Other Employment

[nannyde]

I disagree. There are a lot of experts on here. I'm a professional daycare provider and am an expert in regards to the kids I see daily. No one can be a true expert on all things kid related. Every kid is different and has different needs.

I see your point.

The thing about internet forums is you CAN'T tell whether the person has experience and/or education in child care.

You can visit a site and get advice in child care related issues and get responses from people who have done it for a few months for one kid. You can get very specific advice on contracts and policies from people who haven't opened up a family child care.

I've been on boards before where posters have been very active and given specific advice and three months later been out of business because they couldn't manage it.

We all know the huge influx of "fly by night" providers in our business. Well ... they are on daycare and parenting internet forums answering posts and giving advice.

My sentence "often times, those who answer forum request for help are not experts with experience in the field of home daycare" was meant to address that factor in forum responses/advice.

I'm out here giving my real name, my education, my experience . I'm easily checkable.

I don't profess to be an expert in all things child related. I don't, for example, do DAP. I don't care for school aged kids. I'm not a teacher or an "early childhood educator".

What I'm an expert in is child CARE. I am hired to offer child care advice, supervision of staff providing child care, child care policies, parent "management" etc. and am paid to give that advice. The only people who hire me are people who look at my credentials and my work and deem that is "expert" enough to pay for my advice.

[Sugar Magnolia]

Hi Country Mom!

In on this thread late, Country Mom! I read your original post, then the last post and boy was I confused how the thread got there! : After reading all the stuff in between, I see where the mystery tags came in. So....I'm just here to comment on your original post!
I can see why the regs say no other employment while children are in care. Are you looking to make extra money too? I know I am! Summers are slow, my enrollment is down, $ tight. I have been racking my brain for out-of-daycare income sources, so I may as well share my whacky ideas! Maybe freelance writing? Maybe novel writing? Writing is a great way to spend naptime. I do mine on my blackberry, then transfer to pc @ my convenience. (I have several unfinished writing projects! :: ) Quiet, not disruptive, helps relieve stress. Then I considered weekend work, but something I truly love...maybe historical research, maybe sand sculpting lessons, maybe historic designations for homes and buildings (done these in the past, have two historic designations under my belt).... But that's just weirdo me... Maybe you can find a way to turn YOUR hobby or something YOU love to do into income. "Find something you love to do and find a way to make money doing it." My husband loves to play violin, so he's giving violin lessons after our daycare hours. I'm jealous. So for now, I continue to ponder how I can earn side money. I hope this oddball response gives you some inspiration, or anyone else who reads it.....if anyone makes it down this far in the thread!

[Crystal]

Ya know what Sugar Magnolia? Your hobbies and interests enrich your life MUCH more than money will ever do. What a wonderful array of interests, hobbies and ideas you have! I hope that you can find a "side job" you LOVE from one of those.....very cool....I'm jealous

[Country Kids]

Hi Sugar Magnolia,

I was the original poster-Country Kids but I've seen a few with the Country in the names so understandable how it gets confusing. I wasn't thinking so much on making extra money just curious how people do it if there regs. say they can't. I know for my state it is a big NO,NO to do that. I did sell Avon for many years but gave it up because I couldn't put as much time into it as I wanted.

Thank you for getting back to me though! Your ideas were amazing and ones to keep in the back of my mind.

[Angelwings36]

I guess I would be considered one of the "mean girls" (from the sprinkler thread) that you're referring to. I certainly don't have a "halo," but anyone who knows me would say I'm the polar opposite of a "mean girl." I was simply stating my disike of Nan's "Don't want to," "BTDT," and "over it" attitude. I also didn't care for her sarcastic remark regarding working parents. I adore my DP's and sympathize with how hard they work - both inside and outside of the home. I am very grateful to each and every one of them, as I wouldn't have a thriving business if it weren't for them choosing my daycare facility.

Lastly. I realize Nan is highly respected on this forum and I fully expect her to earn my respect as well. Until then, I felt the need to speak (or write) my mind as this is what this forum is for. Having a differing opinion or point of view does not make me (or anyone else) a "mean girl" IMHO.

As far as working a different job during child care hours - that is strictly prohibited in my state.

OK...I just can't bite my tongue on this one!!

I do not believe in any way whatsoever that nan had a sarcastic remark towards working parents...I was a fair statement.

You quoted:

Additionally, you stated that working parents bring their children home to hours of outdoor/water play. Um, I disagree. Working parents are tired. They come home, make dinner, do laundry, clean house, play with their children a bit, bathe them, read to them, and put them to bed. Since my DP's are paying ME to give their child a fun day - I feel it is MY responsibility to do so.

Guess what I run a daycare....I have a 6 year old son...and I MAKE TIME to do fun things (like playing in the water) with my son...all while working a really hard day. Sorry but laundry, house work and whatever else is not going to run away but my son is going to grow up. It is up to me to ensure my son has happy memories of his child hood. And guess what? The school doesn't provide regular water play for him...I don't expect them to...and frankly I think older children enjoy time in the water more than the younger ones and would have more memories as well!

I totally disagree with you on this one!

[Crystal]

I imagine that you do.....BUT, you also have the wonderful privilege of being home during the day to do that with your son.....other parents are AT WORK.......

Of course they SHOULD make time to do these things with their children, but realize that with all of the other parental responsibilities they have, things that we as work at home Moms don't have- commute, 9 hours at work with lunch break, and then not being able to tackle laundry, household "stuff" when they are at work like we can......well, their time is limited with their children. They SHOULD cherish the moments they have, and I am sure most DO....but they cannot provide the opportunity for DAILY FUN like a child care provider who spends 8 AWAKE hours with the children can.

[nannyde]

I was the original poster-Country Kids but I've seen a few with the Country in the names so understandable how it gets confusing. I wasn't thinking so much on making extra money just curious how people do it if there regs. say they can't.

There was also this comment to me: In another post this week you were telling us all the things you do in your day (different types of work). I asked if your state regulations allow that as ours certainly wouldn't. You never responded. Any a way I take that as you aren't allowed to do those things and didn't want to post back that what you were doing was wrong.

Those are some pretty serious words implying I'm illegally operating my business by operating additional busineses at the same time. Also that I didn't post back because I knew what I was doing was wrong.

Not cool.

[Angelwings36]

I imagine that you do.....BUT, you also have the wonderful privilege of being home during the day to do that with your son.....other parents are AT WORK.......

Of course they SHOULD make time to do these things with their children, but realize that with all of the other parental responsibilities they have, things that we as work at home Moms don't have- commute, 9 hours at work with lunch break, and then not being able to tackle laundry, household "stuff" when they are at work like we can......well, their time is limited with their children. They SHOULD cherish the moments they have, and I am sure most DO....but they cannot provide the opportunity for DAILY FUN like a child care provider who spends 8 AWAKE hours with the children can.

My son is gone from 8:30am until 4:00pm monday through friday. I do not have the time to do any of that with my son until I'm off the clock at 5:15pm! I work almost a 10 hour day and still find time to do fun stuff with my child after hours...and ps I don't get my laundry done during the day...that waits until the weekend or my cleaning lady takes care of it for me! And the school can not provide water play for my son...that was the whole point of the post she was quoting on...there fore it is unfair to state that it is up to providers to do the same!

[Blackcat31]

Ok.... Now the tags aren't so funny anymore...

[mom2many]

I imagine that you do.....BUT, you also have the wonderful privilege of being home during the day to do that with your son.....other parents are AT WORK.......

Of course they SHOULD make time to do these things with their children, but realize that with all of the other parental responsibilities they have, things that we as work at home Moms don't have- commute, 9 hours at work with lunch break, and then not being able to tackle laundry, household "stuff" when they are at work like we can......well, their time is limited with their children. They SHOULD cherish the moments they have, and I am sure most DO....but they cannot provide the opportunity for DAILY FUN like a child care provider who spends 8 AWAKE hours with the children can.

I soooo AGREE with you! I have seen this scenario play out for many, many years! I'm no expert, but I have been in this business long enough to witness this first hand. Parents may want to provide these things, but their time is limited! I have these dcks 10 hours a day and I would feel as though I was cheating them, if I didn't provide these fun filled moments!

I raised all 3 of my own kids while being a home daycare provider and wanted to provide for my own children special childhood memories for them to cherish. It was also my desire to give that to the other dcks in my care as well and now that my own children are grown, I continue to enjoy watching the dcks delight in the simple joys of childhood! This is truly what has kept me going all of these years!

IMHO every parent seeks out what they feel is the right "fit" for their child/family. There is no right answer to this...everyone has their own perspective and desires for what they want. I just know in my heart, what I want to provide and it has been rather disheartening to read some of the remarks posted here!

[Crystal]

My son is gone from 8:30am until 4:00pm monday through friday. I do not have the time to do any of that with my son until I'm off the clock at 5:15pm! I work almost a 10 hour day and still find time to do fun stuff with my child after hours...and ps I don't get my laundry done during the day...that waits until the weekend or my cleaning lady takes care of it for me! And the school can not provide water play for my son...that was the whole point of the post she was quoting on...there fore it is unfair to state that it is up to providers to do the same!

Oh, wow. I didn't realize it was such a long school day. That sounds like school with extended day- day care attached to it.

It's nice that you can provide for cleaning service so that you can spend more time with your child as well, I don't know many parents who can afford that luxury.

Of course we ALL find fun stuff to do with our children after work hours and weekends.....even the DCP do, believe it or not......but WE have the children for the most awake hours....during the heat of the day....during the alert hours.....so, we can provide more "fun" opportunities for the kids than the parents might be able to - IF WE WANT TO AND CAN - I'm not saying it should be mandatory

[Angelwings36]

Oh, wow. I didn't realize it was such a long school day. That sounds like school with extended day- day care attached to it.

It's nice that you can provide for cleaning service so that you can spend more time with your child as well, I don't know many parents who can afford that luxury.

Of course we ALL find fun stuff to do with our children after work hours and weekends.....even the DCP do, believe it or not......but WE have the children for the most awake hours....during the heat of the day....during the alert hours.....so, we can provide more "fun" opportunities for the kids than the parents might be able to - IF WE WANT TO AND CAN - I'm not saying it should be mandatory

Due to the fact that I run a daycare my son has to BUS to school...this makes for the long school hours!!!!

[Cat Herder]

Ok.... Now the tags aren't so funny anymore...

Sorry Blackcat.... I really did not intend them to be funny.

IMHO, (and admitted by op) This thread was a nasty spin off of a long thread attacking Nan over the weekend.

I know by being hired/chosen to do the daycare.com blog Nan had a target placed on her back and she is tougher than I am... BUT it infuriates me to see people try to tear her down for trying to create a financial future for her family in blogging/consulting.

What retirement plans/goals do the rest of you ladies have going???? I am proud of the risk she is taking, it is so out of my comfort zone... I hope she makes it big. I met her here and I adore her.

I have been trying to stay out of it since I had "nothing nice to say" , but I felt the 3 tags I added summed it up nicely. Sorry if I offended anyone.

You can delete them if you feel it is appropriate.

If not I stand by them.

[mom2many]

Oh, wow. I didn't realize it was such a long school day. That sounds like school with extended day- day care attached to it.

It's nice that you can provide for cleaning service so that you can spend more time with your child as well, I don't know many parents who can afford that luxury.

Of course we ALL find fun stuff to do with our children after work hours and weekends.....even the DCP do, believe it or not......but WE have the children for the most awake hours....during the heat of the day....during the alert hours.....so, we can provide more "fun" opportunities for the kids than the parents might be able to - IF WE WANT TO AND CAN - I'm not saying it should be mandatory

ABSOLUTELY!!!!!!
I agree whole heartedly!

[Blackcat31]

Sorry Blackcat.... I really did not intend them to be funny.

IMHO, (and admitted by op) This thread was a nasty spin off of a long thread attacking Nan over the weekend.

I know by being hired/chosen to do the daycare.com blog Nan had a target placed on her back and she is tougher than I am... BUT it infuriates me to see people try to tear her down for trying to create a financial future for her family in blogging/consulting.

What retirement plans/goals do the rest of you ladies have going???? I am proud of the risk she is taking, it is so out of my comfort zone... I hope she makes it big. I met here here and I adore her.
I have been trying to stay out of it since I had "noting nice to say" , but I felt the 3 tags I added summed it up nicely. Sorry if I offended anyone.
You can delete them if you feel it is appropriate.

If not I stand by them.

Cat... Not offended one bit. I did think the tags were just a funny fluke at first, then I read all the negativity and realized they (the tags) were sadly VERY appropriate!
I think they should stay as they really do speak volumes.