Boo

[Soccermom]

I have 2 DCKS who come 3 days a week no matter what. They are often the last ones picked up and both DCD and DCM are home EVERYDAY. DCD lost his job 4 months ago and DCM is on Mat leave for a year.

They have a 2 month old baby. They should be spending time bonding as a family. I have even told both DCM and DCD that they do not need to bring DCKS to save their spot. I have guaranteed them a spot for all 3 in November when DCM goes back to work.

I think it is sad. I have 3 kids and would never have dreamed of sending 2 off to a babysitter in order to spend quality time with the baby. We are a family. I loved the quiet, special moments with my girls when the baby was sleeping.

But who am I to judge? To each their own I guess. They always pay me on time and the kids really enjoy coming here. I am very honest with them lately. If I need them to pick up early or whatever, I just tell them and they say No problem.

[mjaddi]

Boo to parents who were off today and brought their kids anyway. Boo to parents who kept their older kids home with them and sent the little ones to childcare. Those same children are asking why they didn't get to go home early like all the others. Those same children are here, no matter what. Those same children cry whenever other kids get to go home early. They KNOW their parents just don't want to deal with them more than they have to.

I get it, parents should want to spend more time with their children, but if they don't bring them to day care then you don't get paid correct? And if you get paid either way, then why shouldn't they bring them in? Maybe I'm missing the point, sorry but I don't understand the issue maybe someone can put me in place.

[MissAnn]

I get it, parents should want to spend more time with their children, but if they don't bring them to day care then you don't get paid correct? And if you get paid either way, then why shouldn't they bring them in? Maybe I'm missing the point, sorry but I don't understand the issue maybe someone can put me in place.

I had one kid for several hours. This mom was off work and came right at closing boasting about her long nap. Her son cried for her and wondered why all the other moms picked up their kids early.

I do get paid regardless if child attends or not

Yes...boo on this mother.

[MarinaVanessa]

I guess it just amazes me how providers only provide care during work/school hours. I think I can count on 2 hands the number of parents that I have dealt with 20+ years that came immediately after work for their children.

If the parents are "paying for it" it's really difficult to get them to not have their children DC when they aren't working or if they get out early. I know I'd want my money's worth.

Personally I don't care if a parent is working or at home in their jammies eating ding dongs. If I'm getting paid, I'm going to work. I think providers that have an issue with parents taking their children to DC on their time off can charge only for the time that the kids are in care to encourage parents not to have their kids in care on their off time but many in my area want to get paid their flat weekly rate and that doesn't make sense to me. I don't think it's right to have it both ways kwim?

[Cradle2crayons]

First I mean absolutely no disrespect at all.

How can you prove that a parent comes straight after work?

I can't even begin to tell you the number of parents over the years at my former center that would leave work, do their shopping etc while still in their work clothes.

You say (as well as other providers here) that you get a schedule in advance. What's to say they tell you 5 pm yet they finish and are off of work at 12? Do you go by the honor system?

I guess it just amazes me how providers only provide care during work/school hours. I think I can count on 2 hands the number of parents that I have dealt with 20+ years that came immediately after work for their children.

Because I have their work schedules. And one parent has to provide me a clock in and out computer receipt every night at pick up. All because I caught her a few times not coming straight here.

Also, my parents work afternoon shift. As waitresses. And they don't go to work at 4:00 or 5:00 pm and get off at 7:00 . They work until close.

I provide a service and a rate they can't get anywhere else. I'm not willing to watch their kids while they aren't at work for the rate and schedule I have to go by.

[My3cents]

BEST gift you can give yourself.

I read daily on forums about providers being let down or being resentful and/or bitter, angry and upset that parents don't pick up early, keep their child home or do whatever but the truth is, the ONLY reason any of us/them are upset is because it was expected that the parent behave or act in a certain manner and that didn't happen, thus disappointment, resentment etc...

The easier cure for that is do what YOU need to do. Close when YOU need the time off. NEVER, ever ever allow someone else to be the catalyst in you closing early or having the day off because as you have sadly figured out....that doesn't happen often...so don't let the daycare parents figure into the time off equation.

If you need time off or want time off....take it.

[Memc2001]

YES! AND BOO ----to parents not calling and not showing up today. I am working for one kid today! What a waste!

Also, I just want to say I am NOT buying gifts for my clients anymore. None of them seemed appreciative and I didn't receive a single token of thanks from anyone. 10 clients, wow.

I didn't want to post this because it's Christmas but it's extremely frustrating! I just had to vent.