The Positive Thread

[Sahm121]

It’s the last week for a family that has been challenging. They decided to keep kiddo home yesterday and today due to illness (they wouldn’t be on their last week if they had done that all
Along and not gotten snippy with me when I sent home). But yesterday and today gave me a glimpse of life without constant screaming. We went on a walk today and it wasn’t running trying to get back before the screaming started. No rushing to cook because of screaming about to start. No patting backs to help kids fall Back Asleep because screaming woke them
up.

And wow. It’s so beautiful!

[e.j.]

As much as I would never wish a little one ill, kids like that sure do make it easy to enjoy their absence.

[Blackcat31]

It’s the last week for a family that has been challenging. They decided to keep kiddo home yesterday and today due to illness (they wouldn’t be on their last week if they had done that all
Along and not gotten snippy with me when I sent home). But yesterday and today gave me a glimpse of life without constant screaming. We went on a walk today and it wasn’t running trying to get back before the screaming started. No rushing to cook because of screaming about to start. No patting backs to help kids fall Back Asleep because screaming woke them
up.

And wow. It’s so beautiful!

I 100% understand the situation… as well as the peace you feel with the absence of said child/family.

[Annalee]

Finally, I dropped below my 10 lb weight loss! I had been just hanging at the 10 lb, but finally some tenths of a pound less than that....I've replaced my treadmill part of the my workout with the elliptical and I like it much better; especially for my hips/back/knees....Feeling it this morning!

[Annalee]

We are doing our valentines today! My last four enrolled families sent my assistant and I candy, oven mitts with cookie mix and whisk, roses, fruit baskets, etc. so I do see some shifting not cause of the gifts but in the focus of their surroundings but granted, I've been more focused the past few months, too so?? Thankful for the positive!

[Sahm121]

I got a box of chocolates today and a coffee mug and omg it made my morning! I always sent gifts for my kids teachers and it always surprised me that that wasn’t the norm, so seeing my gifts today totally made my day ☺️

[Annalee]

I've hit the 12th lb-loss this weekend.....17 weeks, 12 lbs lost...hoping to stay at it......some mornings are so rough, not because of the gym per se but getting up that early.....especially Mondays. But trying to stay with at least three days a week. Been going at midday on Saturdays to meet the fourth day. Just seems to work better this way!

[GirlMomma]

Congrats!!

[gumdrops]

That's awesome! I started a diet 4 weeks ago and am doing OK, but I know exercise would help a lot...you're giving me the inspiration to dust off the treadmill!

[Annalee]

Hang in there gumdrops; it will come.....I've changed my eating habits alot, too.

[Annalee]

School systems closed today so I did as well due to weather.....I'm finding myself err on the side of caution in my old age with many things.....just so much to think about now with life, in general, and weather included.....

[e.j.]

Sounds scary! Stay safe.

[Annalee]

Cleaning up the playground; got an outdoor storage container dismantled along with the stuff in it; hammering shingles down till someone can come out Monday to repair further.....but all are safe!!!

[e.j.]

Glad to hear you're all safe but I'm sorry you ended up with some damage. The weather this year has been crazy! Mother Nature seems to be on a rampage.

[Sparkles]

I have one infant in care, and he's gone today. I forgot how nice it is not having an infant! Love an easy day

[Annalee]

ABSOLUTELY LOVING this outside time......the weather has been sooooo NICE!

[Annalee]

100% on immunization audit this morning!

[Annalee]

I'm given a form to give the parent where they have 10 days to catch up, possibly set up a plan to catch up if a grouping of shots needs a time-frame between each shot......if families do not comply then my percentage for my kids in compliance goes down in the immunization area.....never had any parent not comply; I do think you can get your license renewed as long as the family has a plan in place and paperwork to document the appointments scheduled but I've never had this happen. Have used the ten-day thing twice over the years but ??

[Alwaysgreener]

I guess you could always term them to get them to comply. LOL, But seriously that is crazy that it could affect your business. Is your state vaccine required to attend dc/schools like CA?

Are you proactive and precheck the kid's immunization records or let the health dept do it?

[Annalee]

I do keep up with my shot forms especially the first 18 months.....I have asked about a two week notice once when a dcm said she didn't have time to make appt...?? I think schools and daycare can opt out with religious/medical reasons but I enrolled ONE family years ago and it lasted a LONG three months and I termed....they (non-vaxed) did not see things like me with meals, nap, sleep, care, in general.....just doesn't work so I do not take those kids anymore!

[Alwaysgreener]

Hmm, I need some likes on this one.

I have been sick for 2 days and was still feeling bad last night so I closed again today. (well I woke feeling great this morning but don't tell on me) Anyways I do not charge for my sick days. So I edited my invoices and mailed them out last night. Today my (late family) messaged me and said that they get personal days with work so they would like to pay me and asked me to correct my invoice.

I think I am in shock but I am not sure what to do or say to them.

[e.j.]

I would say something like, "Wow! That's very generous of you! Thank you so much!"
They must appreciate you! Bet that made your day!

[Alwaysgreener]

Honestly I am still in shock over it.

[Annalee]

Happy for you! There are still families that APPRECIATE and KNOW a good thing when they see it; but they are few and far between. I am finding, though, that the families enrolled in the last year, not necessarily pre-covid but kind of, are more in-tune......may just be coincidence or may be because they had some mishaps and are thankful to be in a quality child care program; and I think WE ALL offer quality child care daily even amidst all the un-appreciation and un-real expectations and total chaos at times. I'm finding the kids of these recent families are better as well. The 2020-22 years took it's toll on every person/place/thing.....still got the generational-parenting going on but the kids are much easier to deal with. Make sense?

[GirlMomma]

The DCF (with the infant) I recently enrolled has been a breath of fresh air. Today isn’t a day they’re normally scheduled but Gma had something to take care of this morning. Two weeks ago, they asked if DCB could come from 8:30-12. They’re only required to give me a 48 hour notice.

They arrived and DCM said Gma would be picking up at 11:30 instead of 12 because she knows I put the kids down at 12 and she wanted to make sure Gma “wasn’t interrupting” the routine I have.

I could’ve cried! 😅 Those little things go a long way with me.

[Rockgirl]

The little things end up being big things! Glad you got a great family.

[Blackcat31]

I recently let 2 kids go for petty reasons that had grown super annoying. Started 2 new kids in the empty spots and I cannot even explain how nice it has been lately. The entire dynamics of my group has taken turn for the better. Everyone is in a better mood, everyone has had good behavior and I feel like I have found my mojo again as I am not really feeling the dread of going to work every morning!

[e.j.]

It's amazing how much impact one or two kids can have on us as providers and the other kids in the group.

[Annalee]

Massage/chiropractor day!!!!!!

[e.j.]

That sounds so good right now. Enjoy!

[Annalee]

AND now for some March Madness; one of my favorite sporting events...Dad and my brothers and I would watch this together when we were growing up and beyond......Fun memories!

[BeeNature]

Started a new infant (3 month old) today. So far so good! Falls asleep easily and has had two decent naps already. I'm always a little nervous starting little ones do to some experiences with parents not preparing them for daycare (attachment parenting, co-sleeping, etc). Parents have her on a good routine at home. Fingers crossed it stays this way!