Went On A Field Trip Today, Comment From DCM...

**delferka** · 10-15-2013, 09:57 AM

You say, EXCUSE ME? Then wait for her reply. Most people can't handle there own children, let alone 6!! Sarcasm will get you no where!!!!

**SilverSabre25** · 10-15-2013, 09:58 AM

Wow...that was rude of her. Maybe, "Yep, I love my job!" or "Lots of people get paid to take walks...park rangers, trail guides, tour guides, police officers that patrol on foot, mail carriers that deliver on foot, and even teachers of all ages who are providing their charges with wonderful life experiences!"

this is just off the top of my head...I've never had anyone say anything like that to me!

**MsLaura529** · 10-15-2013, 10:03 AM

One of my newest DCM's said to me during their interview "it must be do nice to just sit here and play all day". I should've turned them down then. I just kind of laughed. Hate that I didn't say anything.

What kid of job does she do? If its an office job I would be tempted to (but probably not say it), say something like "it must be nice to get paid to sit in a chair by yourself all day" ... (NOT trying to make fun of office jobs, just putting it in her context).

**blandino** · 10-15-2013, 10:10 AM

I have had moms who say "I wish I could stay and play all day".

I say something like "ha, if playing was all I had to do how easy my job would be". Or if I am more sarcastic I will say "oh yes, I wish you could too. That was I can get to the meals, cleaning, activities, diaper changes, and paper work".

Probably in your case I would have said sarcastically "oh, yes because going on a walk with 6 preschoolers is my idea of relaxation".

**Maria2013** · 10-15-2013, 10:15 AM

Originally posted by daycarediva

The city does a 'pumpkin walk' through a nature trail, which ends at a beautiful playground near the lake. We packed a picnic lunch and had a great time!

A dcm came to drop off and said "It must me nice to get paid to go for a walk!"

go for a walk? It was a 1.5 mile HIKE with 6 preschoolers, then playground, lunch, and then the 1.5 mile HIKE home. If that's not work, I don't know what is! :

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It was NICE and it was NICE to be paid. Ya know, for WORKING.

What do YOU say to those types of comments?

I wouldn't let comments like this one get to me, I know my DCP and they know how hard I work so I would consider it a humorous comment

**Moppetland** · 10-15-2013, 10:18 AM

This is a prime example of what parents don't know what we actually do all day. I would think she would be happy that her child is getting exercise and learning, and that the provider isn't sitting on her butt. I do know a few who does that here.:

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But that's the joy of this job. We can take their children out to experience these types of field trips. What if you didn't take her child to experience this? I doubt the child would have experienced it with the DCM. We just go above and beyond in our career, and so what we enjoy most of it

I had one of those cushioned office jobs for 13 years before I opened this business and let me tell you, I was BORED! I did my work for the day, and I wanted to scratch my eyes out for the remainder of the day because there was nothing to do. When it was time to go to lunch or home, I ran so fast out the door, I made myself dizzy. I love being flexible to either stay in with the children and do a fun activity, or to go out on a field trip for a fun activity.

**Meyou** · 10-15-2013, 10:18 AM

Must be nice to go to work, drink HOT coffee, not make 18 meals that may or may not be eaten, have multiple human's bodily fluids on you and to not change 12-20 diapers depending on the day and the child and the poop.

**daycarediva** · 10-15-2013, 10:21 AM

Yup, she has a government office job (own office), hour of paid lunch, more PTO than the rest of my day care parents COMBINED. She is a nice person, and I really don't think she considered how rude it sounded but her ONLY child is super easy going and is the easiest child I have ever cared for and she can barely handle her.

I just smiled and said "It will be nice today. Right, kids?!" and afterward it seemed so LAME. I needed a do-over. I should have said "I'll trade you the hour lunch ALONE for the walk with 6 kids!" :

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**Soccermom** · 10-15-2013, 10:42 AM

I would have said -

It sure is nice on days like today, besides all the screaming, crying, fighting and diapers of course. Not to mention the fact that I am on constant edge the entire time trying to keep 6 little ones safe, clean, fed and out of harm's way But OTHER THAN THAT, yeah it is nice. If it were up to me we would stay home in a bubble all day because that would be easy but I do everything I do because I want everyday to be a great day for the children in my care.

**Shell** · 10-15-2013, 10:48 AM

Originally posted by Meyou

Must be nice to go to work, drink HOT coffee, not make 18 meals that may or may not be eaten, have multiple human's bodily fluids on you and to not change 12-20 diapers depending on the day and the child and the poop.

**CedarCreek** · 10-15-2013, 10:53 AM

That is super rude.

I like your revised reply and would have said that!

**julie** · 10-15-2013, 10:55 AM

Yup, people are ignorant.

Two options I give when someone says something like that.

1) "Well, we all make choices in life. It is pretty nice though, that's why I work hard to plan activities for the kids like this. I'll probably need a nap too when we get back though, haha!"

2) "I am sure you didn't mean to imply that this was in anyway an EASY job?Those kinds of assumptions are pretty rude" Let her take her foot out of her mouth. "Cool. Just checkin!"

**spinnymarie** · 10-15-2013, 11:12 AM

Originally posted by daycarediva

"I'll trade you the hour lunch ALONE for the walk with 6 kids!" :

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Definitely tell her that one

In fact, maybe tomorrow you should mention, Must be nice to get paid for peace and quiet!

**MamaBearCanada** · 10-15-2013, 11:35 AM

Yeah it must be. A lot easier than caring for, supervising, feeding, and teaching 6 preschoolers that's for sure! Well have a nice day