Parent Sitting at Home While Child is Here

[Mom_of_two]

I guess I don't feel taken advantage of if they stick to the contracted hours. Which does not mean open hours. It they are here and gone when they say they will be, the rest doesn't bother me!! It is when someone is late or early that I feel taken advantage of, but that is really rare. (Whew!)

And I don't think anything else they do is my business. I don't feel it dishonest if a parent has a second job and doesn't tell me, if they pay me on time. I don't think it is my business, doesn't affect me of their daycare. Luckily I have not yet had parents who want 10 hour days, though!

[Unregistered]

hours

Honestly, I don't think what the parents are up to is any of the DCP's business as long as they pay on time and don't bring their kids in when they are sick etc. I can't believe that some DCPs would actually ask parents where they live/work and proceed them how much travel time they will have to get the kids to daycare - the nerve!!

I know a few posters have said that these are bad parents bc they don't want to spend time with the kids, but maybe you are being bitter and lazy? If you're watching the clock and can't wait for the parents to show up every day, you might be in the wrong profession! In this economy, there are many daycares that are itching to fill spots and it wouldn't matter if it was for 7 hours a day, 9 hours or 9 hours and 3 minutes....

Ridiculous! Focus on your job. Providing the best care you can for the kids. It is not your perrogative to get your panties in a knot because Tommy's mommy stopped off at the store to grab some groceries on the way to get him. Sheesh!

[MsMe]

Honestly, I don't think what the parents are up to is any of the DCP's business as long as they pay on time and don't bring their kids in when they are sick etc. I can't believe that some DCPs would actually ask parents where they live/work and proceed them how much travel time they will have to get the kids to daycare - the nerve!!

I know a few posters have said that these are bad parents bc they don't want to spend time with the kids, but maybe you are being bitter and lazy? If you're watching the clock and can't wait for the parents to show up every day, you might be in the wrong profession! In this economy, there are many daycares that are itching to fill spots and it wouldn't matter if it was for 7 hours a day, 9 hours or 9 hours and 3 minutes....

Ridiculous! Focus on your job. Providing the best care you can for the kids. It is not your perrogative to get your panties in a knot because Tommy's mommy stopped off at the store to grab some groceries on the way to get him. Sheesh!

Its not me sitting and watching the clock....it is the child.

It is not me being bitter or lazy, it is me having to watch your child ask for you, ask why Suzzie's Mom comes early some day, act out, or just plain need a break from daycare, that concerns me. I could care less what you do....it just breaks my heart watching your child suffer for it.

[Unregistered]

Its not me sitting and watching the clock....it is the child.

It is not me being bitter or lazy, it is me having to watch your child ask for you, ask why Suzzie's Mom comes early some day, act out, or just plain need a break from daycare, that concerns me. I could care less what you do....it just breaks my heart watching your child suffer for it.

I don't think most providers are like this, but a couple in the thread sound prettyover the top and bitter to me. I guess there are certain providers that are not that passionate about what they do, just as there are some parents that are better than others...

[jen]

Honestly, I don't think what the parents are up to is any of the DCP's business as long as they pay on time and don't bring their kids in when they are sick etc. I can't believe that some DCPs would actually ask parents where they live/work and proceed them how much travel time they will have to get the kids to daycare - the nerve!!

I know a few posters have said that these are bad parents bc they don't want to spend time with the kids, but maybe you are being bitter and lazy? If you're watching the clock and can't wait for the parents to show up every day, you might be in the wrong profession! In this economy, there are many daycares that are itching to fill spots and it wouldn't matter if it was for 7 hours a day, 9 hours or 9 hours and 3 minutes....

Ridiculous! Focus on your job. Providing the best care you can for the kids. It is not your perrogative to get your panties in a knot because Tommy's mommy stopped off at the store to grab some groceries on the way to get him. Sheesh!

Spoken like a parent that wants nothing more than to avoid being "bothered" by their child at all costs.

[nannyde]

In this economy, there are many daycares that are itching to fill spots and it wouldn't matter if it was for 7 hours a day, 9 hours or 9 hours and 3 minutes....

I don't work open hours. I contract hours. There's a difference of a seven hour day and a nine hour day to me.

I did an interview a few months ago for a family that lived near me and worked near two of my day care parents who have been with me for over five years.

This family wanted an additional 1.75 hours a DAY more care than they needed for work, lunch and transporting. It was REDICULOUS. They said they needed it for transport time and was emphatic that it took that long to get back and forth to work at the peek hours of traffic in my city.

I told them NO. I know exactly how long it takes to get to both of your jobs because I have two clients who have been driving that route for the last five plus years at the EXACT time of day you are asking for care.

They were LYING. They didn't need the time for transport. They wanted the time because they didn't want their kid in the morning before they went to work (They wanted to drop the kid off and go back home in the morning to get ready for work) and they wanted to leave him in day care for an extra hour after they got home from work.

They were leaving their current babysitter because of a lot of really core issues of health and safety. They decided their babysitter, who was so dangerous before my interview, was perfectly fine after my interview because the babysitter allowed an extra 8.75 hours a WEEK of awake time care for the same money I was charging.

I will NOT work for parents who shun their child and purposely try to get enough child care to make it possible for them to not have the child awake on their clock. I won't work for parents who don't want to be around their children because they don't like taking care of them.

NOT happening.

I don't mind parents getting me time and having some free time now and then. Heck everyone needs a little down time. I just won't work for someone who builds in a HUGE amount of me time every day because the truth is they don't like being around their kid unless the kid is sleeping.

NO can do. I will give up child care before I will ever be involved in that system.

[jen]

I don't think most providers are like this, but a couple in the thread sound prettyover the top and bitter to me. I guess there are certain providers that are not that passionate about what they do, just as there are some parents that are better than others...

I am passionate about children and as a parent and as a provider I KNOW that it is best for children to spend the majority of their time with their parents. I am PASSIONATE about doing what is BEST for the child.

It irks me no end when parents try to shirk their responsibility to their child and then try to make it look like the provider is the one who is ducking out on the poor kid.

[Unregistered]

Spoken like a parent that wants nothing more than to avoid being "bothered" by their child at all costs.

Actually, I worked part time hours so I could spend as much time as possible with my kids. We have the same DCP the whole five years and had zero issues. I did schedule a few extra days with her so I could go to appointments or run errands several times. I love my children and spending time with them but everyone needs a break. If you're a parent you do too. You don't know me so telling me that I want to avoid time with my children is absolutely outrageous! It is not neglectful for a parent to want an hour or two to themselves once in a while! Spending every waking second with your child does not make you the mother of the year!

It's just funny to me that some DCPs are okay getting paid for set hours (ie 8-5) but then proceed to get pissy if they have to work those hours! Most people who work a set shift don't get to cut out early and still get paid!

The bottom line is that a parent's job to pay and your job to provide care. Stop being so nosey and judgemental.

PS If a kid likes watching their mom fold laundry or being dragged around while errands are being run, you should take a look at the program/care you're providing!

[blessedmess8]

Okay, so my issue is with the family of one of my daycare families. They recently moved down the street from me...like I can see their house. They used to live in a few towns over with a 30 minute commute. Anyway my issue is that DCB now arrives 1hr earlier and leaves 15 minutes later so he is here from 8-5:45 which is fine as my hours are from 8-6 with out contracting hours (stupid me) so I see Mum in her driveway she gets home at 4:30 or earlier most days, and Dad works shifts very similar to my husband so I know he is off most weekdays or home before 3;00. It just really bothers me that these parents don't spend the time with their son who is only 1. I also asked DCM if her work hours changed as She drops off early and arrives home earlier- she said she likes 'her' time and she pays for the day so I shouldn't worry how she spends it- ugh
Is it just me being annoyed, should I say something, can I change just her to contracted hours?? Or should I just forget about it, like she said she pays for her day.
Also, I am one of the lucky ones and have a rather large waiting list so if I did lose her no worries- but to term over this seems too much on my part

I think we've all had this issue. Because we love these kids and have a lot invested. So it bothers us because A: We do care and it hurts our hearts to think the child's parents don't want to be with them. B: We spend sooooo much time with these kids and most of us view this as a partnership in raising someone else's children, so it hurts our pride to be treated like a "sitter." I had my hours until 6:00 and realized I was watching everyone's kids while everyone ran errands after work. I changed it to 5:30 and it made a world of difference! The bottom line is, though: they're paying us. We can't tell them how to raise their kids (although we'd like to sometimes!!) Just know you are making a difference in that child's life because you DO make them feel wanted! We don't get much thanks or recognition, but what we do is so important!

[jen]

Actually, I worked part time hours so I could spend as much time as possible with my kids. We have the same DCP the whole five years and had zero issues. I did schedule a few extra days with her so I could go to appointments or run errands several times. I love my children and spending time with them but everyone needs a break. If you're a parent you do too. You don't know me so telling me that I want to avoid time with my children is absolutely outrageous! It is not neglectful for a parent to want an hour or two to themselves once in a while! Spending every waking second with your child does not make you the mother of the year!

It's just funny to me that some DCPs are okay getting paid for set hours (ie 8-5) but then proceed to get pissy if they have to work those hours! Most people who work a set shift don't get to cut out early and still get paid!

The bottom line is that a parent's job to pay and your job to provide care. Stop being so nosey and judgemental.

PS If a kid likes watching their mom fold laundry or being dragged around while errands are being run, you should take a look at the program/care you're providing!

NOBODY is talking about a parent who works part time and utilized a couple of extra hours here and there to get things done. We are talking about children who are in care upwards of 50 hours a week, every single week.

You can call in nosey and judgemental if you like. Personally, I have never met a parent who makes their children their first priority who doesn't agree with this concept...you would be a first.

[jen]

PS If a kid likes watching their mom fold laundry or being dragged around while errands are being run, you should take a look at the program/care you're providing!

By the way...every single child I have ever met would prefer to be with Mommy or Daddy over a daycare mom or daycare friends, not matter how much fun the program might be. Kids like helping Mommy fold towels or having a special day out with Mom! The trick is not to "drag" them around but to interact, enjoy, converse, and play with them while on those outings!!!!

[Unregistered]

By the way...every single child I have ever met would prefer to be with Mommy or Daddy over a daycare mom or daycare friends, not matter how much fun the program might be. Kids like helping Mommy fold towels or having a special day out with Mom! The trick is not to "drag" them around but to interact, enjoy, converse, and play with them while on those outings!!!!

I think you're a bit deluded. I think that social, happy and well-adjusted kids would usually prefer play time with friends over errands. End of story.

One more thing I have noticed....I am amazed at the number of DCPs who are able to post on this board all day while they are supposedy working. Some seem to be online and posting for hours at a time. There aren't many jobs that allow you to get away with that, just saying....

You can have the last word; go for it!

[nannyde]

I think you're a bit deluded. I think that social, happy and well-adjusted kids would usually prefer play time with friends over errands. End of story.

I have happy and well adjusted kids year after year for nearly two decades. I have never met a kid who would prefer to be at my house with the friends they have grown up with their whole lives than run to Wal-Mart or Target with their Mom.

One hundred percent of the kids I care for would always choose time with their parents over time here.

As it should be. I'm great with kids. My house is awesome. My food is delicious. My assistant is sweet as pie. Even with all that... I can never compare to time with their parents. I'm good but I'll never be THAT good.

This thinking makes the parents feel better but it's just words the "me" time generation came up with to make them feel better about doing the wrong thing.

[Kaddidle Care]

One more thing I have noticed....I am amazed at the number of DCPs who are able to post on this board all day while they are supposedy working. Some seem to be online and posting for hours at a time. There aren't many jobs that allow you to get away with that, just saying....

You can have the last word; go for it!

OK then! I think you have been here before as I seem to recall this topic being brought up.

You have no idea what part of the globe the members on this forum live in. It may be daytime for you but it might be nightime for them.

As for myself, I NEVER go on this forum when at work.

[SilverSabre25]

I think you're a bit deluded. I think that social, happy and well-adjusted kids would usually prefer play time with friends over errands. End of story.

One more thing I have noticed....I am amazed at the number of DCPs who are able to post on this board all day while they are supposedy working. Some seem to be online and posting for hours at a time. There aren't many jobs that allow you to get away with that, just saying....

You can have the last word; go for it!

different time zones, nap time, lap tops, smartphones, snack time, assistants...