The Reputation of a Home Daycare Provider

[mom-in-alberta]

Yup, as much as sometimes I think we providers use this forum to discuss the negative aspects of our CAREER, I still feel the positives far outweigh the negatives.
Right now I am hanging out on the computer, listening to the older kids play while the smallest one has a quick nap. I could (and probably should) be cleaning my kitchen, but I don't want to so I am not! LOL. No boss, no worries....This afternoon we are playing outside and having ice cream on the deck. I know for sure that none of my old jobs included having a treat and working on my tan.
And it totally cracks me up when kids who "don't" do certain things at home, learn real quick that it ain't gonna fly at Miss.L's house!! Feel free to lay on the floor and cry; we will be over here having fun when you are all done. I am interested to see how being a daycare provider will change my parenting skills for this next baby that we are expecting. It's already changed how I parent my older kids.

[Sandbox Sally]

Nice one, mom-in-alberta! Ice cream on the deck sounds divine. Perhaps we'll do the same, right after I play Xbox with my son, watch my daughters perform a play for me, and after I sit on my bum at my computer desk for a few hours while the babies are napping! WOOHOO!

People can scoff all they want. ! I love my job. Besides, when most of them find out how much I make, they are jealous.

[FS2011]

I actually get the opposite comments as well. Maybe because I prepared for 3 years to open my licensed dayhome. I was in management in the business world, had my planned pregnancy and began building my business during mat leave. My friends and family seen me go through schooling, build my centre etc etc so I'm very supported. My old coworkers just envy my position. I think it's all about how you carry yourself, feel pride about what you do, let parents know your choose this life...you dont have to be part of it. I have a blurb in my contract about not being your child's "babysitter". Babysitters are teenagers that eat all your food, watch movies and sneak boyfriends over when your children go to bed! I am a professional child care provider

[Nifer]

I have a blurb in my contract about not being your child's "babysitter". Babysitters are teenagers that eat all your food, watch movies and sneak boyfriends over when your children go to bed! I am a professional child care provider

Hahaha, sooo true. I loathe when i'm refered to as a babysitter. I wish that was my day, eating food other people paid for and watch movies! Ha! If we watch a movies here it's rated G and I have most likely seenit 20 times before-not because it's that good.

While part of my dicission to open a daycare was because I didn't see the point in going back to 2 retail jobs that would've just covered my sons dc costs, I mainly decided it because I had my child and will have more because I actually like spending time with him and want to be the person who raises him. Not just see him 2hrs every day.

[lilac]

when I quit my job as a Dental Assistant, I was working a dentist who I belive was the devil himself, I tried to go quietly and respectfully, however, he did not have any respect for me, in the end after a heated confrontation, he called me a Princess and told me what a waste that I was going to go home to my kids and 'babysit'. This from a man who wouldnt be able to keep the hours he keeps if it werent for his own 'babysitter'! I walked out... and now I never have to work toe to toe for anyone like that again!

[dodge__driver11]

I too get this... from all kinds of people co workers, the fam. lol you name it....I did this BECAUSE I WANTED TO BE MY OWN BOSS, and I was tired of being SOME PEE-ON for x corp. I am happy with my choice

[Spixie33]

I do enjoy being there for my own kids and making an income by being a provider but nonetheless I ran into a few of my old corporate co-workers a few weeks ago.
They asked me what I was doing now and I basically brushed off the question and said I am just home with my kids.
I felt they would judge and gossip about me and think I had become a total loser for being a daycare provider now.
I felt quite conflicted because it is a hard job and I work my butt off doing daycare but yet I couldn't tell this group of people what I do. I have a pretty good group of kids who mostly brighten my days when I am down etc
I am sure it is my own issue that I identify myself with my position to some point but I just knew this particular group would be spreading the gossip and putting me down behind my back.
are you ever embarrassed to tell people what you do?

[dodge__driver11]

Sometimes, but in the end I am making just as much if not more than them lol

[Skysue]

I know people look down on us and think goodness it's a survival job but lets be honest what job isn't.

I have a hard time going out to dinner with friends as not one asks me how my job is going, like it's not work! LOL

Just pat yourself on the back and know you’re; your own boss and you have only yourself to answer too! Enjoy that 3rd cup of coffee in the morning while the kids dance and play!

Great Job!

[playfelt]

Just make the job sound better. When people ask just tell them that you work in education now with the under 5's. It's the truth but using the word education sets it aside from babysitter and for all intents and purposes that is what we do if we offer the full preschool/circletime/daycare centre experience in the home environment.