Am I being an ass?

[mimi]

I completely understand what you are feeling bright sparks. I have had wonderful compliments from (some) of my dc families and they go right to my heart. It is because we treat their kids like our own and when they say something kind we think "yes, they get it, they understand how I feel and appreciate all I do" Then you get kicked in the teeth with their withdrawl of appreciation and it really hurts.
Part of your pain of course is your huge loss of income, especially at this time of year. That is really hard to take especially when they complain about having to pay a deposit etc. to the other provider. I don't think however, I would have gone to their home to discuss. As Dad said so cooly is is just business, so their issue should have been discussed where business takes place, in your home.
Aside from all this, I would include the kids in the party. Two wrongs don't make a right even though I completely understand you wanting to omit them. You say you care for these girls alot, so give them the send off they deserve. Don't not include them because their parents are insensitive dorks.
Myself, I have toughen up due to similar experience. Hard lesson to learn but it will keep you from becoming so emotionally invested in your business. I hope I have helped in some way and you feel better.

[bright sparks]

Aside from all this, I would include the kids in the party. Two wrongs don't make a right even though I completely understand you wanting to omit them. You say you care for these girls alot, so give them the send off they deserve. Don't not include them because their parents are insensitive dorks.

These girls will absolutly have the send off they deserve. We do so much in the daycare setting that they will in no way be left out, be made to feel awkward or be losing out on anything by not going to a party which they won't even be aware of. I know my comments may read as excluding the girls based on their parent's relationship with me breaking down, but thats not the intention. Its simply a factor of not spending more money on them when they are the cause of my hardship at this expensive time of the year. Oh and did I mention its my son's 10th birthday on December 24th. $$$$ Also, spending 3 hours in a room with people who I feel have trampled all over my heart, may cause some awkwardness. I am also not going to spend that time kissing their asses just to make them feel less awkward in the situation. Drop off and pick up are fine as it is so brief. We still chat casually about the kiddies and discuss anything that we are working on together with regards to toilet training, sleeping habits, behaviour etc etc.

Reading these comments has made me see things from different angles. I am trying to not let my bitterness and raw feelings cloud my best judgement, but I still think not inviting them is the right thing to do by ME.