Organic Food? Sort of Vent

[Persephone]

I figured you needed an RX....it just freaks me out at the thought of something happening and me not being able to do anything.

If he has one, ask his parents to send it when he is visiting. I always carry one with me and if my son was visiting someone I leave it.

[Persephone]

Yes, then you need to provide what he needs. My son also had issues with regular milk when he was younger & has a peanut allergy. When he was younger he went to a home daycare provider. I provided all of the soy milk he needed which is quite pricey. I think it would be ridiculous for the provider to be expected to provide things they would not normally provide just for one child. In regards to a nut allergy my provider avoided giving him peanut products. I would not give a discount for a parent who brought their own food. When we were buying him the soy milk (Silk) I think it was $3 or more for 1/2 gallon (& this was many years ago). Why should the daycare provider "Eat" this expense. It's not the same as buying something you would use for your own family.

I'm not saying that a provider needs to provide 'special' foods. I'm saying that if a parent was to bring meals for their child, then you are not spending that money on food. So your basically making extra money on that child.

[gbcc]

I'm not saying that a provider needs to provide 'special' foods. I'm saying that if a parent was to bring meals for their child, then you are not spending that money on food. So your basically making extra money on that child.

I guess it depends on the provider, but me personally, the extra money would go towards programing. I have so much money to spend on personal allowances and so much to spend on business allowances. When it's gone in either account it's gone so if I can save on food cost (coupons, parents, ect.) then it goes to crafts, toys, and education.

[mac60]

My theory is my lunch cost the same whether I feed 3 kids or if I feed 5. If I make a box of mac and cheese, make a pack of hot dogs, open a can of peaches, the cost is the same regardless of how many I feed, 3 or 5. If I only feed 3, there may some some leftovers, but leftovers don't get reused like they should, and end up being wasted.

[momofboys]

I'm not saying that a provider needs to provide 'special' foods. I'm saying that if a parent was to bring meals for their child, then you are not spending that money on food. So your basically making extra money on that child.

I see your point but daycare providers get paid such minimal amounts & lunch can be provided for small amounts also. I certainly wouldn't give a parent a $1 or $2 discount per day when they only pay me a little over $2 or so an hour. I provide breakfast if they are here but several days a week they eat prior to getting here. Well I wouldn't give them a discount since they ate at home. At this point I think it's really getting nit-picky if we are talking about a dollar here, a dollar there.

[jen]

I think your pedi was crazy to tell you that. It could have been bad!

But the best way to avoid a trip to ER is to educate yourself about allergies and read labels.

I have a Epi-pen for my son but I plan to never have to use it because I just read labels like crazy. If we go out to a restaurant we either take a trip to McDonalds first, since they are safe or I call ahead and talk to a manager about their food.

I understand that given your family history you might feel this way. I do think it is important to remember that my child's pediatrician knows my child and my family history and is therefore in a much better position to give medical advice.

[momma2girls]

I see your point but daycare providers get paid such minimal amounts & lunch can be provided for small amounts also. I certainly wouldn't give a parent a $1 or $2 discount per day when they only pay me a little over $2 or so an hour. I provide breakfast if they are here but several days a week they eat prior to getting here. Well I wouldn't give them a discount since they ate at home. At this point I think it's really getting nit-picky if we are talking about a dollar here, a dollar there.

I totally agree with you!! You are still making alot of food, no matter if one has to eat their own food.

[momma2girls]

My hrly rate and probably alot of daycare provider's out there is $2.00 and some odd cents an hr. to begin with. I can't lower my rates anymore, especially how high everything is now. I went to the craft store and spent over $100.00 last week and this week, I spent $128.00 on groc. Then I plan on going to Sam's Club this weekend, and usually spend around $200.00 on items, like toilet paper, napkins, baby wipes, soap, hand sanitizer, some food, Lysol, and disinfecting wipes!!

[treasurebox55]

Semi-organic

We are following the same type meal patterns. We are cooking home-cooked meals as many organic and fresh food items as possible. We always use organic milk and organic salad ingredients when possible. If you do not advertise your facility as serving all organic foods, you should not be expected to do so. You are the owner and have the say as to how you run your program. It is very costly to buy organic products and I would recommend suggesting to the client that while you might be very interested in that, you do not want to create undo burdens upon the families by raising the rates to cover your nutrition program at a time when the economy is so tough for families. As we have decided, you must prioritize your changes and make them a little at a time. We use many organic products and use eco-friendly products in our building. We are teaching the children about composting and preparing to garden. One step at a time. We just say, we thank you so much for you ideas and hope to incorporate them as soon as we can!

[Chickenhauler]

I am semi-organic for myself and my husband. Very limited to certain things though i.e. milk and meat. I still eat McDonalds (I know, doesn't make sense). I know the downfalls of eating all the crap and don't care so much as I like to eat it. :-)

Well, I have a dc family (2 dc kids) that are completely organic fanatics. Fine, for home life but should they be expect me to keep it up at my house when they aren't paying extra for it? I did not think they were this strong-willed about it as we talked about it in their interview but I have been getting some berating texts from the mother. I have given into buying some organic so they don't have to pack their lunches and most of the time it isn't that much more expensive. BUT, it adds up and I'm finding it hard to keep on my grocery budget every week because of it. Everytime the mother sends me a text, I respond about something financial and she responds with we could start sending a few things a week. I have ALWAYS accepted that I would like for them to do that and they do it for a week and then not again until she "flips" about something else.

I would just like to my own defense say, I definitely go out of my way to make sure all the kids have well rounded meals and as "organic" as I possibly can. The other dc parents I have are not organic nor do they care to be.

Ahhh, I don't know what to do. I feel like this is really starting to become a bigger pain than what it's worth.

The unfortunate part is that the mother is the sister of one of my husband's best friends....although they are estranged. I am also "friends" with the grandmother and she is the one that recommended me to them.

I would very simply and very firmly tell the parent that this is the way things are done here, you are free to do things as you see fit on your dime. If you wish that your children eat a special diet, then you are free to provide them as you see fit.

Having come from a farming background, let me tell you, I won't drink 'organic' milk...every 'organic' diary I know of has some of the sickliest looking herds of cattle I've ever seen. Keep in mind that these animals are not vaccinated against disease and die at a much younger age, many times because of this.

[Michael]

I agree. we carry 2 epis one for the daughter that is allergic to milk, and for my son that is allergic to bees.

Here is an Allergy Action Plan Form that parents can sign if a child needs Epinephrineor orAntihistamine administered.

https://www.daycare.com/georgia/georgia_food_allergy_chart.html

[laundryduchess@yahoo.com]

I would simply say,.. you know whats best for your child and I think to keep your childs diet as you would like it to be you must provide ALL food. Daily. Dont stress over it. THEIR lifestyle choices do not need to be imposed on you. You seem like a loving provider, trying to keep your kids healthy,.. also remember,..as far as the Mom,... the squeeky wheel may get the grease,.. but it is also the first to be replaced when you get tired of greasing it.=-) good luck.

[gbcc]

That is a great form Michael! NY has a similar form for asthma but not as detailed as this. I'm going to give this to my healthcare counsultant to see if it is ok to use here in NY!