Parents having the day off

[CrazyEight]

What are other provider's policies on parents having days off and still sending their kids? I get so frustrated with it...the parents drop them at 7:30 in the morning and then casually mention that they have the day off and are going shopping. Today Dad dropped the kids (2 sisters) and said he called in sick to work even though he's not sick, because it snowed and he doesn't want to go in. Actually told me he's not sick. Mom told me yesterday that she has the day off Thursday but the kids will still be here.

I get that they're paying for the day, but wouldn't you like to spend some more time with your own kids? Even a half-day? Frankly, I'd really like it if they just didn't tell me about it. I'm about to spend half an hour wrestling 8 kids (3 are my own) into snowsuits to take the older ones to school, I don't really need to know that you're going back home to go to bed and laze around all day!

[5 Little Monkeys]

It annoys me. I think like you do and wonder why parents don't want too spend more time with their own children when they can. However, they are paying for the day so I can't complain. I am working anyways but when their child is my only one and I know that they have the day off, it does get too me. That has only happened once or twice though.

I'm like you, I'd rather they just didn't tell me lol. But I do appreciate that they do so that I don't bother calling their work or office number if I need to reach them.

[kimg]

I have one family whose dad has been home for 3 weeks now, and she has come every day but one sick day. They are paying for full time care, so I get it, especially since I've been on the other side and I just needed a break.

The thing that really bothers me though, is that she is the first one dropped off at 715 (I open at 730, but I said yes to an early drop off) and the last one picked up at 430. Some days, my next drop off is 830, so I could be spending an extra hour in bed, or at the gym. THAT bothers the hell out of me. At least shorten everyone's day.

They are GONE at the end of the week, and for this reason as well as some behavioral issues, a party will be thrown as soon as the door closes on her for the last time, involving copious amounts of alcohol.

[Crayola kiddies]

Well I am being paid for the day so its theirs to use I really have no right to be upset. The only time it bothers me is if its the only kid for the day and I am stuck at home .... Today for instance I only have one kid but the parents are at work and its a snow day so my kids are at home .... I'd rather be snuggled in bed with my kids watching cartoons.... But it is what it is ..... Maybe they will pick up a bit early and I can go to the movies with my kids since the weather has now cleared up.

[Sassygirl]

That drives me NUTS LOL!!!
I try and think of it another way though, that the parent thinks that their child will have much more fun with ME instead of home with THEM.
I have a couple of parents who still send their kiddos on their off days. Those parents will send them a little later which is fine with me. That way the kids are in better moods as they haven't been woken up. Parents also pick up usually right after nap.
I do however, have 1 set of parents who will still wake and drop dcg regular time (opening 7am) and pick up at closing (5pm). I make a point when dcg is my only kiddo that day, ESPECIALLY on a FRIDAY of saying at the door "Ohhh dcg is going to get me all to herself today, shes the only one" and hope that these parents take the hint. Nope! Or I say at pick up how we went to run errands, etc and didn't do too many structured activities since dcg was the only one" . That makes me crazy!!!
This is the SAME family who gives me grief when I need to take a day off or when I book my vacation months ahead of time. Grrr....

[Fun&care]

Honestly I think it's fine. I actually would LOVE to be in a position to just drop my kids off for the day and have some alone time or time with hubby. But I NEVER get that unfortunately, we don't even have family in town so...yeah. I totally get that sometimes we just need to take care of ourselves and when parents have a day off I usually say "good for you!". Of course though it would not fly with me if later on they gave me grief for MY sick days or vacation days. But I haven't had that problem yet.

[Lou]

Back when I worked outside of the home, I definitely took vacation days from time to time and still sent my child to daycare. It's a great opportunity to catch up on house work and yes get Christmas shopping done more efficiently! Besides, we all need a break sometimes, even from our own babies. I don't mind it at all, as I've been there!
That being said, i did used to drop my child off at 9 and pick them up by 3:30 on those days, but to each their own and some like to keep a consistent routine and get the most of their day off. As long as their child is healthy and happy, he/she is welcome to come for their paid day as that is what I'm there for.

[mickyc]

It drives me nuts too! I wouldn't mind if they would be considerate and pick up early (and not be here the 2nd I open). For myself I hardly ever take time off so I don't inconvenience anyone and usually work even if I am sick and can barely function. It would be nice to get a bit of consideration back. I am always fighting to get people's schedules for summer and Christmas because if I only have 1 or 2 kids I want to either close or go on outings and need to give parents notice. I understand they are paying me but I wonder if they would think differently if we charge per month instead of on a daily rate? I wish people would want to spend more time with their kids too, that makes me sad.

[Spixie33]

It doesn't bother me. I do like if they are off if they can pick up early. Heck...even 20 minutes early at the end of the day is nice...but I have had many parents be the last to pick up even though they were off that day. I try not to think about it.

I used to send my kids to daycare when I had a day off. Sometimes I needed to go for my physical or do Christmas shopping etc. ... but I would be too embarrassed to tell my daycare provider so I would come dressed as if I was going to work and come on time.....
Then by the afternoon I would feel at a loss without my kids and make some excuse as to why I am picking up early. lol

[Other Mummy]

It used to bother me. Not anymore. I just feel sorry for the kids getting dumped at daycare when they KNOW mommy and daddy are at home and prefer not to spend the day with them.