Parents who have the day off

[gravy_train]

The only thing more annoying than knowing that ALL of my clients have the day off work and still brought their kids in today (which means that I am missing my own child's performance in a school assembly), is that ALL the kids also have a cold. Snot everywhere, sneezing on everything and constant crying.
I should have booked the day off as part of my paid holidays - lesson learned for next year.
I feel like my frustration and resentment just keeps growing and I really need to find a way to get over it!

[Dreamalittledream]

So sorry to hear that. The good news is being sick they will likely have good naps?! Hoping for early pick up times for you

[apples and bananas]

That always sucks when you know you could be off too. I have a very small group today and most mom's are off. But I don't mind working. It will be a good day to colour some poppy pictures.

Next year you should just add it to your days off, especially if you know everyone is off anyways.

I hope you get a nice long nap out of everyone today.

[mickyc]

Remembrance Day is a paid day off for me as per my contract. I would change your contract for next year. In Manitoba everything non-essential is closed today until 1 but I see other provinces have school/work today.

[Wonderwiper]

I think you really need to have a look at your contract if things like this make you resentful. Of course they all sent their kids....you are open and they have paid for the day. I'm sorry, but I don't believe you can resent them for using the contracted service. You can't blame them for you missing a school concert, you are missing it because you are working, not their fault.

This is only my opinion of course but I believe harboring negative feelings about clients will quickly lead to burnout and is generally un-productive.

Hugs, I am genuinely sorry you are having a bad day. Have a lazy free play day, a nice hot drink and think about what changes you can make to make your business run the way you want it to!

[daycaremom9]

I take stats off but don't get paid for them. I'm sending a letter home to my full-timers this week to let them know that I'll be charging for my stats.

[5 Little Monkeys]

It does suck when you know the parents are home and they still send their child. I understand that they are paying for the day but IMO, I don't understand why a parent wouldn't want to spend an extra day with their child. That is too bad that they are sick too!! Chicken noodle soup for lunch and an early nap and hopefully early pick ups!!!

I'm also in MB and it is an optional stat here. Gov't places are closed and most places open up at 1pm. I have always had parents who had the day off though so I've always closed and gotten paid. I charge $10 less on Stats and parents seem to really like that instead of paying the whole price...altho I'm sure none would complain about that either. If this is causing resentment for you I would look at your contract and change it up!

[playfelt]

That is one of the reasons I added Remembrance Day as a paid day off. Hubby is military so it is his holiday as such and it leaves us free to celebrate as desired. But more importantly I got tired of having all the kids while the mom's started their Christmas shopping, and met another mom for lunch and/or had a personal day to themselves - no more. Keep your kids and think about the day. It is not the day to start thinking about Christmas it is a day to reflect so stay home and reflect. Of course I explain it much nicer to families that question it and simply rely on the military connections to cover the bases but the I should be free to start my Christmas shopping not you is what sparked me adding the day as paid day off.

[gravy_train]

Thanks everyone! When I wrote my contract I assumed that if parents were off they would want to keep their kids home with them, but I guess that's not the case. I agree, wonderwiper that I don't have any basis to be resentful - it's still there though.
I love how the parents say, 'oh yeah i just though i would take a break today and do some shopping'. seriously??! you see your kid for 2 hours in the evening and on the weekend!!
oops... there's that resentment coming out again :-/...

[Wonderwiper]

Gravy train....I agree, I would want to spend as much time with my kids as possible. However, if I am open and they chose to go shopping I can't be resentful...it's their life and they choose how to live it. Make sure you get all your family time in and try not to let other people's choices upset you.