Parent Appreciation Day

[SevenwatersDaughter]

Good morning everyone!

Who else does a Parent Appreciation Day? I got the idea from another day care in town. I'm doing it the first Monday of each month. Today I met the parents with a smile, a cup of hot chocolate, a homemade muffin and a jar of homemade apple butter!

They seemed to really like it!:)

[bright sparks]

Good morning everyone!

Who else does a Parent Appreciation Day? I got the idea from another day care in town. I'm doing it the first Monday of each month. Today I met the parents with a smile, a cup of hot chocolate, a homemade muffin and a jar of homemade apple butter!

They seemed to really like it!:)

That seems like a really nice gesture but not something I would likely do. I would rather invest my time into the program I offer, and honestly I know being a parent is hard, I have 2 of my own, but isn't that the idea behind Mother's Day and Father's Day. I also think there should be a "Parent's get your act together day" too then lol....that would likely be way more productive lolol Sorry I do think it was really lovely of you and I am glad your families received it well but after nearly 10 years in the job I personally don't think it's worth it.....I have little appreciation for some of these families when I am continuously dealing with mundane BS repeatedly asking them to meet the basic needs of their children. I do however love it on the occasion that a parent brings me a hot tea in the morning but certainly making it a regular thing would result in an amount of expectation.

[Dreamalittledream]

What a great idea! I had never thought of that. I say go for it. These parents give you their trust, a good chunk of their income (which, of course, we fully earn) and if they're like mine provide excellent recommendations and referrals. Not to mention generous gifts and thank yous. I like it! Something as simple as a baked good and a thank you card would hardly put a dent in my budget:)

[5 Little Monkeys]

I agree with dream....what a nice and thoughtful gesture. I also think it only adds to your program!! We have a give and take relationship with our families and I know I appreciate when they do small kind things for me so I imagine they would love it too!

I would love to do this but I'm too forgetful lol and would forget too often! I might do this or something similar around Christmas time though. Thanks for the idea! Did they stay and enjoy it or take it with them? I find mornings tend to be hectic as parents are rushing off to work but I think putting it in a to go cup would work.

[Lee-Bee]

While nice in thought I think it means a whole lot more to receive the smile, hot cocoa and thanks a day after they do something that was appreciated rather then because it is "parents appreciation day". when it just gets lumped into a specific day and all parents get the same regardless of them being incredibly great or incredibly annoying to work with then it just loses some meaning.

I would save such gestures for parents when they have shown that they trust, respect and appreciate you.

[SevenwatersDaughter]

That seems like a really nice gesture but not something I would likely do. I would rather invest my time into the program I offer, and honestly I know being a parent is hard, I have 2 of my own, but isn't that the idea behind Mother's Day and Father's Day. I also think there should be a "Parent's get your act together day" too then lol....that would likely be way more productive lolol Sorry I do think it was really lovely of you and I am glad your families received it well but after nearly 10 years in the job I personally don't think it's worth it.....I have little appreciation for some of these families when I am continuously dealing with mundane BS repeatedly asking them to meet the basic needs of their children. I do however love it on the occasion that a parent brings me a hot tea in the morning but certainly making it a regular thing would result in an amount of expectation.

Do you like doing childcare? Just curious lol. I think everyone likes to feel appreciated -- I'm sorry you seem to have had such bad experiences with parents -- for me, most of my experiences have been excellent. And treating people nicely shouldn't be conditional -- for me, I wanted to treat them and let them know that I appreciate their business -- they could go elsewhere, after all! I put 110% of my energy into my program, but I also like to go an extra mile -- and really, a treat once a month for the parents will go a long way to foster respect and appreciation, IMHO.

[SevenwatersDaughter]

I agree with dream....what a nice and thoughtful gesture. I also think it only adds to your program!! We have a give and take relationship with our families and I know I appreciate when they do small kind things for me so I imagine they would love it too!

I would love to do this but I'm too forgetful lol and would forget too often! I might do this or something similar around Christmas time though. Thanks for the idea! Did they stay and enjoy it or take it with them? I find mornings tend to be hectic as parents are rushing off to work but I think putting it in a to go cup would work.

They just took it as they were leaving. One of the moms took a picture of her hot chocolate, jar of apple butter and muffin and posted on Facebook about how much she loves my dayhome. This is a word of mouth business after all and while good press isn't why I did it, it sure helps!

[SevenwatersDaughter]

While nice in thought I think it means a whole lot more to receive the smile, hot cocoa and thanks a day after they do something that was appreciated rather then because it is "parents appreciation day". when it just gets lumped into a specific day and all parents get the same regardless of them being incredibly great or incredibly annoying to work with then it just loses some meaning.

I would save such gestures for parents when they have shown that they trust, respect and appreciate you.

I think that would show favouritism, and I need to treat all parents -- and children -- the same, whether they are difficult to work with or not. Just my opinion!

[mickyc]

Nice idea but not something I would likely do.

I usually buy flowers for mother's day to add to the mother's day crafts. I usually write a nice note in their Christmas card (with child's gift). I think as a parent they would appreciate me doing things for their child instead. I like to send nice texts to parents on occasion. Today I texted one mom telling her that her son's new boots are fantastic.

[AmandaKDT]

Do you like doing childcare? Just curious lol. I think everyone likes to feel appreciated -- I'm sorry you seem to have had such bad experiences with parents -- for me, most of my experiences have been excellent. And treating people nicely shouldn't be conditional -- for me, I wanted to treat them and let them know that I appreciate their business -- they could go elsewhere, after all! I put 110% of my energy into my program, but I also like to go an extra mile -- and really, a treat once a month for the parents will go a long way to foster respect and appreciation, IMHO.

I think she is just being realistic, and is no longer in the "honeymoon" phase of this career. I could definitely see some situations where it would be hard giving a parent appreciation gift monthly to a family that is not being appreciative of YOU. I have only been doing this for 1.5 years, but have had some families that I definitely wouldn't be giving a gift of appreciation to.

For example - "You never dress your child appropriately for the weather and are often late picking up - but here is a hot chocolate and thank you card!"

I would rather make it a spontaneous showing of appreciation, as opposed to a monthly thing where it becomes expected.

There are so many ways you can foster respect and appreciation without the giving of material things. But it is a nice idea maybe every once and awhile.

[Lee-Bee]

I think that would show favouritism, and I need to treat all parents -- and children -- the same, whether they are difficult to work with or not. Just my opinion!

I disagree. The world is gone wonky lately because of this misbelief. Not everyone needs to be treated the same. YES everyone needs to be respected, treated nicely and fairly...but fairness IS NOT sameness.

This is why children in schools today are not doing nearly as well as generations past. I've taught K-6. It annoys the hell out of me when teachers feel that every student needs to get everything the same. Giving all children a sticker on their spelling test is dumb. Why does every student get one whether they got 5/5 or 0/5? It's a waste of stickers and it means absolutely nothing to the students.

If we rewards people who go above and beyond the bare minimums in life they we encourage everyone to strive to go above and beyond. If the slackers get the me rewards as those that do that do strive to work harder then why would the slackers improve and why would those that excel continue to strive to excel?

We need to be respectful, polite, nice and all that to every human being but we can certainly go beyond that to reward those that go the extra mile. I think society benefits. The workplace certainly does this...the harder you work the bigger your bonus. The harder you work the more promotions you get. Why can't we teach children this at a young age? They will go farther in life if they learn they have to work harder to receive the added perks of being a hard worker, for striving to be their best, for going the extra mile.

[5 Little Monkeys]

They just took it as they were leaving. One of the moms took a picture of her hot chocolate, jar of apple butter and muffin and posted on Facebook about how much she loves my dayhome. This is a word of mouth business after all and while good press isn't why I did it, it sure helps!

It definitely helps!! I don't know about you but where I live, hdc's are everywhere!! Anything that helps set you apart is a good thing!

[SevenwatersDaughter]

I've been in childcare for six years -- as a nanny, a child care assistant at a day care and a day home provider. I'm not in a honeymoon phase. I just like to spread a little sunshine... am actually shocked at how many of you seem to be so bitter about our jobs! Are there parents that are a struggle? Yes. But my child care coordinator gave me great advice: deal with the issue and move on. If you have a parent who is repeatedly violating your wishes over and over -- that's kind of on you. You need to deal with it and make it stop. I'm a glass half full gal and I like to make people happy... it makes me happy too :)

[cfred]

I think it's a nice idea. My clients often get muffins, toast, or if in the afternoon, a sample of what I've made for dinner if something new or particularly fabulous. We often have coffee/tea together. If it's the end of the day or a Friday, we might...once in a while...have a glass of wine. If one of the kids ate well at lunch, I'll often send the leftovers home. When we made apple sauce from our apple tree, we sent some home with those who wanted a little. They love the personal touch and know they're appreciated every day :) Yours is a great idea Sevenwatersdaughter! And as 5LittleMonkeys pointed out, if your area is saturated with home daycares, anything that sets you apart is a good thing. I've done this by treating my clients not just as clients, but as friends and let them know that our relationship is part of my success. We have parent dinners out..our last was 2 weeks ago at a local restaurant and was a great time for all of us. I develop the relationships between the families as well. Some lovely friendships have begun because of it. You do what you do and enjoy it!!! I think we're very much on the same page SWD!

[AmandaKDT]

I've been in childcare for six years -- as a nanny, a child care assistant at a day care and a day home provider. I'm not in a honeymoon phase. I just like to spread a little sunshine... am actually shocked at how many of you seem to be so bitter about our jobs! Are there parents that are a struggle? Yes. But my child care coordinator gave me great advice: deal with the issue and move on. If you have a parent who is repeatedly violating your wishes over and over -- that's kind of on you. You need to deal with it and make it stop. I'm a glass half full gal and I like to make people happy... it makes me happy too :)

If you knew me in real life you would find I am very friendly, personable and my daycare families really love my program and show me a great deal of respect. When I have a parental issue I deal with it and move on. But I also really dislike it when someone makes judgments about people they don't know, without knowing where they come from and what they deal with on a daily basis. So when I see that I feel compelled to stand up for them, as I did for Brightsparks. I don't know if you are including me in the "bitter about our jobs" group, but I for sure am not. But I also don't feel that people should be praised and rewarded if they are undeserving.

I know you did not start this thread expecting it to go is way, and I am glad you are excited about it. As I had said, I think it is a nice once and awhile idea when you feel inspired to do so.

[bright sparks]

Do you like doing childcare? Just curious lol. I think everyone likes to feel appreciated -- I'm sorry you seem to have had such bad experiences with parents -- for me, most of my experiences have been excellent. And treating people nicely shouldn't be conditional -- for me, I wanted to treat them and let them know that I appreciate their business -- they could go elsewhere, after all! I put 110% of my energy into my program, but I also like to go an extra mile -- and really, a treat once a month for the parents will go a long way to foster respect and appreciation, IMHO.

I go above and beyond for my daycare families on a regular basis, I don't need to dedicate a day every month to them because I regularly thank them and show gestures to offer validation and appreciation. I absolutely love providing care, but I am also a realist and while what you did for them is really nice, you did catch that in my original post I hope, I also know from my years of experience and the constant posts on here from providers feeling upset and resentful that they go unthanked for going above and beyond, that this for many wouldn't be something that at least some providers would see as being warranted or necessairy. Monthly I visit a farm to collect my organic meat, eggs and grain order, on my time, and every time I place my order I ask all families if they would like anything and I drive an hour to collect it without a thought to ask them for money or that maybe they would like to take it turns to drive the 80km round trip......that is an extra and a kind and thoughtful gesture that I offer my daycare families. If I am out and about doing anything and I see something that I think would be of interest to someone, I text or call them to see if they want me to pick it up for them...I do this particular thing all the time. Saturday for example I was at a health food store that had reasonably priced wild and sustainable frozen seafood and immediately thought of a parent who I had had a conversation about this very thing a few weeks ago. So please don't misunderstand my tone in my original response, or misinterpret it as not caring about my families, I have just learnt through much experience that these things start to be taken for granted, and add to my already busy workload of having 2 jobs, 2 of my own kids and 4 daycare kids. More power to those who choose to do what you do but for me I would much prefer to reward people authentically and originally for a specific action with a thank you versus everyone in general when many of those parents I have dealt with in my career while are deserving of the same level of respect and compassion as every other family I welcome into my home, I am not going to appreciate them if they are not worth appreciating beyond the confines of my job. Just my personal boundaries, and how I like to practice. Just like those provides who believe that a Xmas party is beyond the requirements of their job so be it, where as I rent the early years centre exclusively, put on a massive spread for the families and lots of activities for all the children and their families. I go above and beyond because I want to and I get great satisfaction out of making my daycare families happy, but for me Parent appreciation day isn't something that I think for me is worth doing on a regular basis just because.

[bright sparks]

I've been in childcare for six years -- as a nanny, a child care assistant at a day care and a day home provider. I'm not in a honeymoon phase. I just like to spread a little sunshine... am actually shocked at how many of you seem to be so bitter about our jobs! Are there parents that are a struggle? Yes. But my child care coordinator gave me great advice: deal with the issue and move on. If you have a parent who is repeatedly violating your wishes over and over -- that's kind of on you. You need to deal with it and make it stop. I'm a glass half full gal and I like to make people happy... it makes me happy too :)

I can only speak for myself but I didn't imply that I was bitter in my job, just that I don't think poor behaviour on any level, with respect to any situation should be rewarded.

[SevenwatersDaughter]

I think it's a nice idea. My clients often get muffins, toast, or if in the afternoon, a sample of what I've made for dinner if something new or particularly fabulous. We often have coffee/tea together. If it's the end of the day or a Friday, we might...once in a while...have a glass of wine. If one of the kids ate well at lunch, I'll often send the leftovers home. When we made apple sauce from our apple tree, we sent some home with those who wanted a little. They love the personal touch and know they're appreciated every day :) Yours is a great idea Sevenwatersdaughter! And as 5LittleMonkeys pointed out, if your area is saturated with home daycares, anything that sets you apart is a good thing. I've done this by treating my clients not just as clients, but as friends and let them know that our relationship is part of my success. We have parent dinners out..our last was 2 weeks ago at a local restaurant and was a great time for all of us. I develop the relationships between the families as well. Some lovely friendships have begun because of it. You do what you do and enjoy it!!! I think we're very much on the same page SWD!

I love this! If I had to put my daughter in a day care I would want it to be one like yours! Rock on mama!:laugh:

[SevenwatersDaughter]

I go above and beyond for my daycare families on a regular basis, I don't need to dedicate a day every month to them because I regularly thank them and show gestures to offer validation and appreciation. I absolutely love providing care, but I am also a realist and while what you did for them is really nice, you did catch that in my original post I hope, I also know from my years of experience and the constant posts on here from providers feeling upset and resentful that they go unthanked for going above and beyond, that this for many wouldn't be something that at least some providers would see as being warranted or necessairy. Monthly I visit a farm to collect my organic meat, eggs and grain order, on my time, and every time I place my order I ask all families if they would like anything and I drive an hour to collect it without a thought to ask them for money or that maybe they would like to take it turns to drive the 80km round trip......that is an extra and a kind and thoughtful gesture that I offer my daycare families. If I am out and about doing anything and I see something that I think would be of interest to someone, I text or call them to see if they want me to pick it up for them...I do this particular thing all the time. Saturday for example I was at a health food store that had reasonably priced wild and sustainable frozen seafood and immediately thought of a parent who I had had a conversation about this very thing a few weeks ago. So please don't misunderstand my tone in my original response, or misinterpret it as not caring about my families, I have just learnt through much experience that these things start to be taken for granted, and add to my already busy workload of having 2 jobs, 2 of my own kids and 4 daycare kids. More power to those who choose to do what you do but for me I would much prefer to reward people authentically and originally for a specific action with a thank you versus everyone in general when many of those parents I have dealt with in my career while are deserving of the same level of respect and compassion as every other family I welcome into my home, I am not going to appreciate them if they are not worth appreciating beyond the confines of my job. Just my personal boundaries, and how I like to practice. Just like those provides who believe that a Xmas party is beyond the requirements of their job so be it, where as I rent the early years centre exclusively, put on a massive spread for the families and lots of activities for all the children and their families. I go above and beyond because I want to and I get great satisfaction out of making my daycare families happy, but for me Parent appreciation day isn't something that I think for me is worth doing on a regular basis just because.

There is nothing whatsoever "unauthentic" in what I do, just because it happens once every month as a regular thing. My husband and I go on regular date nights -- doesn't make our time together "unauthentic".

[superfun]

I think it's a nice idea. My clients often get muffins, toast, or if in the afternoon, a sample of what I've made for dinner if something new or particularly fabulous. We often have coffee/tea together. If it's the end of the day or a Friday, we might...once in a while...have a glass of wine.

I was thinking about you last friday actually! All the mom's picked up within minutes of each other, and they had all had a frustrating day with their class. And I had a frustrating day with my daughter. I made a joke about making Friday afternoon "wine time" and we all laughed. I'm starting to think it wouldn't be such a bad idea.

[bright sparks]

There is nothing whatsoever "unauthentic" in what I do, just because it happens once every month as a regular thing. My husband and I go on regular date nights -- doesn't make our time together "unauthentic".

I clearly didn't use the best wording there, my bad. I simply meant that I would prefer to show appreciation as a response to something rather than pre orchestrated. So for example appreciation day is the first Monday of the month and the previous week a parent has paid me late, forgotten clothing and appropriate footwear preventing the group from going outside and then has picked up late making me late for an appointment messing my whole evening up. To "appreciate them" on the following Monday is the same as reinforcing a badly behaved child. I'm not going to be rude to those parents or bare a grudge but I'm not going to reward it and have them leave with a warm belly and a big smile thinking wow I really pushed it last week and this is what I get in response.

[5 Little Monkeys]

I think it all depends on the group you currently have too. I'm newer to having my home daycare (my 3 year anniversary is coming up soon!) but definitely not new to childcare. My first group, I would have done this with them for sure had I thought about it lol. Everyday they were excellent so doing something special once a month would have been great. I have since had a few parents who I wouldn't necessarily want to do something special and above and beyond for monthly lol. I do regularly tell them when I appreciate something they have done or said though. Like you said, it's a word of mouth business and my past clients have sent so many my way that I still tell a couple of them when I have openings so they can spread the word lol

If it works for you and you enjoy doing it, than keep on doing it :) When/If it becomes something you no longer want to do than stop. It's all up to you! I bet all the parents loved it!

[SillyGirl_C]

I like the idea of a 'customer appreciation' gesture. That said, I would be most warmed by a cookie my child helped bake and a simple cup of hot chocolate or tea. And once or twice a year would be more than enough. Too much and it loses the charm and novelty.

I know some parents suck. I am not a daycare provider, but lets face it, in life some people just suck. And some of those sucky people will have kids....and they will end up in someone's daycare. But...the odd time, breaking the routine with a lovely gesture can smack a sucky person back to reality and make them be slightly less sucky. Or not.