Booked my vacation...one parent not too happy

[bright sparks]

Oh and all my time off is unpaid

[bright sparks]

I think I may be the exception because I take quite a lot. Last year I took off the first week of January, week at March Break, 2 weeks in August and then Xmas off from the 19th. In addition to this I took two weeks in October for surgery and recovery time and I also probably had a good 7-10 days off throughout the year for extended long weekends. Obviously the Oct time off wasn't planned for and That makes 7-8 weeks off for the whole year which is extreme but I typically take 4-6 weeks a year a good 1-2 weeks are days here and there. I need that time, don't feel guilty and I have never had any problems with parents either

[nschildcare]

Do not let them make you feel guilty. Everyone deserves vacation time!! Especially caregivers. That is plenty of time to make alternate arrangements with their back up. I would not offer to hire someone to take over for you unless that is in your contract. I would not suggest other options, either. They are the parent and need to come up with their own plan. Using a home daycare means that they will run into situations like this and need to plan accordingly.

I, too, stress during interviews that they need to have back up. I have never taken a sick day but I know I might need to and i do take vacations. I ask what their back up plan is. If their 'plan' is to take a sick day from work, forget it. If their back up is a 4 hour drive away, forget it. They need a solid plan so that I don't get hassle when I need to cancel last minute or take holiday.

I hope you have a fantastic holiday!

[mimi]

Like the others have said, do not feel guilty about having a vacation with your family. This is important time for you to rejuvenate yourself and enjoy your family. Anyone who begrudges that is quite simply selfish and self absorbed.
I just handed out my yearly vacation dates. I am taking 15 days this year. I don't get paid for this time off and my clients have plenty of time to find alternate care or vacation the same time. That is their problem not mine as I have stressed they must have back up care.
Hard to do I know, but ignore their reaction as they are disrespecting you.

[Busy ECE mommy]

I give my parents one month notice if I will be off for a one week stretch or more. Sometimes they only get 2 week's notice if I need a day off for appointments etc. I have a total of 4 weeks off during the year, some of which is paid, but most times I've only taken less than 2 weeks off. I work 50 hrs a week, and paid the price last year for only taking 9 days off(and that total time included time for ankle surgery too) I was exhausted and burnt out, and I vowed I will put my needs first this year, and I don't care if it inconveniences the parents. They all get vacation(and only work 40 hr weeks) so why can't I? My parents have never complained about the time I took, even with only 2 week's notice. Start advertising for the spot, and show them the door LOL! How rude!

[Fun&care]

I think a good thing to remember is never ever ask parents what their plans are for back up. I think it shows that you feel guilty. Give them the dates and let them figure out what they do while you are on vacation. In your case however it sounds like you originally said you would only take 2 weeks per year so the parents may feel slightly mislead, however I still don't think it should be a big deal and they definitely were disrespectful. You should change your contract and add more vacation time. I don't think two weeks is enough in this field, I don't know how some of you do it. I take about 4 weeks per year unpaid ( this includes ALL time off including sick days) stats are paid and include easter Monday and December 24-25-26 paid.

[torontokids]

Just to clarify I never said I would take only 2 wks per year. I did however say I would take 2 wks in August and a week at Christmas. I ended up taking 2 wks at Christmas because of how the stats worked out and all the families appreciated this anyways as they were going to do their family thing so it was nice to not have to pay for daycare.

This time in April was a surprise for them and I never entertained the idea before but thought what the heck is the point of being my own boss if I can't take time off to do something I want to do? I was actually OK if I lost a family as I am only doing this for the short term and don't want their needs to effect me in a way that I don't do what I want/need.

[Artsand crafts]

This is the first year I take 3 weeks at once, before I spread them over the year. Since we got a deal 8 months in advance I was able to inform parents with lots of time.

You need to take care of yourself. To be in your best during daycare hours you need to feel well. Enjoy your vacation!