How is Everyone?

[e.j.]

Still open? Closed? Parents working with you, against you? How is your family doing? Kids settling in?

Got any new recipes? Starting a garden? Whats new with you?

I've been closed as of March 23 per order of the governor. Up until then, I was open but only had 1 part time and 1 full time child coming. All of my other dc parents work as teachers or for local and state government. They're all working from home and keeping their kids with them. My dc parents have been wonderful! All were great about paying me while I was still open, even when their kids weren't coming. Two have continued to offer full tuition payments even though I'm closed and can't take kids. I haven't taken them up on it but it means so much that they've offered! All have stayed in touch, letting me know how they and their kids are doing. As far as I know, everyone is coming back once this is all over. I have one dc mom who is pregnant and due at the end of spring. I'm crossing my fingers for her and hoping all goes well.

My own family is doing well. I'm out of work but the company my husband is now working for considers itself to be "essential" so fortunately/unfortunately, he's still working. My son is working, as well. They at least have their incomes but I'm worried about both of them. They've both had people who have shown up at work sick so it's scary to think that their own health could be put at risk because of thoughtless coworkers. My dd is high risk because she gets frequent lung infections. She was recently treated for another one but is doing better now. She's trying to get a doctor's note advising her to stay out of work for the time being but she's having trouble getting a call back. Her boss told her to stay home last week and again for this week. Hopefully, she can get a note for at least another week or two. I'm relieved she's home for now.

I've tried a couple of new recipes - Poor Man's Stew (a different one from the one I have already tried) and Kielbasa and pineapple with bbq sauce - both crockpot recipes. They were good! We're keeping it fairly simple for meals right now. Don't want to have a new recipe bomb on me and have to go out shopping again! I'm trying to stay away from stores as much as possible now since they're predicting a "Coronavirus surge" for the next couple of weeks or so here.

My husband bought seeds for the garden which we'll have to start soon but we're in New England so it's too early to plant in the ground right now. Looking forward to having fresh-picked veggies through the summer. Can't wait!

I hope everyone stays well. This, too, shall pass!

[flying_babyb]

wanna hear sweet? We had a parent bring in a case of girl scout cookies today "Cause I appreacate you guys" then she looks at me and says "make sure the boss shares". It was funny! The funny thing is her kids not even the naughty one

[Ariana]

I feel really guilty BUT I am loving life right now :: The pandemic is scary as hell and I worry and cry about it on ocassion (so many deaths ) but I am loving how simple life has gotten for us. I am off and can tend to the kids, make lovely dinners, plan a garden and I feel much less day to day stress. There is still the stress of this crappy situation but dealing with parents day in and day out was definitely affecting my mental health. Now I feel like I am on an extended vacation with ZERO expectations to do or go anywhere. It is a weird sort of bliss.

I don’t think I will be opening back up once this is over. Don’t want to give this up. Also not one parent has asked how I am doing since I closed 3 weeks ago so pretty sure they couldn’t care less about me! Lol

[Msdunny]

I'm on my third week closed. All my families are teachers or have at least one parent who is non-essential. I offered half-25% rates ($80/week) to hold spots.They have all paid that rate to cover through the end of April, so I know I have 3-4 more weeks of this. If I am approved for unemployment, I will refund these rates when we come back.

I am working on the yard, working out, and have started doing yoga every day to help with the stress of "not knowing". I feel safe. My husband is working his full time job from home, and leaves to work at Target every evening and on weekend days. My son's restaurant is doing take out and is selling out every night. My other son was hired for a job just before the shut down and hasn't been able to start that job. He's hoping to start at Target with his dad soon. My daughter normally works with me, so we are both hanging out and trying to look busy.

I was able to spend last weekend with the twins I used to nanny. It was a treat, but reinforced my desire to own my own business and to things MY way.

We have a birthday here tomorrow, so we will celebrate as well as we can. happyface

I hope everyone stays well!!

[Msdunny]

I feel really guilty BUT I am loving life right now :: The pandemic is scary as hell and I worry and cry about it on ocassion (so many deaths ) but I am loving how simple life has gotten for us. I am off and can tend to the kids, make lovely dinners, plan a garden and I feel much less day to day stress. There is still the stress of this crappy situation but dealing with parents day in and day out was definitely affecting my mental health. Now I feel like I am on an extended vacation with ZERO expectations to do or go anywhere. It is a weird sort of bliss.

I don’t think I will be opening back up once this is over. Don’t want to give this up. Also not one parent has asked how I am doing since I closed 3 weeks ago so pretty sure they couldn’t care less about me! Lol

I have days where these very thoughts cross my mind! What can I do otherwise? I guess I have some time to figure it out!

[Lil_Diddle]

Omg! Yes you just described all of my current daycare families! Haha

Isn't it funny how most of us feel it's not a big deal to stay home, we do that anyway.

I'm open but low enrollment. Honestly, I really thought I would close. I still contemplate if I'm doing the right thing for my own family (and me with asthma).
I've lost a couple families but hold them no ill will. It was no fault of their own.

Then I have the typical three types of families left.

The amazing:
I have two amazing families that are staying home and paying me full amount without question. Actually, these are the moms on social media arguing about why you should be paying your daycare. I love them dearly! lovethis

The Complainers:
Then there are the ones who reluctantly pay you but not without a passive aggressive insult about how they don't want to. Even though it's their choice to keep their kid(s) home. Even though they still get paid their regular salary. I almost wish they would refuse so that I can, in all good conscious, say "too bad, so sad, you no longer have daycare. Byeee".

The IDK's:
I have several of those. They never tell me if/when they are coming. They pay, but wait to the very last second. They are untruthful about their schedules and communicate very, very little.

I think my view of people will be very different after all this is said and done.

[Blackcat31]

I'm hanging in there. I am super busy...so not much time for any type of relaxing or stressing !

Of the regular full time families most are attending. A couple are at home.
All are still paying as I am open.

Of the few I have home, one of off work and enjoying their time as a family. Another is choosing to keep both kids out of care while she works from home and the other I am refusing to provide care (not a self-pay parent but works and the other parent in the home has never worked and said isn't really a "hands-on-parent") so I denied care so parent had the opportunity to learn how to be a hands-on-parent.

The ones I have that are attending have parents that work in Tier 1 catagories (a doctor, nurses, law enforcement, a vet and DHS) so their kids are here full time as normal.

I have been doing all drop offs/pick ups outside the fence. No parents can enter the yard or house AT ALL. Kids go directly to wash hands/faces immediately upon arrival. Reverse at pick up. It's actually been kind of nice...no parent chit chat at beginning or end of day. That is blissful in many ways.

I spend a good portion of my day sanitizing and disinfecting before opening, during the day and then afterwards. That is more exhausting than anything. But I feel it's necessary.

Finding supplies hasn't been too difficult; yet but I do anticipate some issues before too long for things like Lysol or antibacterial wipes and/hand sanitizer. Plenty of toilet paper and paper towels. I usually stockpile this stuff and am glad I do so I am using stuff I've already had prior to this.

I worry about my own family. I am terrified my DH will get sick. He's doing the best he can but refuses to live in a bubble. My daughter is working like crazy and I am nervous for her as she works directly on the COVID floor of the hospital. My son was laid off and then called back to work as his company was deemed essential so I am glad he is able to maintain his income and not be confined to boredom at home. He already struggles with depression/anxiety. The routine of working is beneficial for him.

We only have 3 cases so far in my county but it's still too many and still worrisome.

Definitely hoping everyone stays safe and healthy!! lovethis

[Blackcat31]

I think my view of people will be very different after all this is said and done.

This is so true! It's times like these in which you learn the most about others. Thankfully though there seems to be a pretty even divide as far as people's behavior in general both clients and the public. Some are being fantastic and really going above and beyond while others I just want to punch in the throat.

[Valerie928]

Hanging in there here. I think I have been through all the stages of some kind of grieving process pertaining to the virus. I cried a lot, but not so much now. Now it's survival mode.
I am still providing care 3 days a week for essentially employed parents. I like the less day a week and will keep it this way.
My husband runs an essential business, he laid off some and now has handful of people per shift to reduce the density. The facility is huge so the six feet apart goes even further apart. While all this is ok, I am still panicking. I am scared he will get sick because quite frankly this virus is everywhere and nobody can be sure of their outcome. It's not just an elderly person problem. No town, city ect is free from this. I am proud of my husband for working but scared shitless.
One day at a time. But I tell you, even when the stay at home is lifted, I will not attend a movie for example, I will not go anywhere where there are crowds of people, especially indoors. I view things so different now.

[Gemma]

I feel really guilty BUT I am loving life right now :: The pandemic is scary as hell and I worry and cry about it on ocassion (so many deaths ) but I am loving how simple life has gotten for us. I am off and can tend to the kids, make lovely dinners, plan a garden and I feel much less day to day stress. There is still the stress of this crappy situation but dealing with parents day in and day out was definitely affecting my mental health. Now I feel like I am on an extended vacation with ZERO expectations to do or go anywhere. It is a weird sort of bliss.

I don’t think I will be opening back up once this is over. Don’t want to give this up. Also not one parent has asked how I am doing since I closed 3 weeks ago so pretty sure they couldn’t care less about me! Lol

I know what you mean!
I'm still open with 1-3 kids of essential workers, but even the days with 3 kids I don't work any way near what I used to, and I'm really liking this down time...it is giving us a chance to spend time together and work in the yard .. I can't help but feeling a bit guilty for being happy

[Baby Beluga]

I feel really guilty BUT I am loving life right now :: The pandemic is scary as hell and I worry and cry about it on ocassion (so many deaths ) but I am loving how simple life has gotten for us. I am off and can tend to the kids, make lovely dinners, plan a garden and I feel much less day to day stress. There is still the stress of this crappy situation but dealing with parents day in and day out was definitely affecting my mental health. Now I feel like I am on an extended vacation with ZERO expectations to do or go anywhere. It is a weird sort of bliss.

I don’t think I will be opening back up once this is over. Don’t want to give this up. Also not one parent has asked how I am doing since I closed 3 weeks ago so pretty sure they couldn’t care less about me! Lol

We've often talked about the pendulum swinging back on this forum in regard to parenting and home lives. I am curious to see if this situation will cause society to swing back to a more 50's era SAHM society where Moms tend to the house, kids, gardens, and Dads work outside of the house.

[Cat Herder]

We've often talked about the pendulum swinging back on this forum in regard to parenting and home lives. I am curious to see if this situation will cause society to swing back to a more 50's era SAHM society where Moms tend to the house, kids, gardens, and Dads work outside of the house.

Until young couples stop expecting to have kids on year two of marriage, live in McMansions, join the best gyms, wear designer clothing, eat out weekly, take annual two-week vacations and drive new vehicles before they have paid off student loans, built nest eggs, saved emergency funds and earned some seniority at work, it probably won't last very long. When that died, so did the SAHM era.

Also, as a mother of sons I don't want their wives at home full-time while they slave away and miss everything and are accused of never helping out or understanding. The wives would miss out learning to be self-sufficient and whole and will eventually resent it, anyway. An overworked husband cannot meet the emotional or social needs of a woman with no other people or activities in her life. Also, It feels amazing to know that if something happened to your husband, you can make it alone. I don't want to take that away.

I would love it if they could each simply work fewer, staggered hours so each has time alone caring for their children and home, then they could have their nights and weekends as a family. A true marriage and partnership. I mean, if they let me run the world and all. ::::

[daycarediva]

I feel really guilty BUT I am loving life right now :: The pandemic is scary as hell and I worry and cry about it on ocassion (so many deaths ) but I am loving how simple life has gotten for us. I am off and can tend to the kids, make lovely dinners, plan a garden and I feel much less day to day stress. There is still the stress of this crappy situation but dealing with parents day in and day out was definitely affecting my mental health. Now I feel like I am on an extended vacation with ZERO expectations to do or go anywhere. It is a weird sort of bliss.

I don’t think I will be opening back up once this is over. Don’t want to give this up. Also not one parent has asked how I am doing since I closed 3 weeks ago so pretty sure they couldn’t care less about me! Lol

SAME. I am a super introvert. I was hoping for several things
1. All my teacher kids left-alllll had serious issues we were counting down days until June for.
2. The local children's play place was shut down (the owner was just arrested for felony child abuse, and since isn't providing care, is still able to operate a play area)
3. I HATE school. Our days are SO much better without worrying about the bus times. It's like summer.
4. My side business is BOOMING, with just phone calls/texts and NOT in person meetings it usually requires (and that drain this introvert).
5. Sports boosters is now group text chats. (introvert)
6. Parents picking up and dropping off outside. (introvert)
7. "Sorry we can't get together. Social distancing!" (introvert)

I could continue

Until young couples stop expecting to have kids on year two of marriage, live in McMansions, join the best gyms, wear designer clothing, eat out weekly, take annual two-week vacations and drive new vehicles before they have paid off student loans, built nest eggs, saved emergency funds and earned some seniority at work, it probably won't last very long. When that died, so did the SAHM era.

Also, as a mother of sons I don't want their wives at home full-time while they slave away and miss everything and are accused of never helping out or understanding. The wives would miss out learning to be self-sufficient and whole and will eventually resent it, anyway. An overworked husband cannot meet the emotional or social needs of a woman with no other people or activities in her life. Also, It feels amazing to know that if something happened to your husband, you can make it alone. I don't want to take that away.

I would love it if they could each simply work fewer, staggered hours so each has time alone caring for their children and home, then they could have their nights and weekends as a family. A true marriage and partnership. I mean, if they let me run the world and all. ::::

AGREEEEE.

Dcm begging for discounts PRE CORONA just bought a mcmansion, boat, new car and huge, new truck. Newest cells, 3,000 GAMING CHAIR, hair and nails done, you name it. Then "I wish I could be a SAHM. You see them more than I do."

choices, ya'll. MANY of us make the wrong one.

Also agree with that statement. I have always earned an income and my husband has been a SAHD or cut back on hours to be with the kids when needed and is SO hands on that he could run the show. There was never that 'walk past Dad to ask Mom' situation in our house. We also made huge financial sacrifices to ensure that we were there, and are just now comfortable enough to afford things like vacations, name brand clothes, etc (but we also still don't do it.) HAHA

[Ariana]

We've often talked about the pendulum swinging back on this forum in regard to parenting and home lives. I am curious to see if this situation will cause society to swing back to a more 50's era SAHM society where Moms tend to the house, kids, gardens, and Dads work outside of the house.

This has honestly always been my dream, since I was a teenager. I felt too much pressure to “waste my potential” to do it. I guess I chose the next best thing...and still wasted my potential.

I think this has proven to my husband most of all that this way of life IS better. That we CAN more than afford it and that having gobs of money that we have no time to enjoy or spend is just plain dumb. He also enjoys a happier wife

And YES DaycareDiva the introverts are finally winning ::

[BoysMom]

I've been closed for almost 4 weeks now, since my sons' school sent them home. I only care for two other school families, 2 kids each, plus my own two youngest sons so when there's no school, there's no daycare. We've just been told that they're not going back to school this year, so I'm officially closed until mid-August. I'm hoping to be able to collect pandemic unemployment for the 10 weeks I'm supervising my own kids' schooling instead of watching dcks, but fortunately all our day-to-day budgeting is covered by DH's paychecks so the lack of funds coming in isn't an urgent problem.

I'm loving the laid-back evenings with no sports practices or games, no meetings, and no homework battles. DH is going in to work (distance education support) early since he isn't dropping our older kids at school which means he's home earlier in the evenings too. My days are just as stressful as dc, but in a different way. I'm helping my 6th grader navigate his online classes and keeping it quiet enough for him, supervising/schooling a 4th grader and 2nd grader with their weekly assignments, and still caring for my 2 and 4 year olds who don't really understand why brothers are home but still doing school and why their friends aren't coming over every day anymore. I look forward to naptime every afternoon when no one is allowed to bother Mommy when she's working on her jigsaw puzzles.