Parents who 'don't want their kids outside'

[busydaycarelady]

So I have a 4 year old dck and recently got little sibling who is just over 1. We go outside every single day, unless its gross out. Mom always used to send appropriate outdoor wear for older kid but since baby has been here she won't. Why? Because babies should NOT go outside unless it is very warm. She didn't act like this when # 1 was this age. So irritating. I luckily have extra baby sized thing and put them on the baby because its not fair to the rest of the kids who want to play outside.

This mom also told me baby # 2 is 'more special' to her. Which I feel so bad for the older kid over. But that's another story.

I've known this woman for over 3 years a d am surprised by this behavior.

[mommyof2princesses]

I have written in my contract that if a child is not to go outside whether it be due to sickness or whatever that they are not to be at daycare then. We too go outside every day weather permitting, children need fresh air no matter what age they are :)

[MonkeyMamma]

It sounds like this family is no longer a good fit for your daycare. Unfortunately, most home daycares do have outdoor time each day, and licensed centres must have outdoor time. Sounds like she may need a nanny.

I would be willing to bet more is going on. Is there any chance mom is battling postpartum depression, or that the little one had a rough start / early illness? Something just doesn't sound right.

[Fearlessbaby]

I also have it in the contract that if kid is too sick to go outside , then he/she is not to come to daycare- kids need to get out!

[Wonderwiper]

Yep, I'm afraid they are no longer a good fit for you. Maybe not for any daycare!!! She can provide the proper clothes or be on her way. Why would you change your program?

[mimi]

How controlling to not bring outside clothes for her little one. Does she really think she can dictate your daycare activities? I get that a one year old will probably be in a wagon/stroller so they do not generate body heat through walking. That is why I bundle up my non walkers with a blanket and if it really is too cold we do stay in or limit our time out, but kids need to get outside in the fresh air and the change of scenery is good for everyone.
If a chat about this does not change her mind, then I would advertise for a replacement. How is she going to be in the heat of summer? Does she not think you have common sense?

[Artsand crafts]

Yes, she needs a nanny for that special request. No daycare will keep the kids everyday inside. My baby had outdoor time at 6 months old in winter very often. They need fresh air. It is healthier than keeping them all day everyday indoors.

[Momof4]

OMG, she's playing favourites with her children? No way, that's awful!

I'm afraid I would not be able to keep my mouth shut if she said something like that to me. Besides that I would let that Mom know that my daycare is run MY way and inside/outside play depends on the weather but we go out whenever possible.

[KellyP]

Why not just simply refuse to allow the younger child to stay for the day if she doesn't have the required clothing?

Rather than be so judgmental about this mom's feelings/words, just continue to do your job and enforce your policies.

I get and understand that we "know" the parents in our care but we really have never walked in their shoes or lived their lives so I refuse to spend my time and energy judging and just do what I need to do as far as business goes.

If you require ALL children to have certain clothing to go outside in, then stop allowing the parent to drop off any child unless they have those items. If DCM decided to stop coming or find other arrangements because she can't live by your rules, then that is her choice.

I just do my job and not worry about the rest.

[daycaremom9]

That's a great attitude to have. I try to think like that but sometimes it's really challenging!lol. There's all kinds of people and it's hard and time-consuming to understand where people are coming from sometimes.