Originally Posted by Unregistered:
I can't stay away from you all. I need to get thicker skin. You all can help me do that...you helped me get my backbone a little stronger so you can help me with the skin.
I should've taken some of my schooling advice and used it when starting daycare....don't let yourself get so attached to your clients...it is hard though when daycare consumes every part of your life and the children are with you 40-60 hours a week and many times (in my own experience) are with you more than their own parents. Business does become personal.
Update: I had to keep pushing dcp for what is going on. Last night I got that they start new place (home daycare) on the 12th. They will get me my payment and proper notice on the 28th (but they are taking off that day and want to use one of their vacation days that day (that they asked for a while ago). DCD says don't worry, we'll still come to visit you regularly.???WTH???? DCM posts on fb this a.m. that she is re-evaluating things in her life like what and who she wants in it and making some changes. Uh, ok. Thanks. I wanted to reply "so have your kids make them for you?) but restrained myself. So, can I advertise on facebook? Even though I don't have an official notice letter from these people? Still haven't heard from the mom.
Then DCD says I hope you have kept notes on the past several years because I will be calling you to court against DCM. What???
So, would you put something out on fb that you have some spots to fill seeing as I don't have the official notice yet?
Sorry I got derailed and depressed about all of this. Thank you for the constructive criticism and polite suggestions.
you do need thicker skin, and to be direct not all over the place. Set up your rules and then stick with them and make them basic and to the point.
It sounds like the parents stuck you in the middle of their drama. Get out of it. Be direct and tell them you want to know why they are leaving you. Did you do something wrong? Speak with both of them- don't play sides. Wish them well...... and start looking for another child to replace. It is hard not to get personal with these kids and familys, because your right we take care of them and bond with them etc...but just don't do it! Don't take it personal. look at it as one door is closing and another opening and learn and move on. Get your rates up there at the level of everyone else, your worth it, and you under cut yourself and make it hard for providers to get what they are worth when you offer very low of rates. Kids will come, it may take longer but you will end up with families that respect you verses the ones that are just looking for the best deal. I also find that burn out happens to providers that offer low rates. Good luck- hope it all works out, just love the guy as you have and wish him the best when he leaves.
It sounds like Dad loves you-
Mom has issues- Correct? Jump out of the drama and stand up for yourself. You have a whole group of caring providers here to help you through this......take and leave the helps, do what works for you, but make sure you act as a professional, because it does effect all of us providers as a whole. Again good luck-