Just got notice from a family

[torontokids]

The first family I signed on to my daycare just gave me notice to terminate. This kid is great; very sweet with the other kids, my best tidy upper, most active participant in everything but a bit high maintenance as he is a super picky eater, has lot's of sensitivities, kinda whiny and very influential (in a neg way) with the other kids. He is also my only boy so there may be a big shift in dynamics here. He is also my daughters best friend but they have been fighting tons as of late so this could be a very good thing in the end.

Kinda freaking out as we all do on how to fill the spot though. I'll be honest, I haven't been keeping up with my inquiries as I was supposed to be good until Sept when I would be left to fill 3 spots as kids went off to kindergarten. I guess it is better to fill the spot now then in Sept which may be harder as I'll have 2 other spots. Argh...I hate the uncertainties of this job.

[5 Little Monkeys]

I love everything about my job and wouldn't go back to working out of the home for anything......BUT the inconsistent paycheques are the absolute worst!!! Just when you think you are good a parent finds a closer dc, a cheaper dc, goes on mat leave, gets laid off etc etc etc etc!

Good luck on filling your spot! I hope you fill it quickly :)

[torontokids]

Exactly! I lost a client in Dec but it worked out well because I had 2 siblings in the wings. We were getting a head financially, planned a trip, started saving for a new used car (which is dying) and now this. Because of the uncertainty I don't feel like I can do things like spend money fixing up my house just in case we need to fall back on our savings. That being said, I am very frugal and always have savings "just in case" but it never feels like enough.

[Lou]

That stinks Toronto :( Why did they terminate?
I had a baby scheduled to start soon then they found a daycare closer to home so they bailed recently too :(

[torontokids]

Dad's unemployed currently so it makes sense. I was joking with him that he can accompany my group on summer outings and help with the kids so his son can visit with his friends. He seemed to like the idea actually.

[5 Little Monkeys]

I know what you mean. Last summer we bought a new car and than 3 kids left within a month!! It was a tight summer because the new kids weren't starting till late August. I am frugal too so we managed but it wasn't fun having to watch every dollar so closely. I like being frugal but I also like having the freedom to buy what I want when I want.

[Fun&care]

Getting notice is the worse. The last time it happened to me i did not expect it at all and it came as a shock. It really sucks, financially especially. For sure the biggest downfall to doing daycare I think...on top of the little bit of money we do make, it's never stable and change happens fast.

[mimi]

I agree torontokids, the uncertainty of the job is what prevents me from spending. I was talking to a parent yesterday and she was saying how a person a day seems to have been let go for the last 2 weeks at her work, so there is uncertainty everywhere.
My husband is pushing to buy a newer vehicle, but the one we have is paid off and that money I am putting into savings right now. I like the feeling of having some monetary back up.
Every job has its pressures and most can change quickly into unemployment so at least we have some control by choosing to be aggressive in our advertising and having the max amount of kids (even if we prefer not to) just in case one or some expectantly go. I think in the long run, despite not having benefits (unless we pay for it ourselves) that we are better off than most.:)

[Other Mummy]

Hang in there Torontokids, good that you offered the dad a chance for his son to connect with his friends during summer outings. I also do this for families who have left my care. At least 2 times a year, in the warmer months, we meet at the local park.

I'm sure once he finds employment the family will need daycare once again. Guess who they will be going to.

[Secondtimearound]

Yes !!! I get your pain !!! I'm down two !! One I knew about and one surprise !!!! Ugh !! I admit I'm not frugal !! I love spending ugh !!!

[playfelt]

I'm faced with mat leaves and although both had said originally about eventually going part time so plan is they would share a space only one has given me an actual date to start part time. On one hand I want to share that info with the other family and ask them about it, but if they are willing to stay full time don't want to put the PT bug back in their ear just yet. Also there is uncertainty with my one leaving for school as we won't know till at least April if she will leave in July or September as it hinges on the school program openings - we suspect July though.


As awful as it is for us and never knowing where we stand I'm not sure it is any better for many of our daycare parents in terms of how secure their jobs/hours are. There seems to be cuts across the board with little or no warning. At least as another poster mentioned we have the ability to do something about it with advertising and wait lists and interviewing and changing the way we spend etc. Can't imagine what it is like for a parent that simply has their entire livelihood rug pulled out from under them.

[5 Little Monkeys]

I agree Playfelt. Last summer one of my mom's went into work on Monday and was let go on the spot. She had been with the company for over 20 years and had no intentions of ever leaving. She was completely lost when she came to pick him up and stayed for almost an hour just talking....she was in so much shock! I felt terrible for her :(