Events outside the dayhome

[Cadillac]

I am invited to the kids birthday parties. My personal experience is that it is SUPER AWKWARD! Last year half the ladies were like 'SOOOOOO youre the AWESOME caregiver ******* found' but little else was said. They gave me beer to drink which I BADLY wanted but felt weird drinking with them. I felt like I shouldn't be there. I went to another and the family was great but somke family members were giving me the 'whats the babysitter doing here look' and then all they seemed to be able to talk to me about was how ahead THEIR children are in development. After this last birthday party for a little one turning one and coming into my care, I drew the line. No one spoke to me or engaged when I spoke to them, I felt like I shouldn't be there.

Really though . . . . I shouldn't be there

It's such a weird relationship we have with parents. We have to be some-what close because we take care of their children and love their children but this is also a business and you have to help an air of professionally.

I have birthday parties for the kids here. I now tell parents that this is THEIR special time with their child and that should enjoy it with family and friends only. I joke that I steal enough of their child's time already without me entering their social/home life.