Parent on Vacation

[playfelt]

There is also the aspect of a mental change for the parent from being at work - the reason many left work to open their daycare was the office politics, boss demands, working conditions, etc. To begrudge someone from getting a break from that is not right. Remember it isn't about quantity of time it is quality of time with the children so just hanging out for a whole day while dad goes about resting, watching tv, painting the fence, fixing the toilet, whatever is not the same as playing and learning with friends all day, having a normal nap/feeding schedule and then spending the evening with the parent who has also finished their chores for the day. Could they have picked up early sure but again kids picked up out of order set all of them off. It is selfish on our part is it not to wish that the kids get upset because a dad chooses to pick up early. The parent on vacation has earned that time and does not owe any of it to the daycare provider and really not to their child either - the child's job is to go to daycare. Parents need refreshing too.

As a provider I get that you never get away from your kids but that is your choice. I also get that because I am home all day I can structure my day and night to make things work for me such as doing laundry at naptime or folding a basket of laundry during freeplay - I just tell the kids that is my choice of activity just like they are expected to go choose something to do and when freeplay is over we will all do an activity together. Same thing for my tea time - tea time is my choice of freeplay and if a person doesn't want to be bothered during freeplay other kids have to leave them alone so I deserve the same treatment. Then I have less to do in the evenings and could spend time with me kids - now I get to spend time with my computer and craft supplies cause the kids are older. You will all get to that point too where evenings are your own.

[gcj]

I"m sticking to my original opinion. Tired, chores, mental exhaustion, routine for child. Call it what you want....in two weeks, there HAD to be ONE morning he could have dusted himself off, sucked it up and had some quality time with his kids. One morning, and I would have respected him so much more....just sayin'

Luckily my husband and I have always been on the same page as far as this heated subject goes and has therefore supported me 110% in giving up my old life for this one and at times taking over our home.

[momofnerds]

I had a mom who had to decorate her christmas with her children because she didn't want them to touch anything. Or the mom who went to the spa instead of school all the time.

its known as the "me generation" really I can see one day being brought to daycare but not the whole vacation.

[Sandbox Sally]

I don't find it a little harsh alphaghetti. I worked for three years in a licensed centre and had so many children that would come every day for 11 hours a day Monday to Friday 52 weeks a year!!!!! Those are the parents that I am talking about. I know it's not every parent but I thought we were talking about the ones that WERE doing this. And it does make me sad. I thought we were entitled to our opinion on here?

Of course you're entitled to your opinion on here, but I am, too. I think that saying things like, "the kids are better off with me anyway. At least I love them" is harsh. I am fairly certain the daycare parents all love their children.

[Wonderwiper]

I still don't understand why this bothers people. Who cares if a parent is selfish, lazy or whatever reasons you feel they bring their children to daycare? They are not your kids. It's no skin off my back if parents miss out on time with their own children.

[daycaremum]

I don't care what parents are doing when they leave their kid here. But if I know they are home for the day whatever the reason, I ask that they drop off after bus time and pick up at the pick up time of my latest kid. I'm not going to watch one kid for an extra half hour if that parent can come earlier. No one has ever had a problem with my request.

[gcj]

I still don't understand why this bothers people. Who cares if a parent is selfish, lazy or whatever reasons you feel they bring their children to daycare? They are not your kids. It's no skin off my back if parents miss out on time with their own children.

Personally it bothers me because I have grown to care about the kids here and I honestly believe that perschoolers belong with their parents whenever possible. Of course, for many, full time with their kids is not a possibility....I get that. But when you have children it is a full-time life long commitment and while I understand everyone needing some "me" time to recharge their batteries, not spending a few extra hours out of your 80 hour vacation is just plain selfish and it bothers me for the kids' sake.

In all honesty this one kid is kind of the glue that holds my gang together, so it not just a selfish desire on my part to have one less. He's my little animator! It's just sad, but thankfully he doesn't understand that daddy's off work on vacation, but he can't spend a little extra time for one lousy day with him. So, yeah....it does bother me.

I swore I was done posting on this one! Now I really am!!

[DisneyPrincess]

I still don't understand why this bothers people. Who cares if a parent is selfish, lazy or whatever reasons you feel they bring their children to daycare? They are not your kids. It's no skin off my back if parents miss out on time with their own children.

Exactly, its sad but not our problem. Again, people are sharing their opinion and I get it. I have that same view of things when it comes to parents who leave their kids in daycare for more then 10 hours or even 52 weeks a year. ITS SAD

At least by opening a daycare, I found the way to spend time with MY own grown up girls. If only I could of done that when they were just babies...

[Wonderwiper]

Disney...I agree. I waited a long time for my beautiful girls and spend almost every waking minute with them. I take 'me' time in the evening or on weekends if I need it. I don't judge other parents just because it is something I personally don't believe in.

[sunnydays]

I think for me, it bothers me when I see it effecting the kids in a negative way because they are craving attention from the parents and not getting it. I too totally understand that parents need some time for themselves and I am truly happy for a mom who has a day off and decides to take herself to the spa and recharge her batteries...I actually think this benefits the kids because mom is likely to be in a great mood after that R&R. However, when every day is about "me time" instead of spending time with their kids, that is when the problem comes in. And, although I get that doing chores without little ones around is so much easier and faster, I am actually sad for this generation of kids who NEVER see their parents doing cooking or cleaning and never get to be a part of that. I have always done everythign I need to do with my kids present...they like to help sometimes (my 4.5 year old LOVES to fold laundry and put it away for me and my 2.5 year old LOVES to vaccuum) and other times they entertain themselves while I do the chores. I just see kids growing up with an unrealistic view of life...as in, it ALWAYS revolves around them because parents do the chores, cooking etc before picking up the kids and then when the kids arrive it is all attention on the kids until they go to bed. I am not against giving kids attention, but it is little wonder kids think they are the centre of the universe...parents teach them that they are! I really worry about where our society is heading with this to be honest....