The Venting Thread

[Sparkles]

Communication seems to be lacking lately.

Dcm didn't know if her child would be here the rest of this week, but said she would let me know and keep me updated. I guess they won't be since they are a no call, no show.

Was told dcg would be out for a month to spend time with family. Said they'd see me in July (they know they have to pay for the spot). Has randomly showed up a few days this month with no communication.

I'm sure they don't get it, but I like to know how many kids I have so I can plan for food, activities, etc. *sigh* It's another one of those "I wouldn't do that to the person caring for my child" moments.

[GirlMomma]

I’m starting to hold parents to what they say and turn them away at the door. I have a DCM that always does this (she’s off all federal holidays) and I can’t stand it.

[Rockgirl]

This is so disrespectful! Not to mention presumptuous. What if no one else was coming one day, so you made plans to leave town with your family?

[Alwaysgreener]

Rockgirl

That kinda happened to me once. When I first opened, I had low enrollment and took on a drop-in family. She did not pay in advance but said in passing that she may need Thursday. I did not want to on Thursday since I had no other kids that day, so I did not confirm with her or ask for payment. Thursday came and I left home. She showed up 2 hours after she had commented that she was going to come. At this time I was not home but my neighbor/dad was and he gave me a call which made it really awkward. I wanted her to learn that she had to schedule the time (and pay in advance) with me not just make a comment and show up randomly but here he is standing there on the phone in front of her asking me to come home since he is deaf, his phone calls are always on speaker. I did not come home, I told her that I did not have her request in writing, and she reschedule a day when I was open. LOL

[Cat Herder]

My State:

A rule change that could cost me my business = not one email and buried under the wrong tab on their website.

A taxable grant that only covers useless crap from their chosen provider = close to 30 emails. 5, today, the deadline.

[Cat Herder]

Would you like $1500 worth of facemasks and cheap paper towels that have been in a warehouse since 2020? - That you have to sign a legal document stating you can be prosecuted for any personal use when they know you can only keep 6 kids because they set the ratio?.

[Annalee]

and no one even uses masks now anyway but sounds like yours would probably disintegrate very easily due to being old LOL

[Cat Herder]

We never used masks. lol!! They said we can get test kits, but the post office gave them out for free to every house. I only needed one the entire time so I could fly back home after vacation. They are still trying to make a pandemic happen, any pandemic that will stick.... they liked the control too much.

[Springvalley]

Here's a unique situation (that we unfortunately got threw into). Last year we had 5 kids start back to back, 2 are in school and 3 were in the younger class and the pre k class (different ages). Grandparents had custody of 3 of the 5 because dcm1 was having issues and was out of state. This is where it gets crazy, dcm2 had 2 kids that came plus custody of another, dcm1 got custody of her kids back from grandparents when she moved back. Later on, dcm2 came to work as a teacher in the school age room and she & dcm1 became friends.

Fast forward to this year, dcm1 continues working and everything was good or so we thought, one evening dcm2 and another teacher were talking about things and the subject came up about relationships and dcm2 stated something that was very inappropriate and was really not a child centered topic about what she does in her spare time. Well, eventually it got around to the administrator and she got fired because of the inappropriate topic and also because she yelled at the school-agers and parents heard it. Well, after everyone found out about her getting fired we all found out what else was going on with dcm1,dcm2 and their spouses. This week, spouse of dcm1 tries to come & get dcm2's kids and the bio dad of the kids took dcm1 & her spouse off the list and we pretty much told him they would have to work this out.

[Annalee]

This post made me think of 'who's on first, what's on second, etc.'. these families have so much drama that I don't even ask.....no parent comes into my facility anyway so I just hi and bye every morning. If they follow the rules, so be it! LOL

[Momboss]

Man I thought this was kinda funny…. I have a dcb whose mom is a teacher not working in the summer. She brings him 2 days a week in the summer just to keep him used to going somewhere, I understand that. He was supposed to come Tuesday and friday this week. Monday night she calls to say he had a pcr test done and he has covid. She felt terrible that he may have exposed kids last week. I say that if he is symptom free, he can come friday. She kept saying how bad she felt for exposing kids.
guess what? This same parent who felt bad and who doesnt work, was very eager to bring her child today. Yes its been 5 days like cdc says, but you dont work and supposedly feel so bad, so why dont you just keep him home until after the holiday? Ye slets expose kids right before the holiday. *eye roll*. 5 days is garbage and is really meant for the people who really need to ge tback to work. But if your able to quarentine longer, then you should. If you are someone who feels so bad about exposing others and takes covid so seriously where you had your 5 ye old get the vaccine the moment they could, then why are you so okay with bringing your kid to daycare when he probably still has covid.
edit to add that idc about covid. I just think its funny when people who are so afriad of it and take it so seriously, act like its not a big deal once they have it or once it inconveniences them.

[e.j.]

People often say one thing and do another in all kinds of situations. lol She just said the words she thought you wanted to hear.

If it had been me in that situation, I would have required her to keep her kid out for the full 10 days or he tested negative before allowing him to return. I know that the rules have eased up but because my family members are high risk and there are new variants, I've already told my dc parents that I will continue to stick to stricter rules than the CDC or EEC now tell me I need to follow. Even if it weren't for my family members, I would have told the mom to keep him home at least until after the holiday, explaining that it wouldn't be fair to put the other families at risk any more than they already have been, especially right before the holiday.

Edited to say: For the record, I would have asked her to keep him home regardless of the illness - Covid, stomach bug, cold...It's not fair to unnecessarily expose the others even further just before a big holiday.

[Springvalley]

Here's what happened both sets of parents became friends to the point to where it became a little more then friends and now they are all getting divorced so that both dcm1&dcm2 can get with the others spouse.

[Cat Herder]

EWWW

That's all

[SandBox]

🤣🤣🤣 That’s hilarious.

[Sparkles]

Was closed yesterday and am closed this Friday.

Dcp this morning: "I can't believe Miss **** gets a 3 day week!" in an overly happy tone. I know this dcp well enough to know this was her passive aggressive way of complaining.

I just smiled and said "yes! I'm so excited!"

[e.j.]

You're good! I would have been tempted to say, "Yes! If I like it as much as I think I will, I may have to close more often!"

[BaileeB]

Potential new DCM: *calls right as we are coming in from playing outside and trying to get cleaned up for lunch and wants to ask a bunch of questions*

me: “this is a very busy time for me, I can give you a call back tonight after all of the children are picked up so I can give you my full attention. In the meantime, please visit my website and review my policy handbook and we can discuss any questions then”

her: *continues to ask questions*

me: “I will call you back later”
*she finally lets me hang up after trying to ask another question.*

I call her back at the exact time I say I would. No answer. I figured she either found somewhere else, didn’t like my policies or thought I was rude for not answering her questions right then and there.
3 days go by then she sent a text message today saying she received my call back.
she starts asking the same questions. I answer then politely remind her that she can view my policy handbook because it will answer most of her questions.
she asks another question when the answer is in my handbook.
I answer. Tell her to please visit my website and I will call her tomorrow.
She then asks ANOTHER question that would be answered if she read my policy book. She asked what our daily schedule is like. I told her it’s in the handbook she then replies “oh I’m reading it now and I am LOVING the attention to detail.” 😐 that is why I made it.
so I don’t have to answer the same questions over and over. It’s my day off.
Read the handbook. I will call you tomorrow.
🤦♀️

[Springvalley]

Potential new DCM: *calls right as we are coming in from playing outside and trying to get cleaned up for lunch and wants to ask a bunch of questions*

me: “this is a very busy time for me, I can give you a call back tonight after all of the children are picked up so I can give you my full attention. In the meantime, please visit my website and review my policy handbook and we can discuss any questions then”

her: *continues to ask questions*

me: “I will call you back later”
*she finally lets me hang up after trying to ask another question.*

I call her back at the exact time I say I would. No answer. I figured she either found somewhere else, didn’t like my policies or thought I was rude for not answering her questions right then and there.
3 days go by then she sent a text message today saying she received my call back.
she starts asking the same questions. I answer then politely remind her that she can view my policy handbook because it will answer most of her questions.
she asks another question when the answer is in my handbook.
I answer. Tell her to please visit my website and I will call her tomorrow.
She then asks ANOTHER question that would be answered if she read my policy book. She asked what our daily schedule is like. I told her it’s in the handbook she then replies “oh I’m reading it now and I am LOVING the attention to detail.” 😐 that is why I made it.
so I don’t have to answer the same questions over and over. It’s my day off.
Read the handbook. I will call you tomorrow.
🤦♀️

We have the exact same problem at our center except its current parents always the same thing especially around holiday time. We put signs on our doors and even type letters think they read them 🙅🏻

[Springvalley]

EWWW

That's all

Yep thats what we all said when we put everything together! To be honest, I wish they never stepped foot back into our center again but we can't turn them down and its not the children's faults, They threw into this mess! The dad to the 3 kids took the step dad and gf (his exwife) off the list because of all of this

[Annalee]

Yep thats what we all said when we put everything together! To be honest, I wish they never stepped foot back into our center again but we can't turn them down and its not the children's faults, They threw into this mess! The dad to the 3 kids took the step dad and gf (his exwife) off the list because of all of this

They call these couples here 'swingers'.....it is a common thing but of course, I never get invited to join those groups. LOL I have a toy for social emotional which is a pineapple with facial pieces. I was warned NOT to have that pineapple because if it is placed upside down something or other or if it was placed sideways something or other. I told that person to keep their swinging business outside of my daycare and ignore my pineapple. insert disgusted emoji here.

[Alwaysgreener]

Like I hate it when everyday I'm sure it turned into some kind of perverted sign.

[Cat Herder]

Tide Laundry Pods. 96 count - Original Scent

$23. 44 - March 28, 2022

$47.49 - July 11, 2022

I am losing my sense of humor.......

[Annalee]

Have you tried Sam's? I just bought a box there and it was $24. I have went back to making my detergent but I use Tide pods on my son's work clothes.

[Cat Herder]

$47.49 is the cost at my local store, that is the only price they will honor. Each state's policies and taxes alter the price of the available products. They are trying to do the same with all online retailers, now. Govt can't let the market find a better way, ever. They have to get their cut, at all levels, fed, state and local.

[Cat Herder]

Sams is almost two hours away but it may be worth a trip soon. (they won't deliver to my address, too rural. I begged. lol)

[Annalee]

Tide Laundry Pods. 96 count - Original Scent

$23. 44 - March 28, 2022

$47.49 - July 11, 2022

I am losing my sense of humor.......

Here is my home-made detergent recipe. I really like this and it does clean well.

[Cat Herder]

Thanks. Hopefully, things will settle back down soon. If not, I will just go back to sending dirty clothing back home and only washing nap linens once per week like most daycares. I generally do two loads per day, Monday - Friday. 1. Our personal laundry. 2. Daycare laundry. I never mix the two.

[Alwaysgreener]

I haven't made any in a while, I use Mrs Meyer's brand and get 2 bottles from Amazon. (64 loads per bottle for less than $30)

I am not sure the difference but Amazon has unscented for less. PODS Free & Gentle Laundry Detergent Soap Pods, 2 Pack - 162 count https://a.co/d/9tG01ai

[BaileeB]

Potential new DCM: *calls right as we are coming in from playing outside and trying to get cleaned up for lunch and wants to ask a bunch of questions*

me: “this is a very busy time for me, I can give you a call back tonight after all of the children are picked up so I can give you my full attention. In the meantime, please visit my website and review my policy handbook and we can discuss any questions then”

her: *continues to ask questions*

me: “I will call you back later”
*she finally lets me hang up after trying to ask another question.*

I call her back at the exact time I say I would. No answer. I figured she either found somewhere else, didn’t like my policies or thought I was rude for not answering her questions right then and there.
3 days go by then she sent a text message today saying she received my call back.
she starts asking the same questions. I answer then politely remind her that she can view my policy handbook because it will answer most of her questions.
she asks another question when the answer is in my handbook.
I answer. Tell her to please visit my website and I will call her tomorrow.
She then asks ANOTHER question that would be answered if she read my policy book. She asked what our daily schedule is like. I told her it’s in the handbook she then replies “oh I’m reading it now and I am LOVING the attention to detail.” 😐 that is why I made it.
so I don’t have to answer the same questions over and over. It’s my day off.
Read the handbook. I will call you tomorrow.
🤦♀️

Oh my goodness I am about to say I have filled the spot. She finally stopped texting me last night and agreed that we would speak on the phone this evening. She is now texting me asking if she can stop by this afternoon. Saying “I’d like to see what (DCG) thinks if that’s okay?” 🤦♀️ I do not know how many other ways I can explain the process to her without being rude?
The steps for my process (which I have explained multiple times now) are:
1. contact me via phone or my website. Look through my policy handbook to answer most questions.
2. If you would like an interview, fill out a pre-interview questionnaire and I will call you and schedule an interview time.
3. Come to interview, ask questions, get a tour.
4. we both make a decision on whether or not it is a good fit.

Is this not the steps for most daycares? She is pulling her daughter from a big chain daycare. But having 2 children of my own I know that even with big daycares, you have to email or call and set up a time to do a tour. You don’t just show up.
This is seeming like a big red flag 🚩
either she thinks my process/rules do not apply to her or she doesn’t understand. Either way I am not sure this is someone I want to do business with.
do I need to post the steps for enrollment on my website as well so they are spelled out?! 🤦♀️

[e.j.]

If it were me, I would text her or call her and explain that based on the past several days of contact with her, I've given it a lot of careful thought and feel that we wouldn't be a good match. If there is a listing of licensed providers available for your area, I'd direct her to that and wish her luck. She's driving me crazy and I haven't even been the one in contact with her!

[Blackcat31]

I am one of those providers that does tours during business hours. I do not have staff and am still on the clock doing my thing but I refuse to give up my personal time for work...lol! But I do tours at the end of the day while we are outside playing. That way it's an easy out for everyone. Last kid picked up = I am out of here... tour over.
Other than actually meeting face to face and needing to get a "feel" for each other, all other business can be conducted via email. Works great for me.

[BaileeB]

Blackcat31 I wish I could do tours during my hours! I’m not allowed to have any adults in my home other than parents of currently enrolled DCK and household members that have had their background checks, medical checks and drug screens. I do factor in the costs for interview time into my enrollment fee so I am at least compensated for my time. I also usually do tours on Friday evenings since technically I close at 5:30 but all the kids are gone by 4:30 so I am usually able to squeeze the tours into the end of my work day.
e.j. I ended up meeting with her and she was very nice. She has had a horrible experience with the daycare center her daughter had been attending. As a mother I can empathize but as a daycare provider I told her I will let her daughter start on a trial basis and we will check in in 2 weeks to see how it is going and if she will continue with me or not. Since you don’t have to be licensed in my state there are not a ton of licensed providers and care is very hard to find right now (which has been great for me! LOL)
Alwaysgreener I don’t have anyone else here with me and some of my kiddos also have horrible stranger anxiety. It is difficult when my licensing consultant comes because one DCG just sits there staring at him and sobbing until he leaves 🫣 I do not have my steps listed on my website I usually just tell people my steps when they call or reach out for the first time. That’s always been enough before. Guess I will have to update my website… again 😂

[Springvalley]

GirlMomma I did. I told her “no, you cannot. I do not allow anyone besides parents of currently enrolled children in my home during daycare hours.” I then told her if she wants to fill out an interview form I would be happy to work with her to find a time for her to interview and tour. She said “oh that’s a pretty good policy now that I think about it” 🤦♀️ Do some people really think you can just “stop by” an in home daycare during business hours? Better yet, I told her when she first called that I could not talk to her on the phone because I was busy watching children and I could not give her my full attention… so why would she think she could just come by in the middle of our day and disrupt our schedule? 🙄

We always tell parents that we have a wait list and that we can out their name & number on it & then once a spot becomes available then we will call them. We also tell them a price plus the enrollment fee

[Annalee]

I have an entire daycare family with covid.....😯

[e.j.]

That stinks! Were you exposed?

[Annalee]

My sign in is outside. The child tested positive Tuesday night after being here Tuesday. I’m vaxed and boosted so?? Looks like a five day quArantine for them barring symptoms lingering? I’m still very careful but refuse to let this affect my mental health like it did the past two years. I did share with families in care and let them make their choice while I remain open for now.

[e.j.]

Hopefully the vaccination/booster will keep you from getting it or at least if you do get it, will keep you from any serious illness. Keeping my fingers crossed for you!