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I would have to say though that 3 degrees is too cold for a baby IMO. That's not even taking into account the wind chill I'm assuming. I don't typically take the kids out at all unless it's over 20. It doesn't get colder than that most times here.
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Cute pics! I am in the midwest & we were very cold today too (although not 3 degrees!) I think today's high is 25, it was 10 degrees earlier this a.m. I know at my kids' school they don't go out for recess if it is below 20. Maybe you can see what the schools in your area follow & adapt their plan. Either way the child (baby or not) needs to come in proper attire.Comment
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I would use Lala's link above. That's what our state gives us, as well.
BUT, that one works well for me, because I have all the same age group. It differentiates infants and toddlers though. If you have a mixed age group, and are one person, I'm not sure how you can do anything but what you're doing.
As far as the napping, he's not up at night because he's napping too much. That's just silly! He needs 14-15 hours of sleep in a day. Usually, 2 naps at that age; a short one mid-morning and one longer one in the afternoon.Comment
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I feel the same way that you do. If the parent is working or in school I am a provider for that, but I am not a babysitter. If your home, your child should be home with you. I do let my parents have time to themselves if they let me know ahead of time, but my parents don't abuse this. Most of my parents want to be with their kids when they are not working. I make it clear when I do interviews that I am here for them as a service for when they are working or going to school, not to keep the child here until I close because they are not working. I also expect no attitude when I take a personal day or paid vacations or holidays. I am a working parent just like them who values my time, my time with my family. I think your right on.
Parents don't have this take on it. they figure they are paying us good money to keep the kids till we close. Best way for a provider to hit burn out in no time. It does make us feel unappreciated and not valued.
Your daycare your rules. You need to do what is best for your group. I would have handed child back to parent and ask that they come back with appropriate clothing for child because you go outside everyday. I would not leave a child inside, licensed or not alone. Anything could happen in a split second. Child climbs out, fire, chokes etc.... anything. I would tell the parent I take all children out and I have to do what is best for the group as a whole. I need outside play clothes and whatever else the child needs for daily care.
Stick to your rules and you will fill up with clients, because you will be valued and known for consistency and truly looking out for the care of everyone, don't let a parent bully you and don't let them tell you how it is going to be, if they choose to go elsewhere they would have done that anyway most likely over anything.
A promise I made to myself when starting up was not to let money rule me in my business. Money is the reason I do this job, but no amount of money is worth me being unhappy everyday with a client, this is my life to live too and I want to go to work and have a like for my job and not the other way around. I am not saying that some days won't be hard, stressful etc..... but when everyday becomes miserable then something has to change.
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I wouldn't term, but I would tell the Mom bring a coat tomorrow for outside play or I am not going to be able to take in little kiddo. If she chooses to term let her. I wouldn't let her tell me when I could and could not go out. I would never leave a child inside and be outside. I don't care if it is the same level or not.Comment
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3 degrees is cold. I would not bring my kids out in three degree weather. If I did it would not be for very long. I really think its personal common sense issue. A baby that is not mobile would get cold very fast in the face even bundled. I am full for going out, but I am just as for using your own judgment. Sometimes you don't have a choice and have to do what you have to do, but I would really make sure that every child was bundled if I had no choice to go out in 3 degree weather. 3 degrees verses 32 is a big difference. Do you have older kids or younger kids? My group is three and under so I would not go in 3 degree weather. Older kids would not stay out long in that weather. Maybe look into what the school system does and then go from there.I agree! She just said that if he was old enough to walk it would be different, but she doesn't want him just sitting outside since he's 9 months.
I did tell her we will be going outside- she knows I'm not going to stay inside just because he's not gong out. I want to tell her he needs to go out with us or be picked up, I just can't afford the term at this moment. I see her reasoning on one hand, but if she would bring the proper attire he could come out and stay warm. This isn't CA where people are not used to the cold
I did look up my state's licensing regulations to see if there was anything that could back me up, but I couldn't find anything about temperatures or even going outside on a regular basis. So it's just up to me!
Today was 3 degrees and we stayed out for 30 minutes- the kids would've done longer but I decided it was time for hot chocolate
(He slept in the pack n play- probably not helpful since he's not sleeping through the night at all and she complains about it, but hey- I can't control what he does in there while we're outside!)Comment
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Mom is trying to control your activities. it is not hard to find a coat, that is a lame excuse. I would go to the thrift store or kids resale shop and buy a snow suit for the child to use at daycare only and take them out anyway. $10 or $20 for a suitable clothing option is way cheaper than losing this family. If you cant lose this family, stop trying to get them to cooperate about the issue and just solve the issue on your own. I wouldnt say anything about what I am or am not doing unless they ask. I do think it is ridiculous that a child is going to and from daycare with no coat but that is their problem to handle so whatever. i also have no problem working for families that do have days off during the week provided they are paying for the daycare they are using. If she is working on the weekend, it makes sense to me that she would want some days during the week to sleep or run errands or whatever. I personally think it a little weird that she is not spending more time with her baby but this is sooooo common with daycare families that you may have to just deal with that for income's sake. its up to you though.Comment
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I'd take him outside against her wishes.
It's YOUR program. It's YOUR house. And it's YOUR choice.
And that's exactly what I tell my parents.Comment
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My phone said 3 degrees, but it did not feel that cold- I should check the news. It was sunny and no wind, a perfect day for the kiddos I do hate the cold, but it was nice to be outside and playing finally today! Thanks for the advice ladies :hug:
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If you're interested I could send you a couple one piece suits free, just pay the shipping. I have to dig them out of the box in the garage but you could have them by next week! My friend gave me a few one pc suits for cold weather and they don't fit my DS anymore. They're super cute. Maybe that with some jammies underneath would keep him warm enough to play outside.
I personally think below 32* is too cold but I live in CA! :
: 2* is waaaaay too cold for me. We wait until afternoon when it gets in the 40's to play outside. I don't think there's anything wrong with him being in the PNP in warm clothing. It's in many reg's that kids MUST spend at least 30 min outside if it's between 85-20* or something.
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I'm like you--I go with how it feels to be outside, not what the temp says.
Outside time is non-negotiable for me. If you don't want your kid outside, you don't want them here.
Considering where you are at this point with this parent, I'd start with working to redefine your expectations. I'd give mom some good info about the benefits of outdoor play and fresh air. Then I'd tell her that outside time is important to you and that it isn't fair to the child or the group as it is. I'd tell her you'd like to find some ways that you can both be comfortable with to get her child outside. Some ideas I did with babies:
--pad the ground to make a warmer place to play (blanket, blow-up sled w/blanket on top, wading pool)
--tote them to keep them off the ground (stroller, wagon, sled)
--wear them in a sling (this is what I did most often. They have your body warmth and you'll both stay toasty. I wore a big open-weave poncho over both of us.)
--bundle up in layers of wool and fleece and just play in the snow.
Good luck!! It's rotten feeling bossed around.Comment
. I don't like either but until I can afford to term those are my options!
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