DCM Taking Advantage

[PitterPatter]

I'll start by saying I am only able to have 6 kids at one time and for the past few months I have only had 5 children which makes it hard to make a living. One of my parents was starting a new job where she has to be at work at 6:00 a.m. Normally I don't open until 7:00 a.m. She asked if she could bring her 3 yr old child an hour and a half early. She said if she wasn't able to she would have to look elsewhere for daycare. I accommodated her to be sure my income was secure and the little girl is well behaved.

Problem is she brings her daughter straight out of bed in the morning. She didn't even ask, just expects me to dress her and do her hair every morning. She will hand me her clothes for that day as well as her hair ribbons that she wants in her hair. I was told today that she has applesauce in her hair from the previous day because child didn't want to get a bath last night. I stood there just appalled at the door. Why am I responsible for this? Then she continues to tell me some drama from her workplace. I grew a backbone some years ago but lately I've been letting it flex I guess you could say. How do I approach this morning drop off routine with kid gloves? She's a quite sassy person in past experiences she has told me about.

[GirlMomma]

I totally get the position you’re in! It’s not your job to parent the child. I was a single mother living 75 miles away from my closest family member at one point. Not once did I send my daughter to my provider’s home not ready for the day. Your DCP is simply choosing not to do it.

I would make a new policy and send it out to everyone, post it, email it, etc. You may have to be direct with DCM though.

Here is my hygiene policy. I would send it to every daycare family you have like this:

For the health and wellbeing of everyone, all children must arrive at daycare clean, in good health, and in clean (proper fitting) attire. Children should be bathed regularly and their oral hygiene maintained daily. Their fingernails must be trimmed, filed and maintained. If your child’s hygiene is not maintained, you will be called for pick-up. This policy is effective immediately.

Based on my experience, if she is the “sassy person” in past experiences, she’s actually probably not. She just wants you to think she is. If someone has to tell everyone they’re rich, they’re likely not actually rich. KWIM? LOL

[Blackcat31]

Just leave the child the way she arrived.
All parents have the same 24 hours in a day.
If DCM isn't dressing her or fixing her hair then why should you?
It's not your responsibility. Period.
If DCM asks, just tell her you are already getting up earlier and preparing for the earlier arrival so she needs to do the same. GET UP EARLIER.

You could be a bit cheeky and just say "Hey DCM, when I said you could bring your child earlier I didn't mean so I could dress her. That's extra. If you want dressing and/or hairstyling services it will cost you an additional $100 per week. " Then smile big so she wonders if you are or aren't serious.

[Springvalley]

I'm sorry but that's just plum lazy & in a way neglectful! In Alabama we are required to call DHR immediately if we see any signs of neglect, abuse etc.

[BeeNature]

You could be a bit cheeky and just say "Hey DCM, when I said you could bring your child earlier I didn't mean so I could dress her. That's extra. If you want dressing and/or hairstyling services it will cost you an additional $100 per week. " Then smile big so she wonders if you are or aren't serious.

I love this!

[GirlMomma]

Just leave the child the way she arrived.

I never thought of it this way!!

[Annalee]

I don't ever change clothes.....This will 'nip it in the bud' because since no one comes in, dcm has to change the child in the car if she is planning to go somewhere after pickup.....stops it quickly....If they come in in pajamas, they STAY in pajamas......I simply say 'thanks for the extra clothes, I will add them to her change of clothes in her cubby'. Stops it every single time.... and you get the deer-in-the-headlight-look to follow....

[Rockgirl]

I added a blurb to my policies about this a few years ago: “Please bring your child dressed and ready for the day (no pajamas).”

It’s sad that we even have to address this, isn’t it?