I Don't Like Surprises

[craftymissbeth]

Sometimes I wonder if parents think we don't want their children potty trained. Do they honestly think we want to change their child's diaper forever?

[nanglgrl]

Sometimes I wonder if parents think we don't want their children potty trained. Do they honestly think we want to change their child's diaper forever?

::I've often wondered the same thing! Some just don't seem to get that we know what we're talking about when it comes to children especially when it relates to potty training.
I could talk until I'm blue in the face about how I've trained 4 children, about how over the last 10 years I've watched at least 50 other children become trained. I can tell them that I've never seen sitting a child on the potty every 30 minutes work and that in fact I've seen it hinder the process. I can tell them all about how we will know when their child is ready, what they should do at home and I will help. They will all nod, agree with me and seem to understand that it's not something you can force a child to do. They will agree until their best friend, mom, cousin, etc. says that their child was trained much sooner. Then they think that we must be doing something wrong. Ug.
I really don't think they realize how awesome it is for us when we have one less diaper to change.

[grandmom]

If you don't stand your ground on this issue, she will not be paying you on time soon, and will be TELLING you when she will pay and how much. So, stand firm here. Good luck.

[Kabob]

Yep. Dcm picked up dcg with a pull up on. I explained my policy again and said that while I do encourage her to work with dcg at home, I have to follow policy here.

I know I have others to consider and the last thing I need is a parent or licensing walking in to a poop stain on my carpet. Not cool. So I put on my cement shoes and didn't budge.

Anyway, she quickly agreed and apologized and once again agreed to communicate with me regarding dcg's progress. We'll see. In the meantime, I'm working on getting interviews. I have one family to replace for sure and I have a bad feeling about this one...this dcm said she simply has a problem following so many rules (literally said she's not a "rule person" and doesn't like "paperwork")...so I offered to give her the handbook again in writing.

Meanwhile my other dcm had no issue remembering my "rules" and emailed me a question on time and submitted her "paperwork" (schedule) on time and needs no reminders. Guess everyone is different...maybe I'm not as laid back as her...

[AngiesCareXYZ]

I am so sorry for you. :hug: I feel so deflated when a parent is so disrespectful to me. So I term them immediately. And you know what? Each time that I have fired one of my clients, I have gotten a replacement family within a month ... or just over.happyface Potty Training is tough for the parents! I have my Potty training Policy in my Parent Hand book. When it's time for potty training for a DCK, I have a Potty Training Handbook that the parent(s) and I go over together in person. I ask them if they have any questions about the course of action. I ask them if they think their child will be okay with this plan? I ask them if they have any specific ideas or expectations on how "this" will or should go?
After everything is writen out, we start the potty training. I can always tell when the parent(s) are not following the "plan". I talk to them and explain that if their child is to succeed, she/he really needs their support. If now is not a good time in their lives then let's put this on hold and wait till the timing is better for the family.
I have had a couple of parents that have opted to wait for a better time. All of the children have successfully completed their potty training. I have never had a family leave because I am ..."less tactful" with my wording? I just say what I mean without all the ums and aws. I don't side step at all... Matter of fact...I have had to apologize to a couple of my parents for being to straight forward with them. I guess they know that I love their children like my own so they put up with my sas.
I hope that everything works out for you. I hope that you find a replacement for your DC soon so that you don't have the added stress of a neglectful and cruel client.:hug: