Financial Issues

[deliberateliterate]

As usual, ITA with Blackcat

I know some people look at my family and judge us - we'd be better off financially if I got a "real job" or if we didn't decide to have 6 kids, or if we bought PCs instead of Apples, if my husband and I didn't do "date night" regularly, if we didn't buy organic food, if we sent our kids to public school instead of parochial, etc.

They're probably right, but it's not their business. Just like it's not my business how parents spend their money - even if I'm NOT paid in full on time. However, if that happens it IS my business to decide whether I continue to provide care or not.

I was trying to figure out what kind of fruit PCs were so I could buy it since they were cheaper than apples

[midaycare]

I was trying to figure out what kind of fruit PCs were so I could buy it since they were cheaper than apples

Oh my gosh, me too!

[Blackcat31]

I was trying to figure out what kind of fruit PCs were so I could buy it since they were cheaper than apples

Oh my gosh, me too!

Speaking of apples.... :: ::

There is a recall on them (the fruit kind) and as I was searching for info to share with my parents, all that came up in a Google search was i-pad, i-phone recalls.

I did find what I was looking for but actually had to use the word fruit in my search.

[grateday]

appreciation raise please

Yeah it is best not to go into reasons why parents want a discount, it is best to be more straightforward with them.

Really only another daycare provider can appreciate how much we actually spend to keep the business afloat.

The other day a parent hinted that I should do there childs laundry....It was a joking context, but I really did not find it funny. I immediently was going to reply and the parent says, no no I am kidding.

[mduck]

True

Blackcat,True, we don't know why or even where someone might get their "things". So I can see your point there. And in those cases, yes I would be wrong in my wonderings. I guess I just wonder why some people who struggle financially, and that complain about it and that can do something about it, actually don't take steps to help themselves. Also if THEY know that YOU know that they spend luxuriously, but complain about not being able to buy things that are necessary. It just blows my mind.

Even if I wanted to/triedto think the best of people, I still can't help but wonder. Maybe it's just me.

[suehelen]

I'm not a poor, poor childcare provider. I make good money. Owning your own childcare business can be very lucrative.

[KDC]

My neighbors have countlessly told me about the financial decisions they make. She has no problems buying 'quality' stuff for her home & wardrobe (pottery barn, banana republic, anything high end). They both have the new Apple 6 iPhones, which they paid for, because they talked about the plans/service. The husband has a high paying three figure job, and also has real estate investments that he goes into great detail on during neighbor get togethers. The wife chooses to work part-time as a teacher because she loves what she does. These are all the things I know BECAUSE we have a friendly relationship and they tell me.

I also know the pizza guy was 20 minutes late because he got lost and I had the pleasure :roll eyes: of watching the DCD GO OFF on the poor driver, talk to his manager and rail on him so he could get a free pizza. (during a neighbor get together). This DCF also asks for discounts from me which at one time before this forum, I would give in on. I stopped all discounts & 'special' 2 years ago, but they still ask. I had them sign a new contract and discussed at length about drop in rates as they only pay $80/month for before and after school. Any day's off would be first come first serve, and they would have to pay drop in rate. They fought tooth and nail for it to be free after the fact. These people drive me bonkers. Look, we discussed it, you signed the contract, the answer is NO and if you do not pay my rate, I will NO longer care for your child. I still ended up going back and forth with them for another 30 minutes face to face. They paid... but now without complaining loudly. Next year I will NOT be doing any care for them. I absolutely adore their children, but the parents and I will no longer have a relationship if I continue care for them.

I get the resentment. I KNOW judging is wrong, and I really try to stay out of their business. I'm happy they have things that make them happy! I don't care WHAT they spend their money on, but I would probably have a soft spot for someone I knew was REALLY struggling. I have a heart, and would probably do without to help someone else out who really needed it. For the guy who just doesn't want to pay me... 'just cuz', I have an issue with that person.

We as a family are going to Aruba in a couple of weeks. I've already received the looks... How the heck can that family afford going to Aruba as a family of 5, after going to Disney last year??? The answer... My parents are gifting us with this trip. WE have worked hard as a family to save for spending $$ and my time off which is unpaid, boarding our pets, and covering other expenses. It's an amazing gift and it's so completely appreciated, I don't owe anyone of them an answer.

[midaycare]

I'm not a poor, poor childcare provider. I make good money. Owning your own childcare business can be very lucrative.

I'm just curious where this came from? I wasn't sure who you were referencing.

It can be lucrative, but the cost to start up can be expensive and also it depends a lot on if you have a spouse that is working and the area that you live in. I do okay, but all of my income is extra. Some people are single moms with 4 kids to support.

[Josiegirl]

I'm not a poor, poor childcare provider. I make good money. Owning your own childcare business can be very lucrative.

It is a business that offers many many benefits as well. Most of them are just not monetarily related.

[Blackcat31]

Blackcat,True, we don't know why or even where someone might get their "things". So I can see your point there. And in those cases, yes I would be wrong in my wonderings. I guess I just wonder why some people who struggle financially, and that complain about it and that can do something about it, actually don't take steps to help themselves. Also if THEY know that YOU know that they spend luxuriously, but complain about not being able to buy things that are necessary. It just blows my mind.

Even if I wanted to/triedto think the best of people, I still can't help but wonder. Maybe it's just me.

Please don't think I was picking on you.... I really wasn't

I used to feel similar but over the years the more families I've met and the more diversity I've ben exposed to, the more I've learned that there are so may different reasons people struggle.

I can't always identify with why and am just as guilty of passing judgment on others too... it IS human nature for us to judge.

I've just learned to stop trying to figure it out.

The ONLY time it bothers me is when people continually complain about their own issues (whatever they maybe) and never ever actually DO anything to make things different. Then I get all worked up....

My grandmother used to always say there are ONLY 2 solutions to every problem:

1) Action (change it)
2) Accept it

But in BOTH cases, stop complaining about it.


But anyways, I just wanted to say I wasn't picking on you or trying to come off as if I was getting on you for something. I was just sharing a different way to look at it.