Oh part time parents! ( venting)

[mlle.coccinelle]

So, I have this family that both parents work on shifts... so every 25 of the month, they give me their schedule for the month to come. In her contract is states that she does not have priority on days, as in if someone ask for a day before she does and I am full, I won't be able to take in her daughter it's never been a problem before this week!

I told them in SEPTEMBER that I am taking the first week of February off to go visit my family, it has been in the news letter every month so far and I have mentioned it at almost every drop off in the past month. Yesterday I remind her again that I am leaving on friday, that i'm only doing half a day because my plane is leaving at 5:30.... is was SO upset about it! She said, when were you planing on telling me that? I was furious so I answered: do you ever listen to what I say, I have been talking about it for week! I also reminded her that the second week of February, I am allready full because one mom will be out of town.. ( that girl usually is a drop in and is slowly becoming full time) I first told her in December when the other DCM booked that week and I have been reminding her everyonce in a while to make sure she doesn't forget about it.. and obviously she forgot!
So she went crazy on me! Saying that I was not reliable and that SHE should have priority because her daughter has been coming to dayhome longer than any other children...
When I said that I wasn't going to miss out on 1 week of full income because her daughter might come a day or two in the week she looked at me like if I was a monster!
Sorry lady, I love children, I really do. But I have a dayhome because I need an income while staying at home with my little guy!
Anyways, she is coming again in february and a termination will be waiting for her! Enough is enough!

[kidlove]

Good for you! Sometimes it seems that parents tend to think of what they need ONLY and forget we are people just like them, making ends meet, paying bills, the whole nine yards. Every once in a while a parent will comment on how they got to thinking about things after they got upset with me and realized my side of the issue as well as theirs.....few and far between are those ones. This mom more than likely hasa very hectic life, given the crazy schedule and such.....so she is more than likely so consumed with her issues and her schedule and her needs that she can't fit any room in her mind for your needs, schedule and issues. Good luck with the termination! and more importantly...HAVE A GREAT WEEK OFF!

[mlle.coccinelle]

thank you!!!!!! I am going to enjoy EVERY minute of it

[mimi]

Wow, she obviously does not read your news letters or listen to what you say. Her problem, not yours. We are all busy so wether she is too busy to pay attention to what is happening at her childs daycare is again her problem.

HAVE A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY and do not even think about daycare stuff.

[gramma]

its funny because I tell my sister some of the horror stories i read on hear and some of my own about how some parents treat us or think they can treat us. She always says why in the world would someone do something to piss off the person that looks after their child. She's so right because even though we would never mistreat a child, when a parent constantly challenges us or treats us badly it changes things for our relationship with their child.

Have a great vacation and perhaps next time, if there is a next time, have this parent sign your newsletter after she reads it LOL.

[Momof4]

How completely disrespectful and self-involved is that woman? Ughh! Good for you for terminating and being strong.

[kidlove]

totally agree Gramma! that is just one of the MANY times I would love to put the parents in my shoes so they can see how difficult it can be to show the child of the negligent and disrespectful parent the same attention and affection as the child who has great parents and never causes me to question. It sounds wierd but it really is true, when a parent is a real piece of work the child can be difficult to deal with as well!
Here's to a HUGE "THANKS" to all the great parents and GREAT kids they have, who make the pros out weigh the cons in this balancing act!

[apples and bananas]

Wow, unbelievable. I would terminate too, but I wouldn't wait until then. If you disrespect me in my home then you're out! Sorry about your luck.

Good on you for taking control of the situation. Have a fun week away with your family.

[mom-in-alberta]

Geez louise! This may be considered petty, but I would probably print off every newsletter and email in which this was mentioned, and highlight it. Then I would show it to her, as well as having a discussion about the importance of clear lines of communication.
Unless I was for sure terminating, that is. Then I would just say "Get outta here!"
I have 2 options for part time, depending on spaces available. Drop in is entirely based on availability, and I reserve the right to refuse as such. Permanent p/t pays a set dollar fee monthly, based on how many days a month they anticipate needing. They have a guaranteed spot, and I have a guaranteed income. I like that I have a few "lighter" days in the week/month. I only accept these clients if I have room for everyone, though. I have to assume that it's possible for everyone to need the same days in the month.
Have a great week off!!!

[Skysue]

I can see that you have been very generous in the type of care you have been offering her.

People tend to forget that our time is just as precious as there's.

Enjoy your time off!