DCM Not Comfortable Applying Sunblock Before Drop Off?????

[aDCProvider]

This is the same family I just had the throw up/spit up issue with. I smoothed things over with DCD but mom who is usually VERY friendly at p/u has been very quiet since the incident last week.

I ask DCD to start applying sunscreen prior to drop off so we can sometimes get outside after breakfast due to the hot weather, all my other parents do and have no problem with it. Well this DCM texted very early this morning that she is uncomfortable with it because sunblock only lasts 2 hours and I need to apply it myself when we go out after the babies morning nap. I explained that this because we sometimes go out right after breakfast, then she says she doesn't think her DH should have to try to guess the daily activities for a sometimes situation and wants the sunscreen applied as needed. I ask this of all my parent because I have multiple children and it takes me much longer to apply than for each parent to do their own child prior to drop off.

I never had a problem with this family until I sent their child home sick once! My DH and I know them personally so things have always been very friendly and now all this. At pick up I'm going to ask mom if there's anything she would like to discuss as I feel there is tension ever since I sent her child home sick. I'm big on open communication and can't stand the passive aggressive communication and want to put a stop to it.

I'm ready to replace this family, if this behavior doesn't stop. they are taking up my only infant spot and I could easily fill it. I can't work like this!

[Mom o Col]

I would feel the same way you do; as if there was a bigger issue than the sunblock. Yup, ask her if she has anything she needs to talk about. When my son has outdoor activities at school they always ask to have sunscreen applied before school. No big deal.

[nannyde]

I would just reiterate that all kids are required to come with sunscreen on. They don't have to know activities. If this doesn't work for your family you are welcome to put in your notice. During the notice time your child must have sunscreen on to attend.

The other option is to tell her you have had some requests to do the first sunscreen of the day and have decided to offer it for an additional two dollars per day. If she would like you todo it the fee must be paid in advance. The other pparents decided to go ahead and do it at home.for free but if she is concerned it will be put on the kid unnecessarily then she is welcome to pay for you to do it.

[SunshineMama]

I would just reiterate that all kids are required to come with sunscreen on. They don't have to know activities. If this doesn't work for your family you are welcome to put in your notice. During the notice time your child must have sunscreen on to attend.

The other option is to tell her you have had some requests to do the first sunscreen of the day and have decided to offer it for an additional two dollars per day. If she would like you todo it the fee must be paid in advance. The other pparents decided to go ahead and do it at home.for free but if she is concerned it will be put on the kid unnecessarily then she is welcome to pay for you to do it.

Great idea about the $2.00 fee!

[DaisyMamma]

I would feel the same way you do; as if there was a bigger issue than the sunblock. Yup, ask her if she has anything she needs to talk about. When my son has outdoor activities at school they always ask to have sunscreen applied before school. No big deal.

There is something else going on for sure. I find that parents get nit picky about everything when there is a bigger issue, founded or unfounded.

My kid's school also asks for sunscreen to be applied before school. I have to say it has always upset me. Sunscreen really DOES ONLY last two hours. Sometimes they ask this when the activity isn't until noon. It makes no sense.

[sahm1225]

There is something else going on for sure. I find that parents get nit picky about everything when there is a bigger issue, founded or unfounded.

My kid's school also asks for sunscreen to be applied before school. I have to say it has always upset me. Sunscreen really DOES ONLY last two hours. Sometimes they ask this when the activity isn't until noon. It makes no sense.

I ask for it to be applied before dropping off too. We apply right when we get outside, but sunscreen needs to be on for usually 15-30 minutes before it starts working. If the parent applies the first layer then at least they have some barrier protection while the new application sets in.

[aDCProvider]

There is something else going on for sure. I find that parents get nit picky about everything when there is a bigger issue, founded or unfounded.

My kid's school also asks for sunscreen to be applied before school. I have to say it has always upset me. Sunscreen really DOES ONLY last two hours. Sometimes they ask this when the activity isn't until noon. It makes no sense.

Yes, there is something....I enforced a policy for the first time with them and it inconvenienced them. Nothing else has ever happened here in the last year and I've always been VERY accommodating with them, but when I stopped I was met with hostility.

[Play Care]

There is something else going on for sure. I find that parents get nit picky about everything when there is a bigger issue, founded or unfounded.

OP, I would be prepared for them to give notice. Pulling over not getting their way - It's the adult version of the temper tantrum

[Blackcat31]

I would just reiterate that all kids are required to come with sunscreen on. They don't have to know activities. If this doesn't work for your family you are welcome to put in your notice. During the notice time your child must have sunscreen on to attend.

The other option is to tell her you have had some requests to do the first sunscreen of the day and have decided to offer it for an additional two dollars per day. If she would like you todo it the fee must be paid in advance. The other pparents decided to go ahead and do it at home.for free but if she is concerned it will be put on the kid unnecessarily then she is welcome to pay for you to do it.

THIS ^^^

It's astounding how fast a parent will change their tune when you attach a fee or stand your ground.

Yes, there is something....I enforced a policy for the first time with them and it inconvenienced them. Nothing else has ever happened here in the last year and I've always been VERY accommodating with them, but when I stopped I was met with hostility.

That's because up until now, you've been accommodating so they are simply expecting it now.

When you now say no...they aren't so "golden" anymore.
~VERY COMMON sadly.

I would give them the two options NannyDe suggested and leave it be.

It's their choice.

[aDCProvider]

Well, at drop off I was told they are not comfortable applying it, my contract only asks them to provide it and that's all they'll do and it is what it is, and we all know how important contracts are (said a bit sarcastically). Then dad quickly walked out the door. This is obviously because of sending their child home sick.

I am going to discuss this at drop off. I called DCM and left a message to call me back for her updated work contact info. If she calls back I'll ask why all the tension. I just don't get it....

[DaisyMamma]

Yes, there is something....I enforced a policy for the first time with them and it inconvenienced them. Nothing else has ever happened here in the last year and I've always been VERY accommodating with them, but when I stopped I was met with hostility.

I would expect them to pull.

I've had only one family get over their tantrum and honestly the time it took was uncomfortable for me. But we talked about it and that's what made the difference.
If I were you I would ask for a conference ASAP, approach them nicely and get it all out in the air.

I would not appreciate the snide comments and sarcasm about policy. They are now being difficult on purpose. They are being rude to you in your home.

[DaisyMamma]

or you could send the kid home with a nice sunburn ::

[deliberateliterate]

That is really childish of them. Tell them that they will need to dress the child in long sleeves and long pants with a wide brimed hat. If you can replace them, I would do that. If you give them an ultimatim e, your working relationship will likely deteriorate even further anyway.

[SignMeUp]

I'd try to have the conversation - I'd be blunt and say that I feel like our relationship is strained and you don't want it to come to a breaking point.

[MarinaVanessa]

Dear DC families,

This notice is to inform you of a change/addition to the daycare policies.

Effective [2 weeks] all children will be required to arrive to daycare with the first application of sunscreen already applied. This is so that the sunblock has time to set and begin working by the time we go outside in the morning. As the day goes on I will reapply the sunblock as needed.

Mornings are already busy for us and having the children arrive with sunblock already applies allows us an additional 18-30 minutes of playtime since it can take 3-5 minutes to apply sunblock on each child multiplied by the number in children in care.

Thank you for your understanding in this matter.

Provider



The contract policies are important right? Well there ya go, add the sunblock thing to your contract policies. They are now just being resistant because they're peeved. They have the "I don't have to and you can't make me" mentality now so just add this policy to their agreement (even if they are the only ones you give the notice to) and they can either abide by it or move on to a different daycare.