How much would you add if a new family reuqire you to...

[Cocoon]

They said that they will do whatever I ask them to do. His sleep routine is a bit different. He wakes up at 8am and goes to sleep around 12:30pm for 2 hours and again sleeps at 5pm for an hour or so and goes to sleep again at 10pm. That is changing too. Oh boy he will not like it. And I don't know why I want to take this challenge? I'm financially not desperate... Please talk some sense to me.

[lunademiel]

I think people are taking my post the wrong way. I didn't mean to insult ALL stay at home moms as like Emily says we are all stay at home mom's in a sense. What I was meaning, but perhaps didn't phrase properly was that just having a child doesn't make someone a good daycare provider. Just as taking a photo does not make someone a photographer...does that make more sense? Again, I'm sorry if people thought I was 'bashing' stay at home Mom's...that was not my intent at all!

Sorry, I didn't mean to start such a conversation! I didn't feeling that you were bashing anyone. I just wanted to say that I work hard too even if I don't have the same qualifications. And you are right that having a child DOES NOT make you a good daycare provider. This job is tough, and as most said, unappreciated. It is definitely not for everyone. People really don't believe it's a profession. Even the government today was calling me a "babysitter". Even without my ECE I feel like much more then that... I would never charge more then I'm worth but I think that charging only $20 a day though, makes it hard for everyone. I don't even know why moms would bother if that's all they are going to charge. I'm trying to go with the average in my area for all providers, ECE's, SAHMS, licensed, unlicensed, etc.

Again, I was just stating my position, didn't mean to start a fuss! I think you are all so great and helpful!

[mom-in-alberta]

My hours are 7:30 to 5:30, and I don't actually have any flexibility. I have family commitments that are before and after, and I am not willing or able to change that. I think a 10 hour window is plenty, especially considering that in all likelihood, the longest commute should (outside of really bad traffic or weather) take 30 to 45 min max (in our area).
If I entertained the thought of extending my hours, I would probably charge an extra $10 a day.
And I know that nobody means to irk anyone else; we are all on the same "team" right?? LoL

[Cocoon]

Here is an update.

The family said that my hours are OK. so no need for an extra hour. They want to send their kid to my day home but my husband thinks it will be a lot of work and I don't need the stress especially, soon after I had dealt with my current 13 month old charge.

The only thing I'm worried is that he throws up. Hes parents told that this happened couple of times when they give him solid food and he doesn't want to eat as he is used his food to be mash. It does not happens all the time and he does not like chewing his food and he is 18 months old.

I don't know what to do I like the family though.

Cocoon

[Momof4]

Cocoon, here is what my contract states and the routine I follow. If a child throws up without reason or with reason I use my judgement, but usually I call the parent and insist they are picked up and removed from daycare for 24 hours as per my contract rules.

If this happens daily then there is a serious issue that the parents need to fix and it is the parent's responsibility not mine. Always remember that we are the secondary caregivers and don't stress.

[playfelt]

I have had several kids in care with actual reflux as toddlers. If certain textures or tastes cause gagging then just treat it the same as a child that has an allergy and let the child avoid those foods for the next few months and then gradually add them back in. He may just be slow in developing swallowing muscles and especially if the parents were late in starting him on solids. I'm not sure this would be a deal breaker for me if it only happens at the table with meals and I can work around the foods served. If however the throwing up happens later after eating I don't need those kinds of messes. My one little guy was even on prescription meds for his issues. The doctor described it as his throat was so raw from the acid reflux that everything he ate save the puree was like us eating a full mouthfull of potato chips and not chewing them enough before swallowing which if you have ever done that you know how it hurts on the way down. Now imagine every spoonful of pasta or peas felt that way. I wouldnt' want to eat either. Even by age 3 he was still limited in what he would eat but it was getting better and the meds helped to heal his throat.

What is the demand for care in your area like in terms of will you have other clients coming for interviews. How long can you hold out financially if you don't take him.

One positive is that the parents have been honest with you and that counts for a lot. There is also the option of a trial period and that way you get to assess for yourself how much work it is really going to be or if the child adapts quicker to the program than anyone expected.

[Cocoon]

Momof4, thank you for your input. They said he doesn't always throw up but it happened few times and if they don't mash his food they are afraid that he won't eat anything. He chews on meat but does not swallow.

I feel if I take on this child It will be difficult one. On the other hand, I'm thinking that he will see other kids are feeding themselves with finger food and he will copy them.

Hubby said the same thing and I should not take on this child. But I feel I'm not giving him a fair chance.


Cocoon

[Momof4]

If you are sure there is no bacteria/virus/flu and it's a personality problem only that you can correct then I wish you luck Cocoon. I had a baby like that and it took seven whole months to get her to normal out and now she's almost 4 years old and I just love her. Her Mom wants her to stay with me for 2 more years for JK & SK every other day and I'm going to have a terrible decision to make come this Sept. because I have long waiting list of people wanting full-time care. But after all we've been through over the past 3 years this little girl told me a few weeks ago that she loves me more than anyone, even Mom & Dad, eeeeeeks! That is one of the perks of our job right? What to do?

[Cocoon]

Thank you playfelt. They seemed honest and open people which I like about them and very down to earth.

I suggested them to see a doctor if he is throwing up(he does it after food) as it may be reflux issue but his father said that he doesn't think anything wrong with him.
Hes routine is a bit different then I have set up here but they are willing to change that to suit my day home. He sleeps at 5pm for an hour and then go to his night sleep around or after 10pm.

I get quite a bit of interest and I have 2 meetings set up next week for April and May start. Financially, I'm not desperate but it would be good If I could get one more child in to my care soon.

Decisions decisions decisions...

[Cocoon]

I hate leaving the kids. I left my previous job in June after over 3 years of working there (I was a nanny) and I still miss him very much. I see him in my dreams sometimes. And his mother emailed me saying that he is asking about me. Where I'm and Why did I go? It breaks my heart.