Birthday Party Drama

[Unregistered]

I have had 4 birthdays so far this year at daycare. 1 was my own childs. I had 2 today and am very purposeful about planning. I make sure not to sugar the kisd up but instead have mini cupcakes and 100% juice. Things I would want someone to take into consideration with my own child. We all sing the birthday song. In the days previous I sneak kids to one by one make a card for the birthday child and I make sure that the child will be there long enough that day to celebrate- I even ask parents if they would prefer it on another day so the child doesnt get too much stimulation if they are planning on doing something at home too.

Today I was shocked by the behavior of the kids in my care and more importantly their parents. I promised to have kids done with snack and party by 3:15- one family has circus plans and wanted to pick up then. This mom came early 2:45 and watched the snack/birthday stuff. Her child did not however like the 1 yr subscription to his favorite mag (he reads it everyday at my house) and screamed for over 10 min. I interjected a number of times but since mom was present he was putting on a show. She drug him out the door (still screaming). Her daughter had a birthday earlier this year and I never even got a thank you.

The other family of a birthday kid called at 2:45 and said "im 3 minutes away- have the kids ready." I mentioned that we were just about to start the birthday snack and it would be a little bit. She came early anyway, ripped her child from the table and took him literally out the back door (which never happens at my house) without his shoes. He was dropping his gift as she was carrying him out. "My friends are waiting!!! COME ON!"

Neither parent even said thank you for the effort, time, consideration etc.
I AM FUMING!!!
I better get an apology from both in the AM.

I am ready to say NO MORE DAYCARE BIRTHDAYS but don't want the parents behavior to cause the kids harm.

WWYD?

[PitterPatter]

I have had 4 birthdays so far this year at daycare. 1 was my own childs. I had 2 today and am very purposeful about planning. I make sure not to sugar the kisd up but instead have mini cupcakes and 100% juice. Things I would want someone to take into consideration with my own child. We all sing the birthday song. In the days previous I sneak kids to one by one make a card for the birthday child and I make sure that the child will be there long enough that day to celebrate- I even ask parents if they would prefer it on another day so the child doesnt get too much stimulation if they are planning on doing something at home too.

Today I was shocked by the behavior of the kids in my care and more importantly their parents. I promised to have kids done with snack and party by 3:15- one family has circus plans and wanted to pick up then. This mom came early 2:45 and watched the snack/birthday stuff. Her child did not however like the 1 yr subscription to his favorite mag (he reads it everyday at my house) and screamed for over 10 min. I interjected a number of times but since mom was present he was putting on a show. She drug him out the door (still screaming). Her daughter had a birthday earlier this year and I never even got a thank you.

The other family of a birthday kid called at 2:45 and said "im 3 minutes away- have the kids ready." I mentioned that we were just about to start the birthday snack and it would be a little bit. She came early anyway, ripped her child from the table and took him literally out the back door (which never happens at my house) without his shoes. He was dropping his gift as she was carrying him out. "My friends are waiting!!! COME ON!"

Neither parent even said thank you for the effort, time, consideration etc.
I AM FUMING!!!
I better get an apology from both in the AM.

I am ready to say NO MORE DAYCARE BIRTHDAYS but don't want the parents behavior to cause the kids harm.

WWYD?

I have the same ungrateful parents and I too said the same thing about parties and such that I wouldn't do it again. Then I calm down and remember it's for the kids! It's also for myself because I get joy out of bringing joy to them so I bet u will change your mind later.

As for the parents I have no clue what to say or do. They probably wont change, mine never do. They were very rude to u and I am sorry u had to put up with that. I am here to say thank u for them and the kids! Thank u for making that effort! Thank u for going the extra mile. Thank u for making those kids happy! Oh and thank u for giving me the idea to have each daycare child make their own card for the b-day child!

I hope u get an apology tom but if they are like mine I wouldn't look for it.

[daysofelijah]

That stinks! I don't do anything for birthdays. They are welcome to bring a snack, we sing Happy Birthday and they get a birthday sticker. Anything more than that is a waste of time for me because parents really don't care, and the kids get enough indulgence at home on their birthdays.

[countrymom]

I do birthday parties at lunch time. After we eat the childs favorite meal for lunch, then we have cupcakes and open the present. Its works out so good, this way no one is rushed, I have no parents to deal with and I take lots of pictures.

[snbauser]

We do birthdays in the morning so we don't have to worry about the afternoon chaos. I have parent pick ups anywhere from 3 -5:30 and afternoon snack isn't until 3:30. We do the birthday treats at about 10 am and then head outside to run off the sugar before lunch.

[Meeko]

I used to go all out. Not any more.

We just have treats after lunch and we sing Happy Birthday. The birthday child gets a hat...but that's it. Any more is not appreciated by the parents (in fact I have had parents in the past who actually told me they weren't going to do much as I was taking care of it!) I realized that I shouldn't be taking that responsibility away from them. We recognize the birthday, but it's up to the parents to plan special days.

[AnythingsPossible]

We don't do a party, but we do have a treat at lunch time, either something they have brought, or we make, and I give them a small gift when they leave. Usually a book or a craft project. They get to pick lunch on their birthday and the books we read.
I don't really care if the parents appreciate it or not, though most of mine do. I do it for the kiddo's because I want them to know they are special to me.

[momatheart]

that stinks! I don't do anything for birthdays. They are welcome to bring a snack, we sing happy birthday and they get a birthday sticker. Anything more than that is a waste of time for me because parents really don't care, and the kids get enough indulgence at home on their birthdays.

amen

[SandeeAR]

We only have a cupcake and sing happy birthday after lunch. Nothing over the top here. That is the parents responsiblity. Besides, I'm friends with all 3 of my families and get invited to the home bday party. I take my present there.

[nannyde]

We do a monthly birthday celebration for whoever has a birthday that month. With my current group half of them are May birthdays so this month we will have a biggin... something fun ... on a day that isn't any of their actual bday. I don't announce the day we are going to do it. Parents find out when they pick up.

I'll tell you a little secret about parties... but don't ever hold me to it.

The best way to show parents you really care and love what you do is to have celebrations they never see coming.

We recently did two: One was an Eagle Fiesta where we watched and researched the baby Eagles. All the parents got into it with us.

The second was the Royal Wedding party. That was way fun.

Next week we are doing an homage to Shania Twain

duh duh duh duh duh duh duh

LET'S GO GIRLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ::::::::

They dig that kind of stuff.

[Blackcat31]

That stinks! I don't do anything for birthdays. They are welcome to bring a snack, we sing Happy Birthday and they get a birthday sticker. Anything more than that is a waste of time for me because parents really don't care, and the kids get enough indulgence at home on their birthdays.

This.

[DCMom]

I do birthday parties at lunch time. After we eat the childs favorite meal for lunch, then we have cupcakes and open the present. Its works out so good, this way no one is rushed, I have no parents to deal with and I take lots of pictures.

I do this, minus the gift. I make them a birthday crown that they get to wear all day, make cupcakes in their favorite flavor and balloon bunch that they can take home with them.

[Mom_of_two]

Yikes!! I would be so upset!! It sounds like you are working with some really disrespectful families.

I have been lucky- I can't imagine any of the families I have acting that way. It would be very hard for me to ignore. Wow.

I make a card with all the kids for the birthday child, and I get cookies or little cupcakes, sometimes the parents bring a treat. I also decorate the entry way.

I don't do gifts for any of them.

[WImom]

I have them bring in a birthday snack (If parent wants), they get a birthday sticker and I send home a small gift from me. Oh and we sing a special birthday song at circle time.

So far all of my parents but one family has either written a thank you for the gift or said thank you. The only family that didn't was the same family that didn't say thanks for the christmas gifts or give me a card/gift at christmas so I guess I'm not surprised.

That was really rude of those parents, especially the 2nd mom. Poor kid.