So Insulting!

Venting....

So today was one of my little ones last days here before going on mat leave with her mom. I have had her for 18 months. Needless to say this was my most difficult family. They used to leave her here until 9pm even those I close at 6pm. They NEVER paid on time (and I never charged them late fees). They constantly bent all my rules (bringing outside food/drink, toys from home and then freaking out when they would get lost or broken) plus a whole lot more...

I finally had them pay their balance in full last week as I knew they were leaving today and a pick up today I tell them to keep in touch and to let us know when the new baby arrives, etc. Mom just gives me a dirty look and tells her kid to say goodbye...not so much as even a thank you for all that not only me but the rest of my family did for her child in the last 18 months.

I shouldn't be surprised by the disrespect and selfishness but it bothers me that she couldn't even say thank you...ugh! I was raised differently I guess but would it bother anyone else???

Yes! This happened to me too and it bothered me a lot! After 18 months of pretty much raising her kids, I didn't even get a thank you! And they were always happy with the care I provided. I have now decided to get a thicker skin and not get so attached to famlies...if possible! I guess parents don't think about the fact that we are human too and we might actually miss the child that we have put so much into. They treat it like just any service and don't htink about the human emotions involved in such an endeavour!

So you bent over backwards, let them break policies, had to wait for your pay so why are you surprised you were treated so disrespectfully? Actually, I'm the pot calling the kettle black as this happened to me too and I felt the same way and I asked myself the same question. My answer was that I will never expect to be treated rudely and with disrespect. I really try not to do so to others and I expect the same treatment back. I always will. To expect to be treated badly means something good has left me. I won't let these bad guys win :)

It would for sure bother me!

Exactly:
My answer was that I will never expect to be treated rudely and with disrespect. I really try not to do so to others and I expect the same treatment back. I always will. To expect to be treated badly means something good has left me. I won't let these bad guys win

Mimi you are absolutely right! I allowed them to use and abuse and then did expect a thank you at the very least; however, lesson learned as these type of people will never change. And your right I can't let the bad guys win :)

Not suprised after all the things you described.... The 9 pm pick up shocked me though. I would have called social services if a child parents' left their child with me without explanation. I would never keep a child that late ..... Ever.

Sorry you were taken advantage of by someone who did not appreciate your kindness.

IME the kind of people who EXPECT to be given special treatment or not to have to follow the rules are not going to be thankful or appreciative of being 'allowed' to do it because they feel entitled to that treatment in the first place which is why they demanded it is only SPECIAL to you ... this is why I do not do SPECIAL unless I see someone struggling who would never have ASKED for help in the first place and I offer to do it because I WANT to help ;)

Sorry to hear that michelle. Just a thank you and they can't even say that...

SO rude!!!!!! I'm sorry they made you feel that way, my feelings would be hurt too :(

Know exactly how you feel Michelle, just had a little one go in September for school, I had him for almost three years....THREE YEARS, and no "thanks for all you did"....not even a hug from the boy and the parent didn't ask him to say thanyou or give a hug.....didn't even say goodbye to me. YES, it hurts but you always need to consider the source. Sounds like this family you had is very "using" and "expecting" of ALL rather than appreciative and grateful for all your very high "above and beyond" you provided. Some people are different than you and I....maybe that's why us providers are so good at what we do? because we have such giving and caring hearts. Not all others in this big crazy world have the same outlook, some people really do fell entitled to all they receive. Although it hurts....it did me too....just know that you did a good job and left a little mark on that child. Consider you may have given that little one a glimpse of greatfulness and kindness they can take with them through the rest of their life.
How bout if I say it for them.
Dear Michelle.
We wanted to thank you so very much for all the care and love you provided over the last year and a half for our wonderful child. Your care went above and beyond and we will always be greatful for the terrific job you did with our child. Words cannot express our gratitude for you and your family. Not only did you open your door to us during daytime hours but your willingness to take our child after hours beyond your daily care will never go unnoticed. You truly are an amazing provider and we wish you the best. Keep in touch. :)
The Carelesses