees it as part of their job to put the "family" back in to family day care. That sees the relationship between parent and provider as a partnership and not as a dictatorship. It seems I am seriously in the minority here.

I don't know if anyone is jumping all over other providers. I do think some could learn the difference between backbone and ridiculous.

But I also understand how they get there. I recently had a situation come up where I realized parents were assuming they could pay me whenever - and more and more my paychecks were late. It all started out because I was being a nice, kind and understanding provider. So I recently sent out a reminder to my families when payment was due and that I would be enforcing the late fees. Do some of them think I'm being ridiculous? Or "all business?" Probably. But I count on my paychecks just like they count on theirs, and I need them when they are due.

[Lucy]

I am fairly new to the forum. And I have been in the business for more than 24 years so I have to be doing something right. BUT, I am astonished at the way many of the providers here are all "business" and jump all over someone that might want to give a parent the benefit of the doubt now and again. That might want to try to help make things a little smoother for a parent that is overwhelmed. That sees it as part of their job to put the "family" back in to family day care. That sees the relationship between parent and provider as a partnership and not as a dictatorship. It seems I am seriously in the minority here.

That's how I run my daycare. I've said on here many times that I like it to be as if my nieces and nephews were coming over for the day. It's not rigid and structured. I DO have rules, don't get me wrong. The kids KNOW they don't get away with things. I INSIST on kindness - please / thank you, etc. They need to keep the noise down, and I encourage them to work out arguments with each other. And I take every opportunity to teach them things. It doesn't have to be a written or thought out lesson plan, I just take opportunities as they come up. And they come up ALL DAY LONG. You'd be surprised how much you can teach them just with daily life.

As far as making things easier on the parents... sure I do that when I can. If I can't, I say so. I won't be taken advantage of, but if it's something I don't mind doing, I'm willing to do it.

I have a boy (10) who goes to football practice 3 evenings a week and doesn't get home till after 7:00. So I give him a mini dinner at 4:30 before he goes, then mom gives him another mini dinner when he gets home. I have a girl today (9yrs) who didn't feel good. I called mom and said she could stay here in another room with books and barbies till Dad could come at 11:00. I drive the PM Kindergarteners to school (2 blocks) because our district took our busses away. Over the summer, I took some of them to/from VBS and basketball camp.

I understand that it's not the way everyone runs their program, and that's great! But it's the way I roll. I can't see myself doing it any other way...

There's TONS of stuff I read on here that I don't agree with. When I first joined, I used to debate it. But it's really not worth it. I take the good (yes, I've adopted some stuff I've read on here, for which I'm very greatful!) and roll my eyes at the ridiculous. C'est la vie.