Just curious

[B Lou]

Just curious if the rest of you providers have a go to provider. A provider when you're just having one of those days where you need to talk to another provider. Someone who understand s our jobs and daily frustration?

I had a provider who I thought was a good friend and for reason that clueless to me we have parted ways. It's been a few months now.

So even though I can talk to my husband or my adult children, they just don't get it.

So just curious how many of you have another provider you can call for support.

Thanks in advance.

[mountainside13]

I don't have anyone either. Just forums recently. Which might be why a few of my posts seem "complainy?" :-) I just have my husband and he really doesn't get it. There are a few providers around me but I don't know them.

[melilley]

I don't have another provider to talk to, but my sis is a huge supporter. She listens to me about daycare and I listen to her about her nursing career.

And I come here. Everyone on here is awesome!

[B Lou]

yes this "friend" of mine was great to talk to. Talked daily. Now there have been some bad days where like I said my husband just don't get it. I would lie I miss the talks we had. But just need that person where we can turn and say" are you kidding me"? This child did what.

[daycare]

I have one that lives here in town, but I talk with caution. I am not a very trusting person.

That's why I love this form. I can speak freely without concern or judgement.

[melilley]

yes this "friend" of mine was great to talk to. Talked daily. Now there have been some bad days where like I said my husband just don't get it. I would lie I miss the talks we had. But just need that person where we can turn and say" are you kidding me"? This child did what.

I know what you mean. My dh sometimes gets what I'm talking about, but that's far and in between. I still tell him things whether he wants to hear it or not, sometimes it's just good to get it out!...

Come here whenever you need to! I know you're not technically talking to someone "in person", but, close!

[Lianne]

I have a group of 12 or so other providers who I chat on and off with all day on Facebook. We met on a private board where we all operate similarly, taking no fluff and working in reality instead of the rainbow-hued clouds and, even though some of us are across country from each other, we've really bonded and become close friends. I can sit down for 5mins and vent then go off and do snack time, knowing someone is almost always there and will curse my frustrations right along beside me. We celebrate the good things, console any losses, encourage and support each other when we need it. I am so fortunate to have this group of women as friends.

[craftymissbeth]

I have two from my town that I talk to. I really limit my questions and what I say to them, though, because this is a small town and things can get catty fast.

One used to be my nephews' provider and she sends me infants she can't take. She's been operating for 7 years and everyone loves her so I trust her opinion.

The other used to be licensed, but lost her license when the state started requiring providers have a HS diploma or GED. She's currently operating illegally unlicensed... therefore I don't go to her too often. I just don't agree with her choice.

They both added me to FB and we talk on there sometimes. I've actually never met them in person

[B Lou]

Maybe that is where the problem lied between me and this other provider. Maybe I trusted her to much. And talked to openly.

It has been a hard few months.

[KIDZRMYBIZ]

I had a great provider friend that lived just 3 blocks from me. We even walked our kids to one another's houses once in a while for a change of scenery, and we texted all the time. It was great fun! But then she could take it no more and quit last year. I still miss the comraderie SO MUCH! Now, I just have this forum, so I suppose it's time to start networking!

[DaycareMomma]

I have a fellow provider in my town that I talk to. Her and I chat quite a bit. Usually just to vent our frustrations, but we've also become good friends. We go out and do things and go places together. Its nice to have another adult who knows exactly what I am dealing with. Heck I had a family leave me and go to her on a recommendation from me. Their child was no longer fitting into my program and they asked who I would take my kids to, so I told them!

[Great Beginnings]

My best friend is a provider in another town. We talk, complain and rant every morning as kids are arriving ! It makes it so nice to have someone to bounce off things and laugh at crazy parents. We aren't in the same town so there's not that feeling of competition.

[Annalee]

Just curious if the rest of you providers have a go to provider. A provider when you're just having one of those days where you need to talk to another provider. Someone who understand s our jobs and daily frustration?

I had a provider who I thought was a good friend and for reason that clueless to me we have parted ways. It's been a few months now.

So even though I can talk to my husband or my adult children, they just don't get it.

So just curious how many of you have another provider you can call for support.

Thanks in advance.

We have a regional FCC support group meeting quarterly and a couple county providers that form a local support group. We all text/call/email as needed. Both groups are relatively small but are great sounding boards/encouragement/assistance/leadership and are passionate about children. Strength is not necessarily in numbers but in TRUE friends/leaders/mentors/confidants...

[KIDZRMYBIZ]

I go to provider support groups, too. There are 3 for my area alone, and more if I want to drive out further. I have enjoyed the meetings, but so many of the women are so fiercely competitive! It really turns me off!

[Annalee]

I know what you mean. My dh sometimes gets what I'm talking about, but that's far and in between. I still tell him things whether he wants to hear it or not, sometimes it's just good to get it out!...

Come here whenever you need to! I know you're not technically talking to someone "in person", but, close!

My dh doesn't want to hear anything about daycare!