Daycare Parents Won't Let Me Sunscreen Child

[Jujube835]

I have new parents that REFUSE to allow their 2.5yo dcb to wear sunscreen

They started Monday.

I sent home 2 sunscreen forms. One form at the interview and one form Monday. (must sign "medication consent form" before I can apply it to him). And I've reminded them about it at every drop off/pick up. Meanwhile I was keeping dcb in the shade.
Finally, this morning I put my foot down and demanded dcm sign the form before leaving. She fiiiinally decided to tell me that they don't wear it and will not allow me to sunscreen dcb. She says its harmful, full of chemicals and they just overall don't believe in it.

They prefer to only take dcb outside before 10am and after 4pm.. But "if you have to go outside in those hours just keep him shaded."

I'm livid. I told them at the interview we're outside nonstop. With all the recent sunburn at daycare drama I'm really nervous to move forward.

I want to term.. But they're wonderful otherwise. Dcb is great. I'm just in shock.

Am I liable if dcb burns? Is there some kind of waiver I can make her sign?Grrrrr.

[Baby Beluga]

I have new parents that REFUSE to allow their 2.5yo dcb to wear sunscreen

They started Monday.

I sent home 2 sunscreen forms. One form at the interview and one form Monday. (must sign "medication consent form" before I can apply it to him). And I've reminded them about it at every drop off/pick up. Meanwhile I was keeping dcb in the shade.
Finally, this morning I put my foot down and demanded dcm sign the form before leaving. She fiiiinally decided to tell me that they don't wear it and will not allow me to sunscreen dcb. She says its harmful, full of chemicals and they just overall don't believe in it.

I'm livid. I told them at the interview we're outside nonstop. With all the recent sunburn at daycare drama I'm really nervous to move forward.

I want to term.. But they're wonderful otherwise. Dcb is great. I'm just in shock.

Am I liable if dcb burns? Is there some kind of waiver I can make her sign?Grrrrr.

Wow, that is a new one. How have they managed to keep DCK not burned living in CA without sunscreen? I would say yes you are liable and personally I would have to term.

[Jujube835]

Wow, that is a new one. How have they managed to keep DCK not burned living in CA without sunscreen? I would say yes you are liable and personally I would have to term.

Haha I don't know why my profile says Cali.. I don't live there. Maybe I was super cautious about someone knowing who I am?.. Or maybe it's wishful thinking. Lol

Either way, summers are sunny anywhere and I'm afraid he'll fry

I just have never heard of a person refusing sunscreen all together. I know some people use organic or whatever.. But not none at all!

[Jujube835]

She signed a form stating dcb is immunized (as I do not allow any kids to come here that aren't) but now I'm really wondering!

They do feed dcb organic but didn't complain that my food isn't organic.

What the heck. I've been reeling all day over this.. I just don't get it.

[Thriftylady]

I would term, you would be found in fault if her burns bad. In Nannyde's book, she talks about how parents can't give us permission to do the wrong thing. So I don't think a form would help you. This would greatly interfere with my program, and would take away from the other kids. I wouldn't be able to keep this one.

[bklsmum]

There are a million types of sunscreen. She should be able to find one that she finds acceptable. It would be non-negotiable here.

[Rockgirl]

She signed a form stating dcb is immunized (as I do not allow any kids to come here that aren't) but now I'm really wondering!

They do feed dcb organic but didn't complain that my food isn't organic.

What the heck. I've been reeling all day over this.. I just don't get it.

Did she not provide an immunization record?

[momofapreschooler]

Could you require mom to send him in a shirt that specifically provide sun protection? My daughter's skin was sensitive as an infant, so we used Coolibar clothing (long sleeves and longalls) when we went to the beach with her before her 1st birthday, recommended by a dermatologist. I think Carters and other swim shirts now say a certain SPF, too. I do not see how you can keep him out of the sun between 10 AM and 4 PM. Seems like the parents are unrealistic.

[Jujube835]

Did she not provide an immunization record?

No it's not required.. We just take the parents word for it

[Blackcat31]

I have new parents that REFUSE to allow their 2.5yo dcb to wear sunscreen

They started Monday.

I sent home 2 sunscreen forms. One form at the interview and one form Monday. (must sign "medication consent form" before I can apply it to him). And I've reminded them about it at every drop off/pick up. Meanwhile I was keeping dcb in the shade.
Finally, this morning I put my foot down and demanded dcm sign the form before leaving. She fiiiinally decided to tell me that they don't wear it and will not allow me to sunscreen dcb. She says its harmful, full of chemicals and they just overall don't believe in it.

They prefer to only take dcb outside before 10am and after 4pm.. But "if you have to go outside in those hours just keep him shaded."

I'm livid. I told them at the interview we're outside nonstop. With all the recent sunburn at daycare drama I'm really nervous to move forward.

I want to term.. But they're wonderful otherwise. Dcb is great. I'm just in shock.

Am I liable if dcb burns? Is there some kind of waiver I can make her sign?Grrrrr.

Yes, you are liable even if parents sign a waiver that says you aren't.

Parents can't sign away their child's right to be safe. (or not sun burned)

Honestly other than keeping him shaded or remaining indoors the only option I see is to terminate him from care for not being a good fit. Since a good portion of your day happens outside.

I would NOT feel comfortable agreeing to keep him shaded either as he could still somehow get sun burned and of course the finger will be pointed straight at you. I just couldn't guarantee his safety outdoors enough that I'd be comfortable keeping him in care. ESPECIALLY because the mom is being so cagey and dishonest about this.

It's their right to not allow their child to use sun screen but it's your right to refuse to provide services.

You could always call for pick up every time you guys are heading out side. OR offer to hire a personal assistant to follow the child around and do ONE job (keep him shaded) or supervise him inside while the rest of you are outside and have the parents pay the cost of this person.

Bet they change their mind pretty fast!


Also, there are LOTS of natural chemical free sun screens she can buy,

http://safemama.com/cheatsheets/sunscreen/

not to mention sun screen clothing she can provide that limits the UV rays.

http://www.uvskinz.com/Swimwear-Clothing-Boys-s/1860.htm

[LysesKids]

No it's not required.. We just take the parents word for it

Where do you live that doesn't require a shot record? And I would term for not being a good fit. I do babies only and because of heat after nap we stay in, but early mornings - we are outside and my babies have protection

[m.kids1301]

Natural Sunblock

I don't like to use any chemical laden products either; they do damage you over time! But there are alternative sun-block products available. Dr. Mercola has some he sells on his site and there's sunblock in health food stores, and The Honest Company has some. I would suggest to her that she gets something like that, and explain to her the concern about sunburn because of all the hype recently.

I haven't had any trouble yet with anyone getting burned. happyface I put sunblock on if a parent wants me to, but the kids come inside if it's too hot or they are uncomfortable outside. I sure wouldn't require that everyone wears sunscreen, and I'd only put on what the parents provide, with a permission slip just like it's a drug. It's hard to tell what will affect small children.

[Jenniferdawn]

I don't require sunscreen either but I do require the parents to apply it before coming if they want it. I agree there are so many harmful chemicals in most sunscreens. We play outside a whole bunch and I have not had anyone get a bad sunburn. If you constantly cover up with sunscreen, you're not able to get the vitamin D the sun offers which is so important to our health. That being said, it is your business and you need to be comfortable with however you run it. However, I sure would hate to lose an amazing family just over a matter of sunscreen.

[Unregistered]

Ok if she has the belief that sunscreen is harmful I am betting she doesn't vacinate Her child. Why would she put chemical in her child's body and not on his skin?? I'm taking bets now .......... Who thinks Mom is lying about vaccinations?

I would term. Just too much liability.

[Jenniferdawn]

I have unvaccinated, non-sunscreened kiddos here. I've been doing daycare for many years and never had any problems or have had any concern they were too much a "liability". But they also follow my own personal convictions so it works for me. If you are going to feel nervous or anxious or frustrated by this family, for your own sanity and peace of mind, I would tell them that due to differing personal convictions, you need to let them go. But please be careful to word it in a way where they won't feel judged for their differing convictions. You both are trying to do what you feel is right for the children.