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Daycare Center and Family Home Forum>"I Don't Understand How People Do This!"
SilverSabre25 12:29 PM 05-27-2014
How do you respond to comments like this, especially when it is said BY an interviewing parent DURING an interview. I'm like, "hello, if you don't think anyone can do this WHY ARE YOU HERE WASTING MY TIME."

I find especially that I get this comment from people who are interviewing with me and are NOT going to sign up. As in, I'm not sure I've ever signed someone up after they've said that to me.

How do you respond? I usually go for a smile and something along the lines of "Oh it took practice but now I'm so used to the crowd that it feels strange when it's just a couple of them!" or "Patience, practice, and a lot of routines!"

but....gah! WHY. Go away if you don't think a person can watch six kids at a time unless they are an underpaid, inexperienced, uneducated worker at a center
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DaisyMamma 12:39 PM 05-27-2014
I always thought of it as a compliment.
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EntropyControlSpecialist 12:41 PM 05-27-2014
Originally Posted by SilverSabre25:
How do you respond to comments like this, especially when it is said BY an interviewing parent DURING an interview. I'm like, "hello, if you don't think anyone can do this WHY ARE YOU HERE WASTING MY TIME."

I find especially that I get this comment from people who are interviewing with me and are NOT going to sign up. As in, I'm not sure I've ever signed someone up after they've said that to me.

How do you respond? I usually go for a smile and something along the lines of "Oh it took practice but now I'm so used to the crowd that it feels strange when it's just a couple of them!" or "Patience, practice, and a lot of routines!"

but....gah! WHY. Go away if you don't think a person can watch six kids at a time unless they are an underpaid, inexperienced, uneducated worker at a center
I say something VERY similar. I always tell them if I have less than 7 children here (since I normally have 10-12) it feels like no one is present and I enjoy the group.

I have always taken it as a compliment, too, and them acknowledging that they CANNOT do it! But, I also have people sign up who say this all the time.
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SilverSabre25 12:41 PM 05-27-2014
I used to think so too until I realized that it's usually said incredulously and not exactly...nicely.
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Heidi 12:42 PM 05-27-2014
Originally Posted by SilverSabre25:
How do you respond to comments like this, especially when it is said BY an interviewing parent DURING an interview. I'm like, "hello, if you don't think anyone can do this WHY ARE YOU HERE WASTING MY TIME."

I find especially that I get this comment from people who are interviewing with me and are NOT going to sign up. As in, I'm not sure I've ever signed someone up after they've said that to me.

How do you respond? I usually go for a smile and something along the lines of "Oh it took practice but now I'm so used to the crowd that it feels strange when it's just a couple of them!" or "Patience, practice, and a lot of routines!"

but....gah! WHY. Go away if you don't think a person can watch six kids at a time unless they are an underpaid, inexperienced, uneducated worker at a center
"which is why, you'll note, I'm pretty picky about who I enroll, and how I run my program. On that note, how does Jr. go to sleep?"
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sharlan 01:17 PM 05-27-2014
"I can't understand how parents can work and leave their children with strangers."

That's what I say in my head when someone tells me they don't understand how people do this. Most of us are basically strangers to the kids when we first start watching them.

I appreciate working parents, they allow me to stay home and still pay my bills. I tried working and nearly had a nervous breakdown.
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craftymissbeth 01:18 PM 05-27-2014
An acquaintance once said "ugh, fun " when I told her I opened a daycare. Uh, yeah, it is fun. Rude is never a necessary option.
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Blackcat31 01:22 PM 05-27-2014
I would say something like "Yes, it can be difficult but then again I don't understand how people can have children and then leave them with someone else 3/4ths of their lives."

Clarification: I would ONLY say that in response to someone rudely stating the comment to me.

I would NEVER just say that to other parents.
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spinnymarie 01:22 PM 05-27-2014

I say, 'compared to my kindergarten classroom of 25, this is a breeze!'
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Play Care 02:16 PM 05-27-2014
Originally Posted by SilverSabre25:
I used to think so too until I realized that it's usually said incredulously and not exactly...nicely.
I agree. It's clearly NOT meant as as a compliment. That and "I don't know HOW you do it!" And "I could NEVER do what you do!"
Raising children is considered boring and tedious and many parents can't be bothered to do it
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Chellieleanne 02:28 PM 05-27-2014
I just say it isn't meant for everyone. It takes a special person to deal with little brats all day! Ok I don't say brats haha but seriously not everyone can handle being around infants/toddlers or preschool kids all day long. And even some parents can't handle their own kid for a day let alone a weekend when they are off work. I take it as a compliment because that is basically what it is. They are admitting that they cannot handle caring for their kid so they need someone to do it
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crazydaycarelady 03:22 PM 05-27-2014
I get that a lot too and not just from interviewing people. from everybody. I usually just say "It's not for everybody but we have a really good routine so it works.
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Sugar Magnolia 04:04 PM 05-27-2014
Originally Posted by SilverSabre25:
How do you respond to comments like this, especially when it is said BY an interviewing parent DURING an interview. I'm like, "hello, if you don't think anyone can do this WHY ARE YOU HERE WASTING MY TIME."

I find especially that I get this comment from people who are interviewing with me and are NOT going to sign up. As in, I'm not sure I've ever signed someone up after they've said that to me.

How do you respond? I usually go for a smile and something along the lines of "Oh it took practice but now I'm so used to the crowd that it feels strange when it's just a couple of them!" or "Patience, practice, and a lot of routines!"

but....gah! WHY. Go away if you don't think a person can watch six kids at a time unless they are an underpaid, inexperienced, uneducated worker at a center
]
Silver!?! Gah!! I know you don't mean all center workers.....

I am with you though, I don't like this line either. It depends totally on the tone in which it's asked.
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Bookworm 04:40 PM 05-27-2014
I've heard this several times over the years. It depends on which parent says it it can go either way. Parents who meant it as a compliment are usually the ones who spend lots of time with their kids. I respond by telling them that having parents that support me makes it easy. The other parent, i wish I could tell them that it's hard "raising your child" for almost all of their awake time because you don't seem to want to do it. Sometimes I wish I could have a serious Come to Jesus meeting with a lot of parents.
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MCC 05:41 PM 05-27-2014
I always respond by asking them what they do for a living, then I tell them I could never do that job. Different strokes.
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SilverSabre25 06:19 PM 05-27-2014
Originally Posted by Sugar Magnolia:
]
Silver!?! Gah!! I know you don't mean all center workers.....

I am with you though, I don't like this line either. It depends totally on the tone in which it's asked.
OH yes of course, and I meant to come back and clarify but someone needed me and I got distracted afterwards! But statistically...most center workers--MOST--are young, working for min wage, and don't have much experience with kids. They are over worked, understaffed, etc. especially in the cheap centers that some of these parents "prefer" because they are a "school" with a "curriculum" and "teachers".
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Starburst 07:51 PM 05-27-2014
Originally Posted by DaisyMamma:
I always thought of it as a compliment.


I would just respond "It's not for everyone, but I love what I do". No need to be nasty to them, some people only like their own kids (or kids of close friends/relatives) but not other peoples kid's; so they don't understand people who prefer the company of children they aren't legally or socially obligated to associate with over the company of adults.

At my school, the child development instructors would always say how they felt their department was undervalued or looked down on (even ostracized at times) on campus, because we focus on working with young children rather than adults and must adults don't have the patience to work with children.
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julie 07:58 PM 05-27-2014
How about you say this?

"Yes, it does take a special person to do and appreciate this job. Fortunately for you, you have found a person that not only loves what I do, but I also happen to be awesome at it. Unfortunately for you, this interview goes both ways and right now you are not making the best impression as a potential client."
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Meeko 08:25 PM 05-27-2014
I tell them what I honestly feel.

I tell them that I think children are nicer than grown-ups and I enjoy working with them.

I've worked in childcare for many, many years, but I have also worked in stores and offices etc.

Grown-ups are meaner, whinier and generally nastier than kids. Grown-ups are more manipulative and selfish and sneaky than any child....even though they know better.

Give me kids any day.
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Play Care 02:43 AM 05-28-2014
Originally Posted by Meeko:
I tell them what I honestly feel.

I tell them that I think children are nicer than grown-ups and I enjoy working with them.

I've worked in childcare for many, many years, but I have also worked in stores and offices etc.

Grown-ups are meaner, whinier and generally nastier than kids. Grown-ups are more manipulative and selfish and sneaky than any child....even though they know better.

Give me kids any day.

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Blackcat31 05:35 AM 05-28-2014
Originally Posted by Meeko:
I tell them what I honestly feel.

I tell them that I think children are nicer than grown-ups and I enjoy working with them.

I've worked in childcare for many, many years, but I have also worked in stores and offices etc.

Grown-ups are meaner, whinier and generally nastier than kids. Grown-ups are more manipulative and selfish and sneaky than any child....even though they know better.

Give me kids any day.

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daycaremum 07:01 AM 05-28-2014
I've never had anyone say it to mean in a mean tone. If said to me it is always in a tone of amazement It's always been a compliment when I hear it.
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CraftyMom 07:57 AM 05-28-2014
I've always had it said in a way that I took it as a compliment.

It's usually when parents are feeling frustrated themselves, for example getting their child ready to leave if I haven't done it yet. After struggling with shoes and coat I've had parents turn to me and say "I don't know how you do this everyday. I have trouble with one!"
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playground1 11:09 AM 05-28-2014
Originally Posted by MCC:
I always respond by asking them what they do for a living, then I tell them I could never do that job. Different strokes.
Exactly. I would die if I had to sit at a desk all day.
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sugar buzz 12:14 PM 05-28-2014
I always hate the comment, "Have fun..." said in a sarcastic tone, as they waltz out the door, while their child is crying, arguing, and/or whining--most likely "and." I always have to return that little gem at pick-up. Bwah-ha-ha
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taylorw1210 12:20 PM 05-28-2014
I hear the same thing from my current parents. Heard it non stop during a family get together this weekend. And have heard it a few times in other situations as well. All of the times it's been said to be, it was in a way that they were commending me for being able to do something they felt they would not be able to do themselves. I just smile and say, "I really do enjoy it. "
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SunshineMama 01:33 PM 05-28-2014
I always say that, surprisingly, it's easier with more kids because they entertain each other. 1:1 care is way harder than 1:4, for example!
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Renae82 11:55 AM 06-06-2014
Originally Posted by heidi:
"which is why, you'll note, i'm pretty picky about who i enroll, and how i run my program. On that note, how does jr. Go to sleep?"
love it!
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e.j. 04:18 PM 06-06-2014
Originally Posted by SilverSabre25:
How do you respond to comments like this, especially when it is said BY an interviewing parent DURING an interview. I'm like, "hello, if you don't think anyone can do this WHY ARE YOU HERE WASTING MY TIME."

I find especially that I get this comment from people who are interviewing with me and are NOT going to sign up. As in, I'm not sure I've ever signed someone up after they've said that to me.

How do you respond? I usually go for a smile and something along the lines of "Oh it took practice but now I'm so used to the crowd that it feels strange when it's just a couple of them!" or "Patience, practice, and a lot of routines!"

but....gah! WHY. Go away if you don't think a person can watch six kids at a time unless they are an underpaid, inexperienced, uneducated worker at a center
Parents have said it to me, too, but I've always taken it as a compliment. If ever I thought someone was being insulting, though, I would just turn it back on them by asking very innocently, "Why do you ask?" or "What makes you say that?" and then just wait for a response. If you've never tried it, you'd be amazed at how well it works to shut people up! When they have to explain their own comment, it gives them a chance to realize how dumb or rude it sounded.
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SilverSabre25 04:44 PM 06-06-2014
Originally Posted by e.j.:
Parents have said it to me, too, but I've always taken it as a compliment. If ever I thought someone was being insulting, though, I would just turn it back on them by asking very innocently, "Why do you ask?" or "What makes you say that?" and then just wait for a response. If you've never tried it, you'd be amazed at how well it works to shut people up! When they have to explain their own comment, it gives them a chance to realize how dumb or rude it sounded.
I have tried it actually and the people always have reasons. THEY couldn't do it, so how can I? It's frustrating. I've tried explaining but I'm about to the point where the next person who says it I'm going to smile and say well if you don't think one person can care for six kids then WHY ARE YOU HERE?
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