It happened to me again :(

[Monday 2 Friday Mama]

Good idea Mimi....

[Skysue]

regift it m2f mama to someone you know who would use it.

Or hold out until the spa has some sort of sale or spring promotion, as they always do. Two of my daycare parents gave me alcohol and $75 to spend at the LCBO what do you think there trying to tell me.LOL

[Serendipity]

The easiest way to avoid being hurt and sad at this time of the year is to recognize the fact that we do a job. We are paid for these services. If we choose to give gifts to the DCK's and have big parties and lots of festive fun, it should always be because we want to do it for the kids NOT ever because we expect something in return.

Receiving a gift or a card from families really shouldn't be something we should expect. I guess I don't understand why so many providers do this to themselves every year.

I realize that we are caring for other people's children and the job we do is important but why does that mean it should come with a gift or card? I look at this business very differently than a lot of provders as I would NEVER expect my daycare parents to buy me a Christmas present. I feel that parents show their appreciation to me by following my policies and being respectful about timely payments.

I don't spoil my own children and family members with tons of expensive gifts and view Christmas more about the reason than the gift giving. If I do things for my daycare kids during the holidays such as special activities and gifts, I do it from my heart because I want to not ever because I expect something in return.

I am continually amazed at the number of forums that have venting threads from providers complaining about the gifts, cards, and thanks they feel they didn't get.

[Momof4]

Serendipity, I agree with you and didn't expect anything from my clients at first and still don't EXPECT anything. But then on all the forums you have the providers who get the wonderful gifts start the thread usually to tell about all their hundreds of dollars of gift certificates and great presents. Then the rest of us who don't have the kind of clients who can buy gifts like that must remember not to get the least bit jealous!

I will continue to do exactly as I've done this year and will buy the children gifts for their birthdays and Christmas and next year we will craft our little fingers off again to make nice presents for the parents.

[Serendipity]

Serendipity, I agree with you and didn't expect anything from my clients at first and still don't EXPECT anything. But then on all the forums you have the providers who get the wonderful gifts start the thread usually to tell about all their hundreds of dollars of gift certificates and great presents. Then the rest of us who don't have the kind of clients who can buy gifts like that must remember not to get the least bit jealous!

I will continue to do exactly as I've done this year and will buy the children gifts for their birthdays and Christmas and next year we will craft our little fingers off again to make nice presents for the parents.

First, I want to say I am NOT saying ALL providers but I do think that a majority of the providers who are posting about the HUGE gifts they get are the same ones who fill the forums FULL of complaints, vents and threads about issues they have with either their parents or the DCK's themselves so if they have to deal with all that during the year just to get a huge gift in the end, no thanks. I prefer to have wonderful, respectful and policy observing clients than those who are the root of vents all year round any day.

I also call bull on a lot of providers who "say" they get these huge cash bonuses and gifts from clients. I am sorry but I just don't buy it. I have been in this business for 25 years and have worked in lots of different capacities as well as being on several different forum boards for caregivers, teachers and ECE workers and I think the threads started about some of these gifts are bogus.

I am sure there are a few providers out there who get thoughtful, well intended gifts from their DC families and that is awesome but like I said, I really think that is only a tiny percentage of the ones who post. The rest are...well for lack of better words...not being 100% truthful. For those providers who are truthful about it, good for you, I am glad you have those kinds of families but like I said, I just don't buy the rest of it.

[Momof4]

I like what you said about calling providers on their BS! I'm sure some people get big gifts and have generous clients, but I'm a little tired of them bragging about it on forums because there are so many of us who do NOT get those kinds of gifts. I've never received anything over a $50 gift card and that was only one year. I'm so happy this year that my clients are giving me this week off all the way until Jan. 2nd with pay. This is my favourite gift ever! I'm tired!

[BrightEyes]

Awww Mamma Mia, I know it sucks. It would have been nice to at least get a thoughtful card! I know for me I really appreciate when parents acknowledge all that we do for their children.

[Other Mummy]

In the 2 years I've been doing daycare, I've only received a handful of small gifts from parents (chocolates, leg warmers (LOL),) this year, only one family gave me a gift....and it was a $50 gift card to Walmart...BUT WAIT....that was including my payment (I only care for their daughter one day a week) so...the gift was actually less than $20 which was still awesome...but I was annoyed that they did not pay me my fee in cash but included it in my "gift card".

[Momof4]

In the 2 years I've been doing daycare, I've only received a handful of small gifts from parents (chocolates, leg warmers (LOL),) this year, only one family gave me a gift....and it was a $50 gift card to Walmart...BUT WAIT....that was including my payment (I only care for their daughter one day a week) so...the gift was actually less than $20 which was still awesome...but I was annoyed that they did not pay me my fee in cash but included it in my "gift card".

I think you should send out a bill for the remainder of the amount owing for payment. Christmas or not, your fees are due in full every week and this is completely unacceptable. Put yourself in the place of other important service workers such as a doctor, lawyer, plumber and do you think they would accept this as payment for their bill? You deserve your payment in full. I hope you stand up for yourself.

[sweetiepia]

I totally agree with serendipity! For me the gift is having hte pleasure of taking care of their child!!

I mean come on, they leave us the MOST important thing in their life! their children! Yes, i agree it might be sad not receive a thank you card, but in the end, we are paid to watch their children, its not like we do it for free. If it were done for free, then hell yeah gimme something hahaha

I have been doing this for 11 years now, sometimes i get awesome presents, sometimes nothing. it depends on the relationship you have with your parents I guess!

anyways, for me, the pleasure is taking care of those little munchkins that I love so much! for me, that's my gift (but i do appreciate a thank you here and there once in a while)

chin up! as long as the DCKs are happy and love you and hugg you, that's enough!