It happened to me again :(

[Serendipity]

exactly why I created this post....it was just a bummer

Thank you. This is EXACTLY what I am talking about. WHY do you feel they have to give you anything? Why do providers feel that appreciation in the form of cards or gifts are something we have the right to expect?

Why is is so important to you (individually) that parents express their appreciation for your services by doing anything other than being respectful of your rules and policies?

That expectation is what is at the root of this "problem". When other providers start posting about their gifts and cards...they are basically saying "Look what I got from my parents...what did yours get you?" and then you automatically feel like you aren't appreicated or cared about if you didn't get anything....kwim?

It shouldn't be about the gifts, the money or the cards of appreciation. It should be about the respectful, professional relationship between a client and a service provider. You charge a fee for your services, set rules and boundaries for your home and business and clients pay in a timely manner and respect and follow your rules and policies. They stay long term and SHOW you how much they value your services and what you do for their children.

NO where in that formula is there a written rule or expectation that the agreement between the two you includes a card or a gift.

Did you give any of your clients a gift thanking them for their services? (I don't mean DCK's or the gifts you helped the DCK's make for their parents.)

Bottom line is Christmas to me isn't about getting anything. It is about celebrating the birth of Jesus and I think waaaaay too much time and energy is spent on pissing matches about who got what and why.

I am sorry you feel unappreciated by your parents and that none of them gave you a card or a gift. I can't change that for you but what I was doing was trying to help you see it from a different perspective so that you can avoid the hurt feelings next year. I am sure your parents all appreciate what you do for their children and for the services you provide....if they didn't they wouldn't be in your program. Hoping you have a great holiday and a wonderful New Year!