With What Issues Are You the Weakest?

[Josiegirl]

We all have our strong points when we don't back down and I know some of you have strong backbones in every aspect of your business. But what about those of you who do give an inch, in what areas does that happen most often? Do you find that your flexibility is an advantage in any way? Do you find your dcfs take definite advantage of it? Do you wish you could stand strong and just say no?? Do you feel your flexibility is fine for your situation or do you wish you could change your policies/personality/backbone strength to firm instead of flexible?
Just curious because some days and with certain parents, I have no problem with telling parents the way I expect it to be, but other days......

[DaveA]

Probably chit chatting with DCPs, especially at pickup. I really want to hurry pickups along. Then somehow I always end up in a ridiculously long conversations. Considering I have a couple of classic "over sharers" I end up with some moments.


According to the last person inquiring about my opening I'm too businesslike and too inflexible on contracts. Shame that doesn't bother me. ::

[Cat Herder]

I don't see flexibility as a weakness. I also don't try to fool myself by calling fear of conflict or upsetting my client's "flexibility".

When my clients struggle with a life circumstance that they have exhausted every other option for, then I step in. If I can without too much disruption to my family.

With my clients being in their 20's and me in my 40's, I feel a sense of purpose when I can ease some paths I struggled on at their age. Their first car crash, first major surgery, first week-long power outage, and other things of that nature.

[coloradoprovider]

I don't see flexibility as a weakness. I also don't try to fool myself by calling fear of conflict or upsetting my client's "flexibility".

When my clients struggle with a life circumstance that they have exhausted every other option for, then I step in. If I can without too much disruption to my family.

With my clients being in their 20's and me in my 40's, I feel a sense of purpose when I can ease some paths I struggled on at their age. Their first car crash, first major surgery, first week-long power outage, and other things of that nature.

Agree- now that I'm older (in my 50's) I have found that I can say "No" much more easily but at the same time, I can be flexible for parents who could use some grace. I won't let any parent take advantage, but I also expect no grumbling when I have to close early due to my own appointments. I DO take note of their attitudes when I have a special need. I guess I expect respect for my needs while I respect their needs (not wants!).

[Annalee]

We all have our strong points when we don't back down and I know some of you have strong backbones in every aspect of your business. But what about those of you who do give an inch, in what areas does that happen most often? Do you find that your flexibility is an advantage in any way? Do you find your dcfs take definite advantage of it? Do you wish you could stand strong and just say no?? Do you feel your flexibility is fine for your situation or do you wish you could change your policies/personality/backbone strength to firm instead of flexible?
Just curious because some days and with certain parents, I have no problem with telling parents the way I expect it to be, but other days......

I'm better at being "firm" but have by no means mastered it and things still come up that make me go

My weakest point is I want to BELIEVE everyone. I feel I am trustworthy so I expect the same from others and that just isn't the case. Make sense?

[Cat Herder]

My weakest point is I want to BELIEVE everyone. I feel I am trustworthy so I expect the same from others and that just isn't the case. Make sense?

I was that way (second guessing if I was punishing them for something someone else did) until I opened my daycare facebook page. It opened my eyes and firmed my spine like nothing else. I did not do a business page, mine is a personal page, so I can see everything they post as well.

A couple "Up all night with a sick baby" 's while the kid is screaming and they are pleading they can't imagine why. Or my favorite "Having so much fun with ____ at the beach!!" while ____ is here with me. Makes you wonder who she was at the beach with, no?

[Annalee]

I was that way (second guessing if I was punishing them for something someone else did) until I opened my daycare facebook page. It opened my eyes and firmed my spine like nothing else. I did not do a business page, mine is a personal page, so I can see everything they post as well.

A couple "Up all night with a sick baby" 's while the kid is screaming and they are pleading they can't imagine why. Or my favorite "Having so much fun with ____ at the beach!!" while ____ is here with me. Makes you wonder who she was at the beach with, no?

EXACTLY!!!!! At the end of the day, this is a BUSINESS!!!!

[MarinaVanessa]

My weakness is not saying no to friends and neighbors. I had a bad experience with my sister in law many many years ago so at least I say no to family but I can't seem to say no to people I consider friends.

My husband's best friend and his wife for example, I probably should have said no to them but I didn't and I'm now watching their 2 kiddos. There isn't anything too serious but there are small things that I don't normally do for other clients that I do for them like letting them drop off whenever they want (within their contracted hours) instead of having them give me their drop off and pick up schedule like everybody else and letting them stay a while to chit chat after I have closed. It's not too major but sometimes I want to know what time my day will start and I want to relax in my living room at the end of the day without anyone else's kids.


One problem I did curb was when I was asked to stay open later for them a few times a month as a favor temporarily but it ended up being more often and for a lot longer than what was discussed which then somehow turned into their normal routine. This was the one thing that I just couldn't keep doing because I had other things I wanted to do and couldn't.

The rest I can handle and I feel like it does benefit me because if I ever have to close a little early or take a day off I never hear any complaints and sometimes when they know they're the only clients I have for a day they'll keep their kids home and give me the day off. Also they pay for the earliest and latest they will need but rarely use the full time. Usually instead of 7am-5pm they come 10am-5pm so for me it is a give and take with them and that's why I don't push it or mind so much.

[LittleExplorers]

Not being as perceptive as I could be.

For example mom dropped off extra diapers for little one that were not requested, and told me her work location for the day (she cleans houses and carpets, so it changes.) She is a chatty lady, didn't think much of it.


20 minutes later the watery loose leaking diaper kind of stools start. The signs pointed to her knowing little one was sick.

[littlefriends]

I’m not good when I’m put on the spot. I have to be ready and have thought my arguments through and what I want or need to say. So when a dcp puts me on the spot asking for some kind of favor or special treatment sometimes I accidentally give in or say yes because I’m not ready to be mean. Idk if that makes sense? Lol I then kick myself for not thinking faster, ugh. I’ve been told the word “no” is a complete sentence but it’s hard to say it sometimes!!

[coloradoprovider]

I’m not good when I’m put on the spot. I have to be ready and have thought my arguments through and what I want or need to say. So when a dcp puts me on the spot asking for some kind of favor or special treatment sometimes I accidentally give in or say yes because I’m not ready to be mean. Idk if that makes sense? Lol I then kick myself for not thinking faster, ugh. I’ve been told the word “no” is a complete sentence but it’s hard to say it sometimes!!

Practice saying "I'll think about it." It gives you time to really consider the request. Even if you know it'll work for you right away, practice "I'll think about it."

[Indoorvoice]

I have so many weaknesses. I try to be flexible, I think because when I had to use daycare my daycare provider was so flexible and that made me feel valued. In return I valued her and made sure to pay it back whenever I could by picking up early or pay extra even when she didn't charge it (but should have!) The problem is my daycare families are not that way. Favors are seen as mandatory and never repaid. I'm a rule follower, so I always think "I'll make this rule and everyone will comply, and all will be good" because that's what I would do if a rule was given to me. I'm finding rules are just suggestions and you actually have to enforce them and I hate it when parents know the rules and push them anyway forcing me to confront them. I find it so rude. I also hate making anyone feel upset so I would rather be upset and stew over it than have anyone be upset with me,hence my problems with rules. I think with experience and maturity I'll be better with this, but at this stage, it's just where I'm at.

[MomBoss]

Claiming my late fees! If they read the contract they should know to pay- i shouldnt have to chase my money!
But i feel awkward asking for $2 for being 2 min late..ugh

[littlefriends]

Claiming my late fees! If they read the contract they should know to pay- i shouldnt have to chase my money!
But i feel awkward asking for $2 for being 2 min late..ugh

This one I’m pretty good at because I always use any late fees I get to treat me and my family! Last week we went to the movies! ::

[Cat Herder]

But i feel awkward asking for $2 for being 2 min late..ugh

It is the adult equivalent to having a preschooler put a toy in the "gone for the rest of the day" box for throwing it.