The Parent That Always Complains About Money...

[Crazy8]

How, if at all do you answer this? I have a parent where this is starting to get on my nerves. Its usually just little comments that get thrown in conversation. I sometimes ignore it and other times I throw in my own money woes (nothing real personal, just stuff like "Imagine having to feed a family of 5") but I don't like getting personal either. She knows she pays $5/day less than my other families already so I get super annoyed when she complains about it.

And she's a teacher who can tutor a student for one hour and make what she pays me for an eight hour day!!

[hope]

I wish I knew how to answer this question. It's the same as the "i wish i could stay home like you all day with my little one". There is no way to answer this that will please them. I bite my tongue and give an sympathetic smile. Then vent here. Lol.

[laundrymom]

I wish I knew how to answer this question. It's the same as the "i wish i could stay home like you all day with my little one". There is no way to answer this that will please them. I bite my tongue and give an sympathetic smile. Then vent here. Lol.

"I can mentor you!!"

[laundrymom]

I know how you feel. But each family has to decide what's worth spending on. Like you dive a new car (get nails done, have hair done, take vacations, etc) and we choose to xyz
It's all about priorities.
Then smile.
Big.

How, if at all do you answer this? I have a parent where this is starting to get on my nerves. Its usually just little comments that get thrown in conversation. I sometimes ignore it and other times I throw in my own money woes (nothing real personal, just stuff like "Imagine having to feed a family of 5") but I don't like getting personal either. She knows she pays $5/day less than my other families already so I get super annoyed when she complains about it.

And she's a teacher who can tutor a student for one hour and make what she pays me for an eight hour day!!

[hope]

"I can mentor you!!"

Please do....i need it!

[midaycare]

How, if at all do you answer this? I have a parent where this is starting to get on my nerves. Its usually just little comments that get thrown in conversation. I sometimes ignore it and other times I throw in my own money woes (nothing real personal, just stuff like "Imagine having to feed a family of 5") but I don't like getting personal either. She knows she pays $5/day less than my other families already so I get super annoyed when she complains about it.

And she's a teacher who can tutor a student for one hour and make what she pays me for an eight hour day!!

"Dcm, do you need help with your budget? I'd be happy to sit down with you and help you figure things out."

[AmyKidsCo]

I usually agree with an "Oh, I hear you!" to let them know that we're in the same boat.

[permanentvacation]

I often say things like, "Yeah, I know, it's rough out there" and sometimes then go with the, "As a single mom myself, I have to watch every penny." Or something like, " Ha! You think she's expensive now, just wait until she's a teenager!" I usually say that when they fuss over the price of diapers, baby food, and daycare prices.

Sometimes, if I truly believe that the parent is honestly struggling, I will try to dig a little deeper to find out the cause of the person's financial problems and sometimes I have provided daycare for a low rate or free for a short time period to help a parent out. But that's if I really believe that the parent is doing everything they can on their own first.

In your parent's case, have you asked your parent if they offer tutoring or suggested it as a way for them to make extra money? Or suggested another job as a part-time evening/weekend job for them?

[Josiegirl]

I know how you feel. But each family has to decide what's worth spending on. Like you dive a new car (get nails done, have hair done, take vacations, etc) and we choose to xyz
It's all about priorities.
Then smile.
Big.

This is usually the only time it bugs me. When they're spending 2 weeks going to Disney World, or have the newest electronics for all the kids or have the latest expensive cars. YKWIM Why do they think it's okay to complain about child care costs when they afford all the latest and greatest.

My tax preparer and I actually got into a conversation about a topic similar to this. People have a need for more materialistic things than when he and I were growing up, we make more money, yet we complain more about not making enough. A whole different lifestyle than the 50's and 60's.

[laundrymom]

Please do....i need it!

I actually mean to say that to mom. Suggesting if daycare was too expensive then she could start her own and find out just how little money we keep as income. Lol
But if you need help THIS BOARD And all of the wonderful supportive people on it is the best place to com.
We all do our best to mentor and support each other.
Just ask.

[Rockgirl]

I've had two different parents ask in a roundabout way for FREE daycare for their school agers. Both moms were ones who drove new cars, regularly got hair/nails done, and lived in very nice, new homes.

One asked if her ds could come "hang out" after school every day. The other one wanted to send her 7-yr-old dd as my "helper" every day in the summer when her younger brother was here. Full time!

Strangely, when I told these moms how much their rate would be, they declined!

[kidsandchicks]

Years ago I had a dcd that was really getting on my nerves with his complaints about paying for daycare. This family lived very comfortably so I know that it wasn't a real financial burden, he was just a complainer by nature. Finally, one day, I asked him if he had tried looking for cheaper daycare. I said that I understood if he needed to pull his kids from my care to save money, that I would miss them and so would all their friends but, "if you can't afford it, you should find something you can afford". I said it with all sincerity because, for real, I was done with the whining. He pretty much stopped complaining after that.

I might have to do something similar with a new dcd. He makes comments about "needing to keep the gas on", as if he's the only one with bills. And then I see a FB post over the weekend where he took his son and flew out of state for breakfast in his personal plane.

[Josiegirl]

Years ago I had a dcd that was really getting on my nerves with his complaints about paying for daycare. This family lived very comfortably so I know that it wasn't a real financial burden, he was just a complainer by nature. Finally, one day, I asked him if he had tried looking for cheaper daycare. I said that I understood if he needed to pull his kids from my care to save money, that I would miss them and so would all their friends but, "if you can't afford it, you should find something you can afford". I said it with all sincerity because, for real, I was done with the whining. He pretty much stopped complaining after that.

I might have to do something similar with a new dcd. He makes comments about "needing to keep the gas on", as if he's the only one with bills. And then I see a FB post over the weekend where he took his son and flew out of state for breakfast in his personal plane.

Yeh, my heart bleeds for their financial circumstances.

[Mom2Two]

A come-back line I've used is: "There are state programs available for low-income families." Like, if you REALLy are low-income, then there's a program for you. If you don't qualify for those programs, then odds are you've just made life-style choices.

Or maybe they don't have skills on how to be economical. I 've thought about having a packet of info ready on "how to cut corners and live frugally" ready. I mean, do they soak dry beans and know how to cook dinner with eggs like I do? Do their kids' clothing come from yard sales like a lot of mine do?

More in depth is that I tell people that if they're having money trouble, they need to talk to family or their church for help. There are a lot of things they can do. I am not a line-of credit. No payo, no stayo.

[MissAnn]

A come-back line I've used is: "There are state programs available for low-income families." Like, if you REALLy are low-income, then there's a program for you. If you don't qualify for those programs, then odds are you've just made life-style choices.

Or maybe they don't have skills on how to be economical. I 've thought about having a packet of info ready on "how to cut corners and live frugally" ready. I mean, do they soak dry beans and know how to cook dinner with eggs like I do? Do their kids' clothing come from yard sales like a lot of mine do?

More in depth is that I tell people that if they're having money trouble, they need to talk to family or their church for help. There are a lot of things they can do. I am not a line-of credit. No payo, no stayo.

He could flush only once a day and separate the plies of toilet paper. I bet that would help!happyface