Birthday Idea for a Mom

[sunnydays]

I don't think Judy is angry or bitter or a bad daycare provider. I think she is realistic, experienced and intelligent! I have never met her in person nor have I seen her daycare, but I would be willing to bet that she runs a fantastic daycare with which parents and kids alike are very satisfied. And I think she brings wisdom to this forum that is much needed. You don't have to agree with her or anyone else (I have had myself a good debate with Judy in the past about subsidies...didn't agree with her, but I certainly respected her opinions and experience as I do now). My point is, debate is not about being right or wrong, it's about having an open and honest conversation about things and possibly seeing things in a slightly different way at the end of it if you open your mind to it. It does not mean you have to accept everything Judy or anyone else says, but can we not at least think about it and come to our own opinions (which should be ever evolving as our knowledge and experience increases)? I also get frustrated sometimes when I see providers bending over backwards (I am not talking about the card necessarily) or lowering rates, not charging for stats or vacations, etc etc. Why? Because it lowers the bar for all of us. If everyone charges for stats, parents will have nowhere to go where they can get these days for free and they will much more readily accept that they have to pay them...it becomes the norm. Same goes for providers vacations, sick days, etc. When one or several providers decide to undercut others, it makes it harder for everyone. I am not saying we all have to be the same, but I am just responding (and agreeing) to what Judy has said about giving more and getting the same. I know we have now completely hijacked this thread and I apologize for that. I realize the OP intention was to get some craft ideas, not start a debate and I do respect that, but can't help wading further into the murk at this point.