Cheap parents

[sandylynn]

Has anyone had parents that were sooooooo CHEAP...ie, they actually go around there house to try and dig up someone OLD and USED to give their daycare provider for Christmas! Seriously? This leaves such a bad taste in my mouth.....I have had everything from a tube of USED self suntanning lotion to a spice jar from a restaurant they used to own 5 years ago! Is it me? or am I missing something huge here....I also have a parent that counts the money out to me EVERY TIME HE PAYS ME.....I've told him.."please just put it in an envelope and leave it on the table"....like I need this crap! I think the best way to get rid of these people is to SUPER UP THEIR RATES! YA....GONE!

[5 Little Monkeys]

I totally recommend counting the money in front of you!! I have had a few parents over the years pay cash and it's never been a problem but a couple pay days ago, a mom was short $40 and I didn't notice until she left. I texted right away to ask and mom apologized and said she had the $40 in her pocket (which is what I thought happened because I saw the way she took it out of her pocket) it could have been bad though because she could have said she gave me the right amount and it would be my word against hers. Thankfully she's not like that but you just never know!!

As for the other stuff....yes I'd find it weird and would have a laugh over it but in the end, I'd chalk it up to money issues or just being raised differently lol. It's the thought that counts right?? Lol

[sandylynn]

I GUESS you are right 5 little Monkeys...it probably is a money issue....heck...if they spent 20.00 on a Christmas gift for their daycare provider (the person who looks after the most precious and important person in their life for 10 hours a day)....they wouldn't have been able to put those hardwood floors in their home....gone on the Disney cruise....that they just returned from or bought the new car 3 months ago....ya...hm...mus t be a money issue!

[Suzie_Homemaker]

I GUESS you are right 5 little Monkeys...it probably is a money issue....heck...if they spent 20.00 on a Christmas gift for their daycare provider (the person who looks after the most precious and important person in their life for 10 hours a day)....they wouldn't have been able to put those hardwood floors in their home....gone on the Disney cruise....that they just returned from or bought the new car 3 months ago....ya...hm...mus t be a money issue!

Wow. I think this harsh.

It not for us to say what client spend their money on nor how much is acceptable.

Some my client very generous, some not so much. But not my place to determine their priorities. End of day, I am service provider to them and they pay for my fees. Sure, I look after their babies but just because I have big responsibilities not expect big gesture based on my expectation.

I would be annoyed if my garbage collector, hairdresser, book keeper, car mechanic, all decided that the money for their bill not enough and that they all entitled to Christmas gift and they all entitled to decide what is acceptable expense of it.

Maybe be less disappointed if adjust expectations to be realistic. LOL Young family allowed to spend their own money on hardward floor and vacation if they choose. Not up to you to decide that if they can afford these they should be giving you gift too. LOL

[sandylynn]

Hmmm...expectations ....there are none....but certainly don't expect to have their garbage unloaded on me as a Christmas gift...KEEP THE GIFT...and put it in the garbage!

[5 Little Monkeys]

Some people aren't gift givers...or not great at it! Lol

I don't give gifts to every service provider in my life so I can't really blame them for doing the same.

Maybe they can afford those things for themselves because they don't "waste" money on others. Maybe they don't budget for gifts outside of their family?

Really we will never know how/why people choose to give us what they give us.

Also, you have to look at the bigger picture....are you doing this job to receive gifts and bonuses from parents or because you love children and enjoy owning your own business?

[3rdtimesacharm]

Some people aren't gift givers...or not great at it! Lol

I don't give gifts to every service provider in my life so I can't really blame them for doing the same.

Maybe they can afford those things for themselves because they don't "waste" money on others. Maybe they don't budget for gifts outside of their family?

Really we will never know how/why people choose to give us what they give us.

Also, you have to look at the bigger picture....are you doing this job to receive gifts and bonuses from parents or because you love children and enjoy owning your own business?

We are not the mail carrier or your hairdresser, I think we should not be grouped into the same category as "every service provider".

Also, of course she is not doing this for the gifts and bonuses. It gave me a chuckle to hear about her "gifts" hehehe! Just one of the perks to being a part of this forum, we get to hear about others stories and experiences.

[sandylynn]

p.s. It honestly DOES NOT STRESS ME OUT....I learned a looooong time ago....this kind of thing comes with the job...guess I am just hoping that if only 1 parent reads my message...it's 1 daycare provider that JUST MIGHT NOT BE INSULTED AT CHRISTMAS! And that's a "gift and a bonus"...in itself.....

[5 Little Monkeys]

That's good you aren't bothered by it. I read your post as if you were bitter or angry about it and just wanted to offer some reasons as to why they'd give a gift like that. Sorry, I misinterpreted your tone!!

[Suzie_Homemaker]

p.s. It honestly DOES NOT STRESS ME OUT....I learned a looooong time ago....this kind of thing comes with the job...guess I am just hoping that if only 1 parent reads my message...it's 1 daycare provider that JUST MIGHT NOT BE INSULTED AT CHRISTMAS! And that's a "gift and a bonus"...in itself.....

IT seem to stress you a lot if you making post about Christmas gift in March. LOL Bit passive aggressive way to express it by posting strong view in hope one parent reads and feel bad.
Maybe 40 parent read and think what a big expectation to have?

If YOU have issue with YOUR client so upsetting that you choose to be insulted, your need address direct with client. I think you don't because you deep down know it not reasonable expectation.