Pick up / drop offs

[ladyjbug]

Yes, it bothers me. But it depends on the circumstances and the people, and the kid it it affects. Because let's be honest here. Kids are NOT stupid. If we can see that their parents have changed clothes and are casual when they were in business clothes droppng off, so can they. These kids realize that their parents went somewhere else before picking them up. Depending on how close they are/how much face time they get with their parent, it can really have a damaging effect after a while. I truly believe this! I had one kid that had a really hard time with it. His mother was a substitute teacher. Many days a week she didn't get a call to come in, yet he was the first to arrive and last to leave all day every day. She went home to sleep. She was also the only one to get mad when I had to close when my own son was sick and she didn't even have to miss work! He was a really sweet kid, but angry most of the day and acted out a lot. I didn't blame him. This mom tried to get more hours from me so she could "get stuff done" but that was a big HELL NO! from me.

I have another parent. You can tell she loves this kid with every fibre of her being. She comes as early as possible to get him, keeps him home if he is "off" even a little bit and it shows through her child. He is well-adjusted, confident, happy in care and I am happy to let this mom have a few extra hours every once in a while to get her shopping and cleaning done sans child or to have some down time or a date with her husband. I don't feel bad about it in the least because she has taken the time to create that security in her child.

I don't know. It makes a big difference to me!

[crafty]

Ladyjbug, you are right. All of us are right I think. I just have to adjust some of my policies to a max of hours/day or extra fees will be invovled. I also have to learn to let go of some of the stuff parents may/may not do that bothers me because I do not want to feel irritated or annoyed at someone. Negative feelings are so tirering and honestly I decided to do this to be happy.