Cheap parents

[Suzie_Homemaker]

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!

This not for reason you think it is.

I have some cash pay client and I ALWAYS count the money, in front of them, immediately. It not to do with being a jerk. With new notes, they stick easy but regardless, if error made, it easier to address before client leave house.

Little while back one Mom gave me $40 too much. New client who got her husband to take out money on his way home from work. If I not counted that, and if I just put away, then they might have thought I dishonest.

Same if money is short by mistake. If client leave in envelope on table and I not know money missing until later, when I call them, that could be awkward. They might be sure they gave right money when they did not.

Much more sensible to count in person, so both agree correct and no misunderstanding or awkward conversation later.

This is learned to do many year back and good practice. Stand me in good stead over years. More than one error corrected very simply by do this straight away in sight of client. No misunderstanding - ever. Good thing.

[5 Little Monkeys]

Omg msbell!!!!! Both your stories gave me a good laugh....lol!!!

[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

[Suzie_Homemaker]

Thank you 3rdtimesacharm....we should NOT be grouped into the same category of the hairdresser or mail carrier....I don't spend 10 hours a day having my hair done....and for that matter I do tip my hairdresser very well at Christmas....however ...5 little monkeys...I do love children....and am not spending 50 hours a week to get gifts and bonus's from these people...HOWEVER.... giving me a used tube of self-sun tanning lotion is nothing more than a complete INSULT...it's just WRONG.....nothing would have been better....I am paid for my work...yes...but please....parents... .don't toss me what was going in the garbage....for a Christmas Gift.....seriously! It just changes my opinion of you...just sayin

But you understand that is your view. Does not mean every other carer has same view. Does not mean parents have same view. That is point some trying to make.

Just as you entitled to feel your way, parents entitled to feel their way. Seem that we expected to be understanding of your view but you too have to be understanding not all same.

[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.

[Emma H]

There are lots of professions that deal with children (drs, dentists, counsellers, swim teachers, dance teachers, coaches etc etc). Parents have to draw the line somewhere and sometimes we are the ones who get cut off the list unfortunately.

I don't even think we should be grouped with the above mentioned as those professions also deal with all kinds of other clients and ages. Their jobs are not specifically targeted at young children only. Not saying they don't deserve anything for their hard work lol and I am not saying that we are obligated to receive anything but if someone is to gift something at least gift it properly. I know a few days ago I posted a thread about baby shower gifts and not one of you mentioned you would re-gift your used baby clothes to someone. We as providers go above and beyond (sometimes even more than teachers) and I know we give so much so I think if someone does choose to gift us, it shouldn't be their used garbage.

[bright sparks]

I have been pretty lucky with gifts from DCP, they have all been very considerate. I did have one mom, that worked 1/2 days a lot (split shifts), and I used to have a half day rate, but it worked out that she would pick up right before lunch, and always say how good lunch smelled. then one day she asked her boy if he just wanted to stay for lunch (yes he did) next thing she asks for some. I was a little taken of guard, but also flattered that she wanted my cooking (my kids, well you know, they act like I'm trying to pioson them) anyways this started to become a bit of a habit, so I started to serve the more "kid friendly" stuff, think she wont want that....she did! then she admits "I would rather eat here, its cheaper for me then going out" and that was the end of that, and the end of the half day rate.
talking about bad gifts though, one year, my MIL (ex MIL now) gave me her used kinky lingere for my birthday!!!!It was a set of crotchless panties and a nipple-less bra.......Oh, I know they were hers, because she said "They don't fit me anymore, so I thought you could have fun with them"

A big old WTF!?! Lmao

[Suzie_Homemaker]

No relationship, business or personal, should doing tasks keeping score of what owed and what repayment they feel is just.

If you do favor, expecting one in return, or do good job expecting additional reward, you be sorely disappointed many times.

Do favor because you want to, with no score keeping. Do good work because you have sense of pride in yourself, with no expectation of gift at year end.

Have much happier life, with fewer dissappoints if you approach life this way.

No one is entitled to gift - ever. Not friend, not family, not business relationship. When get gift, view as unexpected bonus not entitlement.

[5 Little Monkeys]

I don't even think we should be grouped with the above mentioned as those professions also deal with all kinds of other clients and ages. Their jobs are not specifically targeted at young children only. Not saying they don't deserve anything for their hard work lol and I am not saying that we are obligated to receive anything but if someone is to gift something at least gift it properly. I know a few days ago I posted a thread about baby shower gifts and not one of you mentioned you would re-gift your used baby clothes to someone. We as providers go above and beyond (sometimes even more than teachers) and I know we give so much so I think if someone does choose to gift us, it shouldn't be their used garbage.

Sorry, I meant all of those professions as children only professionals....I understand why some think we're different but I also understand why some think a service provider is a service provider is a service provider.

[bright sparks]

I don't even think we should be grouped with the above mentioned as those professions also deal with all kinds of other clients and ages. Their jobs are not specifically targeted at young children only. Not saying they don't deserve anything for their hard work lol and I am not saying that we are obligated to receive anything but if someone is to gift something at least gift it properly. I know a few days ago I posted a thread about baby shower gifts and not one of you mentioned you would re-gift your used baby clothes to someone. We as providers go above and beyond (sometimes even more than teachers) and I know we give so much so I think if someone does choose to gift us, it shouldn't be their used garbage.

I don't see giving my children's old clothes as a baby shower gift. I hand their clothes down but would buy a new shower gift for anyone who invited me to the actual shower only.