Update.....not such a good one :(

[mommyof2princesses]

So, I posted last week about dcg in hospital due to not eating....looks like she will be in there for a while, poor little thing :( Apparently the hospital here is at a loss with what to do to get her to eat so they may be transferring her to a Children's hospital an hour away where they have more expertise in the area. Doctor thinks she may have something called oral sensory processing disorder :( which will require extensive therapies to help her. The doctor is saying a possible 3-6 months hospital stay for her :no: I feel so bad for the family. I have to talk to mom at the end of the week (I am on vacation next week) and hopefully she will have more definite plans of what will happen. My question to you all is what would you do?? Hold spot? Advertise? Something else?? Remember that I still have the dcb here as well and not sure what will happen there either if dcg is in hospital for a long time period :( My heart is breaking but I also have to look out for my family too! I am so torn! TIA for your help :)

[playfelt]

At this point wait till the doctors make a decision as it will take the family time after that to make a decision too. If child is in hospital in another city mom may quit her job and take boy and move there living in special housing near the hospital such as Ronald McDonald house or whatever is out there. I'm sure the hospital will make a decision soon. Find it odd she would need to be in the hospital the whole time unless there are hourly sessions or whatever. But mom's job is likely over for a time regardless. There is a government payment she can tap into to cover being with a sick child that covers some of the costs while away too.

For sure some feelers is a good idea but I would just wait till you get back from vacation but let the mom know to keep you up to date with constant emails while you are away so you know what is going on.

[sunnydays]

That is terrible! I would just have an honest discussion with them. With all that's been going on, they probably haven't even thought about daycare yet. While it might seem crass, I would require them to still pay for the spot if they intend to bring her back. She may require more specialized care after being released from the hospital. They should probably discuss this with their doctor.

[Sandbox Sally]

Oh no. :( Poor little sweetheart. What a sticky situation for you. It's hard to bring any of that down to money, but you have to if it's going to be a long term thing. I really feel for you. I honestly don't know what I'd do. Maybe wait a little bit? :glomp:

[Momof4]

Oh dear, the poor little peanut, I hope they can help her. That's a new one for me.

It's understandable that you are upset for the family but you're right, you have to make a living and run your business. You will have to talk to them about paying at least part of their fees to hold their space or giving notice so that you can fill the space. Maybe you can come to a decision so that it is fair to both of you.

[mommyof2princesses]

Thanks all! Just had a quick chat with mom (she came to pick up dcb) and hopefully by end of week they will know if dcg is transferred to another hospital or what the plan is. Basically mom told me if she is getting paid from work then she can pay me, if not then she can't pay me so looks like I might have spaces becoming available in a few weeks :( Mom gets the rest of this week paid (using sick days) and then next 3 weeks paid (using up vacation) but after that if dcg is in hospital still she isn't getting paid so I would assume they won't be here anymore :( Oh they joys of this unstable business...eek!

[mamaof4]

Oral processing disorder is AWFUL. One of my good friends kids had it. He ended up with a g tube for tube feedings and then lots of therapy to help him adjust but he did not have to stay for 3-6 mos. He had to stay just for the surgery for tube insertion and then had the therapy was all out patient. It was eye opening- even for me on the outside.

[playfelt]

I belong to a facebook group for parents in Ontario with kids with special needs. I always forget where people live but a group like that might help the mom cope and be able to ask questions or to get info on the hospital the child will go to. I was a little surprised when you said hospital for 3-6 months as I was thinking more like mamaof4 that it is almost sounding like the feeding tube is going to be mandatory and then the therapies will start after that. Maybe it is because the therapies are not available in the area you live.

[mommyof2princesses]

I am wondering if she misunderstood the doctor and am wondering if the 3-6 month thing is how long it may take to try to resolve the issue, not how long she will be in hospital but who knows. Hopefully she will have more info by then end of the week so I will have an idea of what may happen. Little dcg is still holding out and hasn't eaten anything except for 4 cheerios last Friday morning (she's been in hospital since last Thursday) :( She is gaining a bit of weight back though from the formula she is being tube fed at night. :)

[playfelt]

The fact she is actually gaining weight is great news because it means they have found a way to work on one of her issues. Hopefully with the specialized formula they can work on reversing some of the other problems which poor nutrition can contribute to and she will grow moving forward. They will expect her to reach a certain weight before they will release her too I would think. The doctor could have meant it will take 3-6 months for her to recover from the weight loss issues too which will be monitored at the hospital with regular weigh ins but again likely to be outpatient.

Problem is how much of this can be managed at your local hospital and are the specialized feeding clinic services available where you live. The fact they are considering transferring her to another hospital makes me think that the problems are out of the scope of the hospital where she is now.

[apples and bananas]

I would meet with the mom and discuss what her immediate needs are. As much as I understand it's a rough situation and I know you feel horrible for the family, you still have to run your business.

I would start posting for drop in... moms wanting to socialize etc. Or a temporary child. Sometimes they're out there.

I would also take a good hard look at my budget and decide what I need to make things work. Then make my decision on the family from there.

But make sure the family knows that you are concerned about their child, but they need to be aware of your business. You'll help them in any way that you can help them. But there are always limits.

I hope the little one gets better soon.

[mommyof2princesses]

Problem is how much of this can be managed at your local hospital and are the specialized feeding clinic services available where you live. The fact they are considering transferring her to another hospital makes me think that the problems are out of the scope of the hospital where she is now.

The occupational therapist here isn't comfortable with treating her and the doctor wants her at a hospital with more expertise, so either Toronto Sick Kids or Hamilton McMaster.

[mommyof2princesses]

I would meet with the mom and discuss what her immediate needs are. As much as I understand it's a rough situation and I know you feel horrible for the family, you still have to run your business.

I would start posting for drop in... moms wanting to socialize etc. Or a temporary child. Sometimes they're out there.

I would also take a good hard look at my budget and decide what I need to make things work. Then make my decision on the family from there.

But make sure the family knows that you are concerned about their child, but they need to be aware of your business. You'll help them in any way that you can help them. But there are always limits.

I hope the little one gets better soon.

Good idea about the drop-ins/temp dck, thanks :) Will be having a chat with parents either end of this week or the week I get back from my vacation.

[torontokids]

I personally would advertise for the spot. It can take some time filling a vacancy and the reality is that you don't need to sign a contract right away, just get the word out there. Advertise for a September start and see who inquires.

[Lou]

I would definitely have a chat with Mom to find out what her plan is as far as childcare in concerned. I know "business is business", but if it were me in this special circumstance (hospitalization :( ) I would charge for 50% of my regular fees to hold the spot. Of course, this all depends on if you can afford it or not. Have a talk with Mom first after a few days (let everything sink in a process for her too, what an upheaval for their family!) and go from there.