Parents having the day off

[CrazyEight]

What are other provider's policies on parents having days off and still sending their kids? I get so frustrated with it...the parents drop them at 7:30 in the morning and then casually mention that they have the day off and are going shopping. Today Dad dropped the kids (2 sisters) and said he called in sick to work even though he's not sick, because it snowed and he doesn't want to go in. Actually told me he's not sick. Mom told me yesterday that she has the day off Thursday but the kids will still be here.

I get that they're paying for the day, but wouldn't you like to spend some more time with your own kids? Even a half-day? Frankly, I'd really like it if they just didn't tell me about it. I'm about to spend half an hour wrestling 8 kids (3 are my own) into snowsuits to take the older ones to school, I don't really need to know that you're going back home to go to bed and laze around all day!

[5 Little Monkeys]

It annoys me. I think like you do and wonder why parents don't want too spend more time with their own children when they can. However, they are paying for the day so I can't complain. I am working anyways but when their child is my only one and I know that they have the day off, it does get too me. That has only happened once or twice though.

I'm like you, I'd rather they just didn't tell me lol. But I do appreciate that they do so that I don't bother calling their work or office number if I need to reach them.

[kimg]

I have one family whose dad has been home for 3 weeks now, and she has come every day but one sick day. They are paying for full time care, so I get it, especially since I've been on the other side and I just needed a break.

The thing that really bothers me though, is that she is the first one dropped off at 715 (I open at 730, but I said yes to an early drop off) and the last one picked up at 430. Some days, my next drop off is 830, so I could be spending an extra hour in bed, or at the gym. THAT bothers the hell out of me. At least shorten everyone's day.

They are GONE at the end of the week, and for this reason as well as some behavioral issues, a party will be thrown as soon as the door closes on her for the last time, involving copious amounts of alcohol.

[Crayola kiddies]

Well I am being paid for the day so its theirs to use I really have no right to be upset. The only time it bothers me is if its the only kid for the day and I am stuck at home .... Today for instance I only have one kid but the parents are at work and its a snow day so my kids are at home .... I'd rather be snuggled in bed with my kids watching cartoons.... But it is what it is ..... Maybe they will pick up a bit early and I can go to the movies with my kids since the weather has now cleared up.

[Sassygirl]

That drives me NUTS LOL!!!
I try and think of it another way though, that the parent thinks that their child will have much more fun with ME instead of home with THEM.
I have a couple of parents who still send their kiddos on their off days. Those parents will send them a little later which is fine with me. That way the kids are in better moods as they haven't been woken up. Parents also pick up usually right after nap.
I do however, have 1 set of parents who will still wake and drop dcg regular time (opening 7am) and pick up at closing (5pm). I make a point when dcg is my only kiddo that day, ESPECIALLY on a FRIDAY of saying at the door "Ohhh dcg is going to get me all to herself today, shes the only one" and hope that these parents take the hint. Nope! Or I say at pick up how we went to run errands, etc and didn't do too many structured activities since dcg was the only one" . That makes me crazy!!!
This is the SAME family who gives me grief when I need to take a day off or when I book my vacation months ahead of time. Grrr....

[Fun&care]

Honestly I think it's fine. I actually would LOVE to be in a position to just drop my kids off for the day and have some alone time or time with hubby. But I NEVER get that unfortunately, we don't even have family in town so...yeah. I totally get that sometimes we just need to take care of ourselves and when parents have a day off I usually say "good for you!". Of course though it would not fly with me if later on they gave me grief for MY sick days or vacation days. But I haven't had that problem yet.

[Lou]

Back when I worked outside of the home, I definitely took vacation days from time to time and still sent my child to daycare. It's a great opportunity to catch up on house work and yes get Christmas shopping done more efficiently! Besides, we all need a break sometimes, even from our own babies. I don't mind it at all, as I've been there!
That being said, i did used to drop my child off at 9 and pick them up by 3:30 on those days, but to each their own and some like to keep a consistent routine and get the most of their day off. As long as their child is healthy and happy, he/she is welcome to come for their paid day as that is what I'm there for.

[mickyc]

It drives me nuts too! I wouldn't mind if they would be considerate and pick up early (and not be here the 2nd I open). For myself I hardly ever take time off so I don't inconvenience anyone and usually work even if I am sick and can barely function. It would be nice to get a bit of consideration back. I am always fighting to get people's schedules for summer and Christmas because if I only have 1 or 2 kids I want to either close or go on outings and need to give parents notice. I understand they are paying me but I wonder if they would think differently if we charge per month instead of on a daily rate? I wish people would want to spend more time with their kids too, that makes me sad.

[Spixie33]

It doesn't bother me. I do like if they are off if they can pick up early. Heck...even 20 minutes early at the end of the day is nice...but I have had many parents be the last to pick up even though they were off that day. I try not to think about it.

I used to send my kids to daycare when I had a day off. Sometimes I needed to go for my physical or do Christmas shopping etc. ... but I would be too embarrassed to tell my daycare provider so I would come dressed as if I was going to work and come on time.....
Then by the afternoon I would feel at a loss without my kids and make some excuse as to why I am picking up early. lol

[Other Mummy]

It used to bother me. Not anymore. I just feel sorry for the kids getting dumped at daycare when they KNOW mommy and daddy are at home and prefer not to spend the day with them.

[5 Little Monkeys]

I like the idea of thinking that the parents know their child will have more fun here but it's still annoying lol. I understand that everyone wants a break here and there but when it becomes a regular thing, that is when I think it is sad.

I had to be closed on Monday for an out of town appointment and the mom (who works from home all the time and often with her son there) mentioned how she loved that she had a one on one day with her daughter. I found it sad that in order for her to do that, I had to be closed!

Oh well, to each their own. Not the way I want to parent but if it works for them....

[kimg]

I have story about parents leaving their kids in care when not working...

I have a family that lives across the street. One Friday we were playing out in the front, and the son was my last DCK, playing with my two kids. Dad was standing in his garage with his friends drinking and smoking for the last hour before the mom came home and picked the kid up. I get that it was Friday and his week was done, but my week could have been over too!! I usually don't mind, but don't rub my nose in it!!

[mom-in-alberta]

^^^^ Ohhhhh, I bet that Dad got in trouble!! At least, he would have in MY house!! LoL
I don't begrudge the occasional time. They are paying for the day. Makes sense to use it. But I do appreciate a later drop-off and earlier pick-up.
I also think it depends on the kid/family. It riles me when the kids are CRAVING some attention from mom and dad. Especially because unless they are really little, they _know_ that mom/dad is home, but chose not to spend any extra time with them. Or, if it's that one kid that drives you bonkers. LoL. Hard to hear that he/she didn't have to come, but did.

[Wonderwiper]

This discussion comes up every few weeks and as usual, I'm the odd duck. My life is too full and my time too valuable to waste it being jealous of parents taking extra time off. If I want a day off I'll take it, otherwise I'm open for business. No skin off my back if parents choose alone time over time with their kids. Not my problem. I'm pretty sure most providers would prefer a paid day of work than being down a kid and the fee for that day Mommy goes to the spa!!

[kimg]

^^^^ Ohhhhh, I bet that Dad got in trouble!! At least, he would have in MY house!! LoL
I don't begrudge the occasional time. They are paying for the day. Makes sense to use it. But I do appreciate a later drop-off and earlier pick-up.
I also think it depends on the kid/family. It riles me when the kids are CRAVING some attention from mom and dad. Especially because unless they are really little, they _know_ that mom/dad is home, but chose not to spend any extra time with them. Or, if it's that one kid that drives you bonkers. LoL. Hard to hear that he/she didn't have to come, but did.

Knowing what I know...I really doubt it! lol!

[Secondtimearound]

Lol I'm with everyone else !!! Just don't tell me !! I get its down time for them , but sometimes wish my job offered 2 fifteen minute breaks and am hour for lunch lol .
I had my own lightbulb moment the other day , prob going to sound silly but I owned the fact this is my business , I can quit , I can terminate someone I can use this to benefit my family !!! It made me feel less pressure to please everyone and start making sure I'm pleased with my life .
Sorry got off topic !!! Lol but even in this remembering this is my business !! I was paid for this day , who cares where the dcp is !!! Lol

[5 Little Monkeys]

I can honestly say that for me, it is not about jealousy at all. I own my own business and can take holidays or days off when I want. I am not jealous that a parent has a day off.

I do however feel bad for the child. I feel sad that the parent doesn't want to spend time with their child. I get that parents want time off too and once in awhile it is healthy to do something without your child. However, I have a couple of mom's right now that have plenty of time off and NEVER keep their child home. But they pay me for a service and I provide it. Doesn't mean that I am going to like everything about my job every single day :) Every job I have ever held had pros and cons. Fortunately, owning my own business has more pros than cons and that is why I do what I do.

[littlemoon]

Hello,

I think it's fine. If parents are paying for a child care service, than they are entitled to drop their kids off at daycare. It's their decision what they do with their time, whether its going to work, relaxing at home, or running errands.

[MonkeyPrincess]

I know the parents are still paying for the day, but personally, it still rubs me the wrong way knowing that they have a day off yet still send their kid to daycare all day. I figure parents would want to spend the extra one on one time with their kids but that's just me. At the same time, i am home ALL DAY, night and weekends with my own kids, and i know how much i look forward to Saturdays when my kids go to Grandma's and i get a few hours to myself. I can see it both ways.

Maybe i am a little envious knowing that the parents can take time off because they get sick days/ vacation days and get paid for it. I don't get paid for sick days/vacation as per my contract, but it's not a biggie. When i need time off, i take it.

I made it clear to my only early arrival parents that if they have a day off and plan to send the child, to be courteous and drop off the child a little later so i can sleep in. I don't want to be up at 6am if i don't have to, and your child certainly doesn't have to be here at 6.30 if you are home.

[2cuteboys]

I get it. We did the same when our first was in care - my husband works shift so when he woke up on his day off it was usually around noon. Half of the time he'd take nap time to mow the lawn, get groceries, run errands, etc. and pick him up at 3.

Having that said, we weren't drop off at open, pick up at close type of people anyway, and we never argued or complained about payment when we needed to get him early, when she was closed and what not. If I had a family off for 3 weeks and brought their kid every day or their kid was the first or last there like the others mentioned, it would get annoying.

[Cadillac]

I figure if you pay for the day then they can come.

I don't get mad about it. yeah, sometimes it would be nice to spend some more time with kids. but on the other side of the coin (just like us) they work all day, come get kids, go home make dinner, do bath and bed and CRASH! How jealous am I when I hear parents getting the day off!

I tell them to have a nice glass of wine for me, take a nap, and I'll try my best to live vicariously through them.

Everyone deserves a day off to feel free with no guilt and no responsibility.

Sometimes I wish I had a job that I could do just that!

[mickyc]

I don't mind if their child is here but to be the first to drop off and the last to pick up really gets me! Ya know it would be nice once in awhile if the parents would come pick up early to give me an easier afternoon or maybe just maybe to be done early once in awhile.

[nschildcare]

It used to bother me, as well, but not anymore. Yes, some days I wonder why they don't keep them home, and the one in particular is my first/last here, but my kids are sweethearts and by coming every day it keeps them in my routine.

[pink]

It drives me nut too! Taking a week off and bringing your child the whole week is very strange. Going home first changing and then picking up your child. I have a the moment 2 very flexible families, one not. God forbide they spend time with their child. When, you need to take time off everything is questioned grrr

[bright sparks]

I think most take a day off and are at appointments, running errands and doing things around the house that they can accomplished much more efficiently without their kids around. A week off work and dropping off right at opening and picking up right at closing time is just sad. If I know a parent is off for the week I make a point of asking them to do a shorter day. Of course they don't have to but usually do out of guilt lol

Since September I now only work M-Th. I am out the door at 8 most Fridays and don't get in till 5. I get more downtime during my week when the babies are napping than I do on that day but people still comment on me only working a 4 day week forgetting that a daycare providers workday is longer than most peoples averaged day. I still work a 40 hour week.

[apples and bananas]

I only charge a half fee for days the kids aren't here. It's in hopes that they choose to save a little and keep them home. And if they bring them, they pay full fees anyways.

I guess I'm lucky as I have clients who drop off around 9 and pick up around 4 on days off. I've never had a client take a day off and leave their kids with me for the full day.

I used to leave my kids at daycare on my days off too. (early pick ups though) The kids enjoyed being at daycare and I liked the consistency. So I completely understand, and am flattered, when a parent takes the day off but still chooses to put their child with me.

I guess it's all how you look at it.

[Fearlessbaby]

I don't really mind it- they are paying for a service and whatever they do during their days is up to them. If they pick up late though- that's when I would have an issue.

[mom-in-alberta]

I have had parents off for the day, come pick up late. My blood was boiling.
I have also had parents pick up late, and say "Phew, it was NUTS at WalMart!". Or pick up late with fresh from the shower hair, or a newly changed set of casual (not work) clothes.
Just.... No. >:(
I have zero tolerance for lateness, as almost every night of the week we are rushing off to some sort of extracurricular something. Of course I have empathy when there is crazy traffic, or bad weather. But if it becomes a habit, we need to re-evaluate. But when they are HOME, and still cannot find a way to get there, I feel incredibly disrespected. NOT COOL.

[Blackcat3168]

Lol I'm with everyone else !!! Just don't tell me !! I get its down time for them , but sometimes wish my job offered 2 fifteen minute breaks and am hour for lunch lol .
I had my own lightbulb moment the other day , prob going to sound silly but I owned the fact this is my business , I can quit , I can terminate someone I can use this to benefit my family !!! It made me feel less pressure to please everyone and start making sure I'm pleased with my life .
Sorry got off topic !!! Lol but even in this remembering this is my business !! I was paid for this day , who cares where the dcp is !!! Lol

THIS! Who cares what parents do or don't do when they are off? As long as they pick up on time and pay me, I don't care what they do. I DO feel bad for their child but if the child's own parent doesn't feel guilty, sad or mad about it, why should I waste MY time feeling bad about it?

Parents are going to parent in whatever way works for them. I can't MAKE them do certain things or feel a certain way. If they valued the time with their child as much as I would as a mother, they would make different choices but the choices they do make reflect their styles of parenting so to each his/her own.

I am a small business that sells a service. Using it means paying for it. It doesn't give me the right to dictate HOW they can use it.

If I need a day off or to close early, I do it and I don't owe the parents an explanation about it any more they owe me one about their days off. With or without their kids.

[bright sparks]

I have had parents off for the day, come pick up late. My blood was boiling.
I have also had parents pick up late, and say "Phew, it was NUTS at WalMart!". Or pick up late with fresh from the shower hair, or a newly changed set of casual (not work) clothes.
Just.... No. >:(
I have zero tolerance for lateness, as almost every night of the week we are rushing off to some sort of extracurricular something. Of course I have empathy when there is crazy traffic, or bad weather. But if it becomes a habit, we need to re-evaluate. But when they are HOME, and still cannot find a way to get there, I feel incredibly disrespected. NOT COOL.

This pisses me off royally. I am totally okay with parents sending their kids to care even if they are off, but to show up late on those days is a serious lack of respect for me and will undoubtably result in an ear bashing from me.

[5 Little Monkeys]

THIS! Who cares what parents do or don't do when they are off? As long as they pick up on time and pay me, I don't care what they do. I DO feel bad for their child but if the child's own parent doesn't feel guilty, sad or mad about it, why should I waste MY time feeling bad about it?

Parents are going to parent in whatever way works for them. I can't MAKE them do certain things or feel a certain way. If they valued the time with their child as much as I would as a mother, they would make different choices but the choices they do make reflect their styles of parenting so to each his/her own.

I am a small business that sells a service. Using it means paying for it. It doesn't give me the right to dictate HOW they can use it.

If I need a day off or to close early, I do it and I don't owe the parents an explanation about it any more they owe me one about their days off. With or without their kids.

I don't think anyone is actually telling parents HOW to spend their days off, they are just venting some feelings :) Every job has pros and cons and it's okay to vent about the cons that we experience. Most of us don't have coworkers and I know I like to think of you all as online coworkers and I like discussing things. Just like every parent parents differently, we all provide dc services differently. If I have to close or close early I do actually feel that I owe the parents an explanation and I give them one.

[gravy_train]

When I opened my daycare I assumed that If parents had the day off they would keep their kids home, that if they were off work early they would pick their kids up, etc. it has taken me a year but I have finally started to let that expectation go and realize that if I want or need a day off I need to just take it for myself. Sometimes I spend it with my own kids and sometimes I plan on getting a sitter for them. The thing that really irks me is that Most of my kids are here for 9 to 9.5 hours - they all get dropped off the second I unlock my door (they are usually waiting in their cars outside) even when the parents have a day off. I get that it's easier to grocery shop or whatever without your kids but how will they ever know how to behave in those situations if parents don't teach them?

[cfred]

I may be way out of the loop as I do things a little differently. I've noticed that most home daycares are open from 7-7:30 till 5-5:30. Given that most people work an 8 hour shift, often plus 30-60 mins for lunch, wouldn't it be expected that people would leave their children for 9-9.5 hours? Plus not all places start their day at the same time. They have to actually get to work as well. I genuinely mean nothing disparaging by this....just a question. If I opened at a certain time and closed for business 9-9.5 hours later, I would expect that I'd be working that entire time. I think it's awesome and wish I could cut my hours back to that. I only have 1 client who works locally. The rest commute, so I open at 6am and close at 6pm. I've looked longingly at everyone else's hours of operation and thought it looks very tempting. I've been nervous to make the leap. I probably won't, but it sure looks nice :)

[playfelt]

Mostly I think it means not catering to everyone. By that I allow parents up to 10 hours of care (8 hours of work plus commute time on either end). But because I open early I only take clients that need the early hours so I am finished 10-11 hours after I open as compared to taking children that come later but then stay later. There are caregivers that don't open till 7:30 and as a result have the kids that need till 5:30 again only working the 10-11 hours. If you make yourself available to both groups of families then yes your day will be 12-14 hours long. I close by 4:45 because I open at 6:30.

[5 Little Monkeys]

I used to be open 730-530 and am now 745-5 but usually only work 815-430. It all depends on the shifts of the parents I have at the time. I live in a smaller city and it doesn't take any longer than 15 minutes to get from one side to the other. I also have it in my contract that if they do not need need care until 5, to not wait until then if they don't have too. I also offer a reduced rate if they keep their child home on days off. Some do and some don't. I don't care if they send their child on a day off now and then but when they NEVER keep their child home on a day off I admit I do feel sad for the child. However, not much I can do so I try not too worry about it but yes, it does annoy me sometimes. Especially when they know I am working sick, it really bugs me when they have a day off and still send their child. Oh well, tis the job!!

[mattsmom]

I worked for a long time outside the home before I did daycare and I can tell you I NEVER sent my kids to daycare if I had time off. I got 2 weeks at Christmas, 2 weeks in summer and some in between and I realize that kids grow up so fast and these small moments to spend extra time with them won't last forever.
That's why I can never understand why, if you had time off, that you wouldn't want to spend it with your child. I had daycare parents a couple of years ago who both had a total of 2 weeks off for the holidays together and sent both of their boys every day for the whole day, not spending one day with them. I was so ticked off and felt so bad for the boys because they knew their mom and dad were home.

[Blackcat3168]

I don't think anyone is actually telling parents HOW to spend their days off, they are just venting some feelings :) Every job has pros and cons and it's okay to vent about the cons that we experience. Most of us don't have coworkers and I know I like to think of you all as online coworkers and I like discussing things. Just like every parent parents differently, we all provide dc services differently. If I have to close or close early I do actually feel that I owe the parents an explanation and I give them one.
I don't think I was implying that anyone was telling parents how to spend their days. ???

I was stating MY opinion about how I operate.

I am also fully aware that all jobs have pros and cons. Again, I never said or implied that it is or isn't ok to vent about feelings.

I'm not understanding how my post/words were taken as anything but MY opinion???

[mama2_3]

my clients work strange shifts and so there is often the situation where they have some time off but use the day to catch up on chores or errands or hit the gym. I'm not upset about it. everyone needs a break, and it is much easier to do the grocery shopping without a little tag-a-long! they are paying me to watch little one. I think they feel the structure and socialization are the benefits of daycare for her, and that is what I'm here for! But little one only comes part time so I know she has lots of mommy and daddy time time too.

[Busy ECE mommy]

I get the concept of "you paid for the day, so why not use it" but I had a teacher's set of siblings a few years ago, and those kids were dropped off every day over Xmas holidays and March Break and left here from open til close(10 hrs) and they were 2 yrs at the time. It drove me crazy!!!!
The poor kids! Why not bring them in for 5-6 hrs to keep the routine, but not have them here open til closing. They were the only family that did that. The next year I just took time off around those times of year, so the problem resolved itself. I understand needing a day here or there to run errands/go to appointments etc, but whole week blocks at a time while parents are at home does drive me a little bonkers. Why not grab your child for one of those days, and do something fun, or come for a 1/2 day?

[momofnerds]

but when a child is spending every waking minute with us it does become a problem. We are not their parents, we are caregivers. But when kids are being dropped off all the time when their parents are home, well then we are being taken advantage off. but its also the new kind of parenting too, i don't ever recall kids spending hours upon hours at a sitters home.

[mickyc]

I used to have a few families who had the attitude "I am paying for it so I might as well send my child". Drove me nuts. Kids love daycare and need routine but they love mommy and daddy more and should be at home with them any chance they get. It really makes me sad that parents don't want to spend the time with their child. Luckily I have families that are better now.

[mimi]

I have a parent who is a teacher and on mat leave. She brings her son as soon as I open and picks up at exactly close. Drives me nuts. He is also here 3 days a week and is a lovely boy. Why doesn't she want to enjoy him more now that she's home?

[mattsmom]

Totally agree. Even if they drop them off for a 1/2 day or something, instead of the whole 9 or 10 hours, that would be great. I did the same thing, in that I just took the time off at Christmas or whatever holiday break it was. I have had the same family be the only one that brings them for the entire holidays or whenever they had time off, so I was stuck with just those children.
I always was sure to mention to the parents, that "Oh, it was just them today, as all the other parents kept their kids home to spend time with them for Christmas vacation, or other holiday break...".

[mickyc]

I actually had one of my "bring my child no matter what" parents actually say to me once "oh how nice it is to have Christmas break off (for a week that they actually didn't send their son because they took a vacation out of country). I said "well not really as I still have all the other kids those days". That dad got on my nerves so much sometimes! So glad they are gone!

[Mike]

This thread reminds me of my longest term babysitting years ago. I won't get into the whole story, but basically, a friend of a friend was looking for an emergency babysitter. That was me. 2 weeks later I was their new full time babysitter. I was watching the kids pretty much every evening and weekend, so the parents could have some "time off". I didn't mind. I loved the kids, but the parents changed one day when one of the children asked them if she could live with me. I think they got their message. :laugh:

I think when parents have time off, it's fine for them to use the services since they are paying, but they really should be using them less and spending time with their child.

[Other Mummy]

I have a current client that is on Mat. leave. Yet her husband drops off dcb every morning at 7:10am. My other dck's don't arrive until after 8:00am. On the rare occasion dcd has an appt. earlier he will have dcm drop off around 8:45am. DCM promised me that when she goes on mat. leave dcb won't be dropped off so early. Ya right. You would think she would want to spend some extra time with her little guy. Her infant is 5 months old now, so it's not even a newborn to say that mom needs the extra sleep in the morning or whatever. I'm sure she's finding it overwhelming with 2 kids even part of the day and that's the reason dcd drops off dcb so early. But geeze, once in awhile it would be nice to not have dcb here so damn early since mom is home anyway!!

[momof5]

I have had the same issue, dcb is my first drop off 7:00, at the time dad wasn't working, and he would be with me right until close, sometimes they would even show up late saying, " sorry fell asleep".

[Mike]

" sorry fell asleep".

:laugh: I guess they really needed the break.

[Other Mummy]

I have had the same issue, dcb is my first drop off 7:00, at the time dad wasn't working, and he would be with me right until close, sometimes they would even show up late saying, " sorry fell asleep".

That would irk me to the next level. I hope you charged them a hefty late fee for their nice slumber.

[daycaremum]

I had a mother of twins send them both three days a week when she was on her mat leave with her new baby. I didn't feel sorry for the girls, this lady obviously had a hard time handling the two she already had (well paid professional woman by the way), so I felt happy for the girls that they got to come to me and play with their friends because they were likely getting more enjoyment/stimulation from their days with me.
I don't mind if parents spend their day off doing other things while their child is with me. I do, however require them to pick up by the time I know the latest kid will be leaving.
I also enjoy a day to myself to get things done, or go shopping alone, or even watch a movie!!! I am not just a mom and a daycare provider, but a person who has my own needs, as are these parents.

[Montessori-Mom]

I think everyone deserves a break for themselves. I have no problem with people who take a personal day as long as they are not doing it all the time. I would be more upset about the parent who gets off work at 3:00 and instead of picking up their kid they do their shopping and go to the gym first and it is a daily thing. I have worked in centres that were open 6-6 and one family dropped their BABY (6 months old ) off right when the doors opened and did not pick him up until closing time. They were literally first to drop off and last to leave out of a centre of 160 children. The child also never missed a day. i just don't understand people like that

[Rachael]

This doesn't bother me to be honest - although I know other providers that get annoyed by it. Sometimes they drop their children at the scheduled times and sometimes they shoot me an e-mail the night before to ask if a later drop off would cause any inconvenience to the planning and if so, would I prefer regular time or by a certain time so not to mess up my plans. Likewise, they often pick up a bit early too if they have had the day running errands.

Either way, as a single parent myself who would have loved a half day to herself when they were little, I can absolutely understand how productive a day off work without the children would be. Fair play to them if they are able to swing it for themselves from their vacation entitlement.

Different parents have different parenting stills and some prefer a little time to themselves and don't feel driven to sharing every second with their children. It's certainly not my place as a day care provider to get annoyed about the choices others make for themselves regarding their down time.