I don't know if this is familiar to anyone but I have a little boy (he's my first family) three full days and three half days every week. I didn't realize when I agreed to them that half days (afternoons) are complicated. Since the beginning, I've been "suggesting" that they do their half days a certain way because it's easier for the daycare. But they're not listening and today was the last straw. I asked that they arrive at 12:30 so we can kick off the afternoon routine together. His father was previously bringing him in around nap time, so they would play for like 20 minutes and then go down for a nap. Well, today, he showed up at one with the kid "half" fed saying "he will probably be hungry later". So not only did my son have to wait an extra half hour to eat but the kid would most likely be hungry during nap time. I was told his lunch was in his bag, so I thought I would feed my child and give the other child a little bit so he wouldn't end up hungry later on. I went to get his bag and he had the clothes he'd worn yesterday, curdled milk and NO LUNCH. I was pretty upset, I feel like I need to nip this in the bud. The reason why I am struggling with saying anything is one: because i need them and two: because at the moment, it's only the three of us, but HOPEFULLY, it won't be like that for long. So I wrote them a letter and I was hoping you guys could read it and let me know if i'm coning off as unreasonable or bitchy.

Dear Mom and Dad,

I am having some issues without half days. They've been an issue since the beginning but I chose not to say anything since it isonly the 3 of us at the moment, however, I am beginning to notice that even though it's only the three of us, the hald days are still difficult.
I suggested in the beginning that he arrive at 12:30 on his half days. I'd hoped it wouldn't have to come to this but now I am going to have to insist. Our days follow a pretty strict and consistant schedule. When we arrives late, it interrupts the flow. For example, today I assumed [the child] would be here at 12:30 unfed. So, i waited to feed [my son]. Instead, [the child] was dropped off at 1 - having eaten "some lunch but might be hungry later". So, not only did [my son]have to wait an additional half hour for his lunch, but [the child] may possibly get hungry when its time for nap. He also arrived without food, curdled milk and yesterdays clothes in his bag.

As I said, we follow a pretty strict schedule and arriving even at 12:30 is probably difficult and confusing for [the child]. Arriving at the same time every half day would make it much less difficult for everyone.

Here is our schedule:
8:30 - breakfast/snack
10-11:30 - nap
12:00 - lunch (on half days it's pushed to 12:30)
1-2 - outside play
2:30-4 - nap
4- snack

So, as you can see, if [the child] shows up after lunch, the next chance he would get to eat would be 4.

i know all this probably seems strict and unnecessary especially considering it's just the three of us I implemented this schedule for a reason. It gives them consistancy and confidence in their day. When the schedule is interrupted, it throws everything off - including myself. It's really important to me that the schedule stays consistant. Once i have more kids (I have three interviews next week) this schedule will be - for lack of a better word - non-neogotiable.

I hope i don't come off as bitchy but I just want you to understand how imporant this is everyone's well-being. If you have any questions or concers, please voice them.


That's it. What do you think?