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  1. #1
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    Mat leave goodbyes

    I have a little one leaving this week to go off on mat leave with his mom who just gave birth.

    The parents seem to be building up the departure and I am sad about it too but I am not sure to what level I should go and say good bye.

    I'm wondering what others have done in the past when a DCK goes off because mom had a baby. Do you throw a party? Do you give a gift?

    I give a memory book to children who leave daycare after 3 years to start JK but not too sure what to do this time when it's only been 15 months.

    Suggestions? Thoughts? Experiences?

  2. #2
    Expansive... babydom's Avatar
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    I do a big brother or sister shirt with them with their handprints. And get them a little gift and a gift for new baby. I don't throw a party but will have a treat like cupcakes for afternoon snack. It's sad to see them go, no matter how long they've been with us

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  4. #3
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    Quote Originally Posted by homeschoolmom View Post
    I give a give a new baby gift to the family (I knit, so usually a little hat or sweater), and this book to the sibling: http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/...=Home&ikwidx=4

    I must say though, that it drives me a little batty when parents do a big 'build up'. It feels almost like they're telling me how to feel about the child leaving, when in reality I'm sometimes relieved

    Yes exactly ! The big buildup the past few days makes me feel pressured to do something and feel like I have to make it a big deal.

    I was going to do treats and a card. I already gave the baby a present last week when he was born so I am not sure where to say enough is enough.

    I like the idea of a handmade tee with the handprints

  5. #4
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    Special lunch of his fave foods. Ask mom if she wants to bring desert.
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  6. #5
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    I actually talk about when a child is leaving to all of them for about 2 weeks prior. It's a big change for everyone...me, the parents, the child leaving and the others who are loosing a friend. We talk about why the child is leaving and how we will miss them etc.

    Their last day here, we have a fun lunch and treat and we give a goodbye gift and hugs at pick up time.

    I've only had one leave on mat leave and I knew she would bring them back for a play date once baby was born so I gave baby a gift then. If I didn't think I'd see them soon or even again, than I'd give a gift on their last day for the baby. Usually, if I know they aren't coming back, I give a family gift though.

  7. #6
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    I always give a gift when a child leaves. I usually spend less than $20. I write a nice card to the parents, get their final receipt done and include it in envelope. If there is a new baby I always give a baby gift.

    We also talk about the child leaving at daycare. It's hard on everyone to have a child leave. I have had a few sudden departures and it was very hard on everyone.

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    A card crafted from the other kids is nice and if u have any photos of the child over the course of time they were with u, put in a little photo album. Fifteen months still a fair amount of time in your care. For baby I usually give a children's book the siblings can enjoy too.

  9. #8
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    This has me umming and ahhing to be honest. I always buy a new baby gift that's for sure. But the child leaving...well I'm not sure why I would buy that child a gift?? I always buy a gift for a child moving up into kindergarten, but it is kindergarten related. A Kindergarten themed story book, or a lunch bag/box or pencil and pad or something similar. That is a milestone worth celebrating, but leaving because of maternity leave, shouldn't I be the one receiving a gift as way of a thank you for everything?? lol Why does the kid get a gift? Can anyone tell me? I give gifts as a gesture of thanks or in celebration, but I see none of these reasons for a child leaving due to the parents circumstances. I'm not trying to be an ass, but there is a certain amount of entitlement that kids have growing up and I think it's the adults in their lives, me included, who are responsible for this. It is learnt behaviour. Then they grow up expecting gifts, which I think is a disservice. It's like when your child has a birthday and the sibling gets a gift too...that is not okay in my mind. There is a lesson to be learned in not being the centre of attention on your brother or sisters birthday, and by being pacified with a gift for fear of them acting out, is not a good thing. I see this as similar.

    I would write a nice card of thanks, if applicable, for being such a great family to deal with and for the opportunity to be part of their child's life and upbringing. But I wouldn't buy this kid a gift. I think it's totally unnecessairy. A party for the kids with party games and something fun that is saved for special occasions is more than enough. And the kid won't care about not getting a gift.

  10. #9
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    The gift is a goodbye gift when they are leaving daycare. I give all my kids that leave a gift. It's usually something they will use - crayons, coloring book, story book, play dough, bubbles etc. never a toy.

  11. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by mickyc View Post
    The gift is a goodbye gift when they are leaving daycare. I give all my kids that leave a gift. It's usually something they will use - crayons, coloring book, story book, play dough, bubbles etc. never a toy.
    I understand what you are saying, although they are still toys IMO and received by the child in their mind as such. Still not something I see as necessary and just not what I do for the reasons outlined above.

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