New Puppy.. Family Said NO??

[Unregistered]

I have been wanting a puppy for the last what seems like 10 years. I am finally in a spot where i can get a puppy. My daycare has been open for almost a year and since I don't have any kids of my own yet, I feel like the puppy is the first step. Well I have a new family that starts on Monday with a 12 month old boy. I had made the mistake of "asking" if it was okay to get a puppy instead of saying I am going to get a puppy. The mom said she didn't feel comfortable with me getting a puppy because her son is not so gentle with her two small dogs and is afraid that he would abuse my new puppy. She also feels that all my attention should be on her child. I have no idea how to word that I am getting a puppy without sounding rude. The puppies are only 3 weeks old and can't go home for another 5 weeks. Has any one ever dealt with this or can someone help me with my wording?

Thank you.

[Leigh]

It was a mistake to ask. Just get the puppy and keep separated from the kids. If she leaves, she leaves. There is no reason for you to give up your "real" life over a DCM.

[laundrymom]

"Hey Susan, yesterday think we both misspoke when I was talking to you about my new puppy. Looking back at our conversation I realize that I made it sound like I was asking for permission. I'm sorry for that. We will be bringing her home in about five weeks. I know you didn't mean to offend me by suggesting I would neglect your son but that's how I felt."
Then look her in the eye.
"I know this will be a great addition to my childcare and the families I serve as a few are unable to have a pet because they are never home. Also, I've wanted one for a very long time and am so excited and can't wait to bring her home."

[Second Home]

Check to see what your regulations require . In some states you must notify parents of pets on your property and have them sign to acknowledge that they are present . You do not have to ask their permission though .

This is what I have as required by my state . I do tell parents what animals I currently have and when I get another , I do not ask permission .

Pets*
I realize that second Home child care has pets in the home . During your child’s time in care there may be additional types of pets added in addition to or in place of what is present at the signing of this agreement. Children may be in contact with pets .

________________________________________________________________
Parent/guardian signature Date

________________________________________________________________
Parent/guardian signature Date



I will be getting chicks soon and I will tell the parents (and even take some of the kids on a trip to pick them out) . But they do not have a say whether I get them or not .

[permanentvacation]

You messed up by 'asking' the daycare parent if you can get a puppy. It's your house and it's your company. You do what you want in your house and your company. Then you simply inform your clients of the changes you have made. If some clients don't like the changes you make, they can leave.

She feels that she can have 2 dogs, but doesn't want you to have a dog?!?

The fact that they expect all of your attention to be on their baby is a joke. You do offer child care to multiple children don't you? How does she expect you to give her child all of your attention?

I'm not good at nicey-nicey. But I do like the suggestions that the others have given you as to how to tell her that you weren't meaning to ask her permission and that you are indeed, whether she likes it or not, getting a puppy.

Honestly, if it were me, I would not say anything to the parent and just have my new puppy in my house one day. If she then said that she told me not to get the puppy, I'd tell her at that time that I wasn't trying to ask her permission. I understood that she was concerned that her child might be rough with the puppy. But I'll monitor them and work on teaching the child to be gentle. I wouldn't bring it all up now. But that's me.


My state also requires that we inform the parents of the pets in our home. I simply have it stated in my handbook. I agree that you should find out if that is a requirement in your state.

Some states require that the pets are kept separately from the children. So, you should also see if you are allowed to have the puppy in the room with the daycare children or not. If you are allowed, then make your decision as to whether or not you want your puppy interacting with the children and then simply inform your parents of what will be allowed regarding your puppy in your daycare.

I've done daycare for 25 years and had a couple of dogs and cats. Typically one dog and 2 cats at a time. I have never told my parents ahead of time that we were going to get a new pet. I would just bring a new puppy/kitten home one evening after work and the next day, the pet would be running around the daycare room as the kids arrived. The child and parent would say something like, "Awww, what a cute puppy!" and I'd say, "Yeah, we just got him last night. His name is Johnny." And that was it.

[NightOwl]

Ummmmmm no. For all you know, this child could start on Monday and dcm lose her job the next Monday and withdraw. Don't let her interrupt your personal life. Get that puppy! And send us a picture!!

[Unregistered]

Thank you all for your input. I wasn't going to say anything back to her, but then she had text me this morning asking why i didnt respond to her and hope i wasn't upset. I am going to send this...
Good morning, I was taken back by your response. I realized I worded the text wrong and i apologize for that. I was just making sure he wasn't allergic to animals. I will be getting a puppy in the near future and it will not take away from any of the children in my care. It is actually good for the kids to be around animals.

Now I'm not sure if i should say if having animals is a problem for you, then i don't feel that my childcare is a good fit for your son... I just don't want to sound to rude. I just feel like when I do go have a baby of my own I should run it by this women.... I don't even know if i want to take this family anymore. Ohhh the things we deal with in our businesses!!!

[daycare]

I would tell her this.

Hey susie,

I think perhaps you misunderstood my conversation with you about my family getting a new pet. While I understand your concerns, I wanted to make sure that you were properly informed of our decision to expand our family.

On XXX date, we will be bringing home a new puppy and I am sure that since you and your family already know the love and joy a dog can bring to a family I knew you would be just as excited as we are.

As always, any questions or concerns, DCP

[daycare]

I guess my only question is why she thinks it would take away from her child. She has two dogs at home? Did they take away from the time and attention they give their child? If they did, then why do they still have them.

[Unregistered]

I have no idea. She made is seem like she was very concerned with her son not being gentle with the new puppy. Being gentle is a learned behavior. They eventually plan on having another baby and if he isn't gentle with their dogs he isn't going to be gentle with a newborn. I have a 9 month old here so he will learn to be gentle. I just can't believe this is even an issue. I will feel bad for her son if they pull him for my love of animals. I am good at my job and he would definitely be missing out.

[daycare]

I have no idea. She made is seem like she was very concerned with her son not being gentle with the new puppy. Being gentle is a learned behavior. They eventually plan on having another baby and if he isn't gentle with their dogs he isn't going to be gentle with a newborn. I have a 9 month old here so he will learn to be gentle. I just can't believe this is even an issue. I will feel bad for her son if they pull him for my love of animals. I am good at my job and he would definitely be missing out.

thats a good point. You could use it as a selling point to teach DCB how to be gentle and use gentle hands, it will be perfect timing for that new baby that 's coming.

Using a real live pet would be a great way for DCB to learn.

IF they pull over that, then that's not a family you would want anyways. Who get's to tell you how you live your life? YOu are not their employee....

[KiddieCahoots]

I send this to parents, they can do what they want with the information, but I will always have pets.

Date

Dear Parents,

This letter is to officially inform you of the possible entry of a new kitten to the household ...address....., as described in requirements of IHFC, per EEC regulations, 606 CMR 7.08: (8-i), Notifications to Parents; in writing prior to the introduction of any pets into the program.
Also, as part of EEC regulation, 7.11: (16), Requirements for Pets, will be followed accordingly.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to discuss this matter with me.

Most parents seem to really like the pets.
And according to licensing here, we are suppose to have some kind of "real life" for the science aspect with children, the pets count for this.

[NightOwl]

What breed is the puppy? Could that be the issue?

[daycarediva]

Lesson learned, never ask. I WOULD crate the puppy unless you could be right there, and even then it poses a risk. I would call my insurance company to make sure it included pets under your liability.

I would not enroll my kids in a place that had a dog. My choice. I don't allow my cats around the kids unless I am right there to supervise (they are separated by a locked cat door on another floor. I LOVE animals, we have a good mix of pets in our science area (worms, ants, gecko, fish) we personally have a few cats, I have a snake, and a spider (newest addition).

[laundrymom]

I LOVE animals, we have a good mix of pets in our science area (worms, ants, gecko, fish)I have a snake, and a spider (newest addition).

Oh diva, I'm having nightmares about these tonight. Lol. I promise. I'm a weenie.