Tweet
Maybe its just me, but I prefer not to be friends with other providers in my immediate area. I made a great pen pal friend here who lives really far away but we talk over text and email almost every day. Sometimes its just better that way. I kinda like having local friends that are not associated with daycare, know what I mean?
-
-
i talk sometimes to my manchild but he just doesnt get it and tends to only hear what he wants to hear. so if i need to really get something out i come hereComment
-
I like coming here for support from other providers who get me and what I do-
real life I prefer friends that don't do daycare because after being in it all week for long hours, its the last thing I want to talk about or be around. I love the kids, I just like my off time and family time toolovethisComment
-
I spend time with dc friends, family or whoever, but what gets on my nerves during these times is when other adults expect me to watch "all the kids" because that is what I know how to do. Well, watch your own kids because I need down time, too. Just because I can make them mind doesn't take away the parents responsibility during an outing. Let me be!!! :
:::
Comment
-
I don't have any local provider friends. I know lots of local providers but it seems like it would be a conflict of interest to be really good friends with one. There would be lots of chances for hurt feelings. Most of the local providers I know I do things totally different than they do, different program set up etc. I can see where there could be situations where they didn't agree w/ how I did something, or might not think they are doing something right. Also there this the aspect of competition where a family might interview w/ both of us and choose them over me, or me over them, and feelings would be hurt even though logically we all know that we are different and different families are better fits for different providers.
That's why I love this forum! Plenty of providers from all walks to talk to, commiserate with, get ideas from, with no problems of local competition
Comment
-
I am very lucky that I have 3 local provider friends who I can turn to. One of which I know from high school, the other two I have actually met through daycare.com, and later found out they lived locally. One of them lives only 2.5 miles from me ! We all discuss all sorts of things and are very open and honest with each other. We all also are very open about not being upset/angry/jealous if clients come and go between us or if we have different opinions about how to handle childcare issues. We know that different childcare arrangements work for different families. Two of the providers I talk to frequently, all live within 3 miles of me. So we are dealing with the same pool of clients and interviewing all the same people. So it would be impossible for us to be friends if we took things too personally. Having those ladies to bounce things off of and vent to is an absolute LIFESAVER !
But I am also very lucky and grateful for the advice I receive from this forum. Having a non-biased, honest, and helps me figure out when I am being biased or unfair - and I love having that reality check. Love this forum. lovethislovethislovethislovethislovethisComment
-
That is what I use this forum for.
I have talked over the phone, facebook, email and text to folks from here. lovethis
One awesome mod even sent us a second of one of our favorite independent time toys when she stopped using it. (You know who you are lovethis)
It is so cool to get a range of responses. If I don't learn new things occasionally my mind will go stagnant. I also get confirmation on things that simply work for me.
- Unless otherwise stated, all my posts are personal opinion and worth what you paid for them.
Comment
-
And DH. He listens as best he can and tells me to go ask those dc ladies (you all) when he isn't sure about what advice to give.Comment
-
I can understand that. I agree that it is much easier when you are not in direct competition with them. I honestly don't see other providers as competition. I see that we all work so differently and offer different things that I could not possibly appease every person. BUT I think that some people just don't see it that way.
Even with that said, it is just easier. I am pretty sure that target does not sit down with walmart to discuss the way they run their business or try to agree to do things a certain way....
Comment
-
At one point, I mentored both my sister and a close friend as they became daycare providers. We all lived in the same neighborhood within 1/2 mile. We backed each other up, shared leads, had "code words" to save our sanity, took walks together, and even co-managed a few field trips. We also watched each other's own kids once in a while. It's was very cool.I can understand that. I agree that it is much easier when you are not in direct competition with them. I honestly don't see other providers as competition. I see that we all work so differently and offer different things that I could not possibly appease every person. BUT I think that some people just don't see it that way.
Even with that said, it is just easier. I am pretty sure that target does not sit down with walmart to discuss the way they run their business or try to agree to do things a certain way....
Now, I live in a rural area, and the only other dcp I know that's been here was CountryGal, who recently quit DC and moved to Tennessee. Now, I think my closet neighbor is BC....
Comment
Comment