Parent won't buy boots

[Busy ECE mommy]

I've got a child just over 1 yr old(non-walker) who doesn't have boots. I sent home a newsletter several weeks ago to outline the list of winter clothing. Today we have about 2-3" of snow, and we're heading out to the backyard. My non-walkers will be allowed to crawl around on the ground in the snow. Spoke to Mom about no boots, and she said she doesn't plan on buying any until the child walks. What is this child supposed to have on his feet in the snow? I told her he needs boots to protect feet, regardless of walking status. Thoughts????

[Lee-Bee]

No boots no care. Does your contract mention outside time? If so, the child needs to be dressed for the weather...regardless of walking status. They can buy a pair of Stonz or similar "boots" that are meant for non-walkers but the child needs to have his feet covered.

I'd give the parent a firm date (2 days max) to have boots by or the child will no longer be accepted into care as lack of boots prevents all children from enjoying their day. If the boots are not present at drop off the child returns home with the parent...make this very clear in writing and verbally.

[playfelt]

There are plenty of options for non walkers - Robeeze and similar makes lined booties for them and many snowsuits still have the attached booties and mitts - at minimum request that kind of one piece snowsuit and then put other mitts and extra socks on the child inside the snap ons.

[mickyc]

Weird. I have never had this issue before. I did have a family with those one piece snow suit with the booties on them but they still brought winter boots. I would always take off the booties and put them in their bag and put her winter boots on.

I also would tell mom you MUST HAVE winter boots.

[Fun&care]

She needs to either bring boots or have a snowsuit with booties as mentioned and bring a warm pair of socks to wear underneath. There is no other option at my daycare. You could position it as a liability type situation...you don't want to be liable for frostbite or injury to feet possibly cause by ice etc so no boots, no care!

Come this time of year once we have fully transitioned into our winter wear, there is no option to come to daycare with ANY missing items. No snow pants or oops forgot mitts...sorry but you have to go home and get'em.

Ugh outer wear or lack thereof is one of my major pet peeves! I absolutely hate it when kids come here poorly dressed for playing outside and I wish parents would put more effort in! As of late I seem to have parents who need a lot of hand holding in this department, it seems I am always having to remind them..."ok now is time for splash pants" or "I think we're ready for warmer jackets" and " don't forget Sally needs a scarf or neck warmer soon" gah! They can't seem to think for themselves!

[mickyc]

agree fun&care. I learned quickly that parents need to have their hands held when it comes to proper clothing for daycare. I set out strict guidelines as to what I need and email notices in my monthly newsletters as to what is needed and when. I still have issues some days lol.

[Lou]

What is she providing for the child to wear? For my own children who were crawling, slide on winter boots would never stay on and were in fact a waste of money. The best luck we had was with them wearing their running shoes underneath snow suit booties, OR the faux fur lined Robeez over top of socks. Both kept their toes warm and dry. So while I agree that something needs to be provided, and that she can not be allowed to ignore your policies, I can fully see why she wouldn't want clunky winter boots on a crawler.

[Crayola kiddies]

For a non walker I prefer snowsuits with the booties attached because as they crawl the boots come off .... I have spent many a winter putting boots on every five minutes .... Frustration ... Even the stones came off no matter how tight I pulled the elastic straps