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Daycare Center and Family Home Forum>How Do You Tactifully Ask A Parent To Clean Their Children Before Arrival?
melilley 10:10 AM 06-16-2014
I have one dcb (22 mo) whom I have mentioned in a post before, that always comes in dirty. It's usually his face and sometimes hands because dcp's let him eat in the car on the way here! Bananas, bread, raisins, etc... and once a Jolly Rancher! I usually take him and wash his hands and face upon arrival, not a big deal.
Well last week dcm drops off (later than usual) and tells me she's sorry he's so dirty, that Dcd was supposed to give dcb a bath the night before, but didn't and when dcm got home, she didn't feel like doing it either.
At first I didn't notice him being that dirty, except for his usual dirty face, but when I went to change him, his legs and feet were filthy! This child walks and plays around on the floor that two babies roll and crawl around on and sits on my furniture. I stood him in the bathroom sink and washed his legs and feet.
Then today dcb's face was a little dirty, but when I took his shoes off, his feet were FILTHY! It took two wipes to clean them. His family went camping this past weekend so I think they either came home this morning or late last night so I think he didn't get a bath. Now, I understand that children's feet are going to get dirty, but just arriving with black feet and marker on them is just gross to me.
How would you tactfully mention that his feet and/or body need to be clean? I have babies that crawl and roll on the floor. I know that many of you have a policy on being ready for the day, but I don't want to embarrass the family. It's just the way they are and laugh about it sometimes. And I really don't mind if children get dirty, in fact I like it, but when you just get here, my job shouldn't include washing off legs and feet right?. I mean, if they get dirty during outside time, fine, I don't mind cleaning them up, but washing dirty feet, legs, faces, whatever, when they arrive, while trying to serve breakfast and feed babies is a little much. He is the only one that arrives this dirty.
Well last week dcm drops off (later than usual) and tells me she's sorry he's so dirty, that Dcd was supposed to give dcb a bath the night before, but didn't and when dcm got home, she didn't feel like doing it either.
At first I didn't notice him being that dirty, except for his usual dirty face, but when I went to change him, his legs and feet were filthy! This child walks and plays around on the floor that two babies roll and crawl around on and sits on my furniture. I stood him in the bathroom sink and washed his legs and feet.Then today dcb's face was a little dirty, but when I took his shoes off, his feet were FILTHY! It took two wipes to clean them. His family went camping this past weekend so I think they either came home this morning or late last night so I think he didn't get a bath. Now, I understand that children's feet are going to get dirty, but just arriving with black feet and marker on them is just gross to me.
How would you tactfully mention that his feet and/or body need to be clean? I have babies that crawl and roll on the floor. I know that many of you have a policy on being ready for the day, but I don't want to embarrass the family. It's just the way they are and laugh about it sometimes. And I really don't mind if children get dirty, in fact I like it, but when you just get here, my job shouldn't include washing off legs and feet right?. I mean, if they get dirty during outside time, fine, I don't mind cleaning them up, but washing dirty feet, legs, faces, whatever, when they arrive, while trying to serve breakfast and feed babies is a little much. He is the only one that arrives this dirty.
hope 10:27 AM 06-16-2014
I had a dcm drop her toddler off one time in a shirt from the day before with ketchup stains all over it and a diaper. No pants, socks or shoes. At pick up I said...guess you had a rough night and morning. I gave Dcb a quick bath and change of clothes. I realize there are rough days but next time I would rather you come late or take a day off bc it's difficult to bath and dress Dcb in group care. Then I told the silly story of how all the kids piled in the bathroom so I could watch all of them and clean her child up. Got her to laugh so wasn't so awkward but got my point across. If she ever tried to drop off again in that condition I would reject services.
lynne 11:20 AM 06-16-2014
I have a problem like that too. My two are 4 and 6, we got the summer water stuff out and the kids went into the bathroom to change into swimming gear. I went in later to put another one on the potty and saw very [ nasty] underwear on the floor. 
.. I dont get sick over much but that was horrible. I had noticed they're feet were black and they really smelled... I was wondering how to say something too.
.. I dont get sick over much but that was horrible. I had noticed they're feet were black and they really smelled... I was wondering how to say something too.
renodeb 01:28 PM 06-16-2014
Honestly I would have a very hard time saying anything. The worst I have had to deal with is a dcd that would bring his baby in last nights diaper. I mentioned it to the mom the next day and it never happened again. Maybe post a notice that says something about being dressed and ready for the day? Sounds like mom and dad are lazy and your paying for it. Even camping you can hose them off.
debbiedoeszip 01:40 PM 06-16-2014
I used to work through a home daycare agency and this very topic came up at a provider meeting. The answer to how do you ask (them to bring them clean) was basically that you don't ask them.
Just like nurses sometimes have to take care of dirty people, sometimes daycare providers get dirty kids brought to them. We were told that we could give them a sponge bath (arms, legs, feet, hands, face), but not a full bath, and we were NOT to confront the parents about it. If their clothes were dirty, then we could put them in the child's spare clothes (all parents were required to provide a spare outfit). We were forbidden from laundering the child's clothes.
Fully bathing a child, laundering their clothes, or suggesting to the parents that the child's hygiene was sub-par were all considered "provider over-steps" by the agency.
Just like nurses sometimes have to take care of dirty people, sometimes daycare providers get dirty kids brought to them. We were told that we could give them a sponge bath (arms, legs, feet, hands, face), but not a full bath, and we were NOT to confront the parents about it. If their clothes were dirty, then we could put them in the child's spare clothes (all parents were required to provide a spare outfit). We were forbidden from laundering the child's clothes.
Fully bathing a child, laundering their clothes, or suggesting to the parents that the child's hygiene was sub-par were all considered "provider over-steps" by the agency.
nannyde 01:53 PM 06-16-2014
Originally Posted by debbiedoeszip:
I used to work through a home daycare agency and this very topic came up at a provider meeting. The answer to how do you ask (them to bring them clean) was basically that you don't ask them.
Just like nurses sometimes have to take care of dirty people, sometimes daycare providers get dirty kids brought to them. We were told that we could give them a sponge bath (arms, legs, feet, hands, face), but not a full bath, and we were NOT to confront the parents about it. If their clothes were dirty, then we could put them in the child's spare clothes (all parents were required to provide a spare outfit). We were forbidden from laundering the child's clothes.
Fully bathing a child, laundering their clothes, or suggesting to the parents that the child's hygiene was sub-par were all considered "provider over-steps" by the agency.
Oh bull roar. I used to work through a home daycare agency and this very topic came up at a provider meeting. The answer to how do you ask (them to bring them clean) was basically that you don't ask them.
Just like nurses sometimes have to take care of dirty people, sometimes daycare providers get dirty kids brought to them. We were told that we could give them a sponge bath (arms, legs, feet, hands, face), but not a full bath, and we were NOT to confront the parents about it. If their clothes were dirty, then we could put them in the child's spare clothes (all parents were required to provide a spare outfit). We were forbidden from laundering the child's clothes.
Fully bathing a child, laundering their clothes, or suggesting to the parents that the child's hygiene was sub-par were all considered "provider over-steps" by the agency.
What about what I want? I have a right to decide if I want dirty kids in my home and using my equipment. I also have a right to not have to smell body odor.
Why are the parents feelings more important than mine?
I don't want to touch dirty kids clothes or bodies. I don't want to smell body odor. I don't want to inhale a putrid diaper area smell. I don't want filthy feet on my floor. I don't want to dress kids in their spare clothes.
Parents who send their kids dirty are lazy. They can't come to my house if they can't do something SO simple as bathe and dress their kids in clean laundered clothes. Any fool can do a bath and laundry.
I'm not going to be exposed to that for a nine hour day.
debbiedoeszip 03:17 PM 06-16-2014
*shrug* It's your business to run as you wish, and I wish you all the best. Not everyone can afford to potentially push clients away. The guidelines I described would be the guidelines enforced in a daycare center and home daycares run through agencies (in Canada, at least). I suppose that a home daycare provider, operating independently, can do what they like (offend who they like?).
I'd prefer to just wipe down the kids (legs, feet, arms, hands, face), and change them into their extra clothes, when necessary rather than cause an unnecessary rift with the child's parents. But that's just me...
I'd prefer to just wipe down the kids (legs, feet, arms, hands, face), and change them into their extra clothes, when necessary rather than cause an unnecessary rift with the child's parents. But that's just me...
nannyde 05:01 PM 06-16-2014
Originally Posted by debbiedoeszip:
*shrug* It's your business to run as you wish, and I wish you all the best. Not everyone can afford to potentially push clients away. The guidelines I described would be the guidelines enforced in a daycare center and home daycares run through agencies (in Canada, at least). I suppose that a home daycare provider, operating independently, can do what they like (offend who they like?).
I'd prefer to just wipe down the kids (legs, feet, arms, hands, face), and change them into their extra clothes, when necessary rather than cause an unnecessary rift with the child's parents. But that's just me...
Oh deb I wasn't meaning to come onto YOU strongly. I actually feel badly that you guys are being trained to tolerate this without any concern of what you want and your comfort. *shrug* It's your business to run as you wish, and I wish you all the best. Not everyone can afford to potentially push clients away. The guidelines I described would be the guidelines enforced in a daycare center and home daycares run through agencies (in Canada, at least). I suppose that a home daycare provider, operating independently, can do what they like (offend who they like?).
I'd prefer to just wipe down the kids (legs, feet, arms, hands, face), and change them into their extra clothes, when necessary rather than cause an unnecessary rift with the child's parents. But that's just me...
I want to be happy in my job. I don't have to offend a parent to tell them what I want. I would tell the parent that every day their kid needs to come "perfectly clean from head to toe".
It would be that simple. No meanness in my voice... no consternation. I would just be very frank and say that if I am going to care for them they have to come clean. I promise to send them home that way too.
MrsSteinel'sHouse 05:06 PM 06-16-2014
Originally Posted by nannyde:
I promise to send them home that way too.
I promise to send them home that way too.
That made me spit ice tea!! Mine rarely go home clean!! Usually dirt in the hair. Sunscreen, sweat, dirt, paint etc on them. Ready to be bathed for another day!They come clean, play hard, go home dirty... unless mom and dad inform me before the day that they need to be neat at pick up and then I do my best and will change them right before pick up.
Usually we play outside for at least the last hour of the day. I clean them up before meals, nap etc
Leanna 05:13 PM 06-16-2014
Originally Posted by MrsSteinel'sHouse:
That made me spit ice tea!! Mine rarely go home clean!! Usually dirt in the hair. Sunscreen, sweat, dirt, paint etc on them. Ready to be bathed for another day!
They come clean, play hard, go home dirty... unless mom and dad inform me before the day that they need to be neat at pick up and then I do my best and will change them right before pick up.
Usually we play outside for at least the last hour of the day. I clean them up before meals, nap etc
Ditto! We usually play outside at the end of the day too. Mine are sandy, sticky from bubbles, sunscreen, and sweat, usually at least a few have sidewalk chalk, paint and/or markers on them. I will wash hands and faces, change clothes and diapers, and do hair before they go home, but they all definitely need a bath! That made me spit ice tea!! Mine rarely go home clean!! Usually dirt in the hair. Sunscreen, sweat, dirt, paint etc on them. Ready to be bathed for another day!They come clean, play hard, go home dirty... unless mom and dad inform me before the day that they need to be neat at pick up and then I do my best and will change them right before pick up.
Usually we play outside for at least the last hour of the day. I clean them up before meals, nap etc
lynne 08:58 PM 06-16-2014
but that isn't dirty stinky bums and vagina's, thats the problem I'm dealing with. Dirty clothes and no changes. both kids have rashes on the inner thighs because of this. what do I do?
Leanna 11:03 PM 06-16-2014
Originally Posted by lynne:
but that isn't dirty stinky bums and vagina's, thats the problem I'm dealing with. Dirty clothes and no changes. both kids have rashes on the inner thighs because of this. what do I do?
Bathe the 4 yo and teach the 6 yo to shower. Wash their clothes. Maybe mom will take the hint if you say, "It looks like they missed their baths last night. They were so uncomfortable I went ahead and let them shower!" but that isn't dirty stinky bums and vagina's, thats the problem I'm dealing with. Dirty clothes and no changes. both kids have rashes on the inner thighs because of this. what do I do?
If it happens a second time you could say, "DCM, I noticed the kids missed their baths again. It is not acceptable for them to come to daycare unwashed. Can I help you figure out an evening routine that makes it easier to fit their baths in?"
If it persists, it is neglect. I DO NOT take calling CPS lightly. However, being so dirty it is"nasty" is just uncalled for and is pure laziness on the parents part. Even if you are poor you have running water. DCM could wash out undies in the tub and let them dry. You could continue to provide this service or demand that mom does.
Laurel 02:14 AM 06-17-2014
Originally Posted by melilley:
I have one dcb (22 mo) whom I have mentioned in a post before, that always comes in dirty. It's usually his face and sometimes hands because dcp's let him eat in the car on the way here! Bananas, bread, raisins, etc... and once a Jolly Rancher! I usually take him and wash his hands and face upon arrival, not a big deal.
Well last week dcm drops off (later than usual) and tells me she's sorry he's so dirty, that Dcd was supposed to give dcb a bath the night before, but didn't and when dcm got home, she didn't feel like doing it either. At first I didn't notice him being that dirty, except for his usual dirty face, but when I went to change him, his legs and feet were filthy! This child walks and plays around on the floor that two babies roll and crawl around on and sits on my furniture. I stood him in the bathroom sink and washed his legs and feet.
Then today dcb's face was a little dirty, but when I took his shoes off, his feet were FILTHY! It took two wipes to clean them. His family went camping this past weekend so I think they either came home this morning or late last night so I think he didn't get a bath. Now, I understand that children's feet are going to get dirty, but just arriving with black feet and marker on them is just gross to me.
How would you tactfully mention that his feet and/or body need to be clean? I have babies that crawl and roll on the floor. I know that many of you have a policy on being ready for the day, but I don't want to embarrass the family. It's just the way they are and laugh about it sometimes. And I really don't mind if children get dirty, in fact I like it, but when you just get here, my job shouldn't include washing off legs and feet right?. I mean, if they get dirty during outside time, fine, I don't mind cleaning them up, but washing dirty feet, legs, faces, whatever, when they arrive, while trying to serve breakfast and feed babies is a little much. He is the only one that arrives this dirty.
You are just going to have to nicely tell them. When they mention something about not having time for a bath or not feel like doing it you need to softly say something like "I can't have them coming like this, okay? You need to bring them clean." Then smile gently. It will feel a bit awkward but it has to be done. You'll feel much better once you get it out of the way. Less stress for you dealing with it every day.I have one dcb (22 mo) whom I have mentioned in a post before, that always comes in dirty. It's usually his face and sometimes hands because dcp's let him eat in the car on the way here! Bananas, bread, raisins, etc... and once a Jolly Rancher! I usually take him and wash his hands and face upon arrival, not a big deal.
Well last week dcm drops off (later than usual) and tells me she's sorry he's so dirty, that Dcd was supposed to give dcb a bath the night before, but didn't and when dcm got home, she didn't feel like doing it either.
At first I didn't notice him being that dirty, except for his usual dirty face, but when I went to change him, his legs and feet were filthy! This child walks and plays around on the floor that two babies roll and crawl around on and sits on my furniture. I stood him in the bathroom sink and washed his legs and feet.Then today dcb's face was a little dirty, but when I took his shoes off, his feet were FILTHY! It took two wipes to clean them. His family went camping this past weekend so I think they either came home this morning or late last night so I think he didn't get a bath. Now, I understand that children's feet are going to get dirty, but just arriving with black feet and marker on them is just gross to me.
How would you tactfully mention that his feet and/or body need to be clean? I have babies that crawl and roll on the floor. I know that many of you have a policy on being ready for the day, but I don't want to embarrass the family. It's just the way they are and laugh about it sometimes. And I really don't mind if children get dirty, in fact I like it, but when you just get here, my job shouldn't include washing off legs and feet right?. I mean, if they get dirty during outside time, fine, I don't mind cleaning them up, but washing dirty feet, legs, faces, whatever, when they arrive, while trying to serve breakfast and feed babies is a little much. He is the only one that arrives this dirty.
Laurel
melilley 04:45 AM 06-17-2014
Originally Posted by Laurel:
You are just going to have to nicely tell them. When they mention something about not having time for a bath or not feel like doing it you need to softly say something like "I can't have them coming like this, okay? You need to bring them clean." Then smile gently. It will feel a bit awkward but it has to be done. You'll feel much better once you get it out of the way. Less stress for you dealing with it every day.
Laurel
You are just going to have to nicely tell them. When they mention something about not having time for a bath or not feel like doing it you need to softly say something like "I can't have them coming like this, okay? You need to bring them clean." Then smile gently. It will feel a bit awkward but it has to be done. You'll feel much better once you get it out of the way. Less stress for you dealing with it every day.
Laurel
This is what I'm going to do and it sounds the way I would say it..lol Thanks! I think it's going to be as embarrassing for me as for them, well maybe them.
permanentvacation 05:06 AM 06-17-2014
I used to start out with something like, "Oh my, what did you do, go play in the mud at 7am!?!" "Good grief, it's only 7 in the morning, and you're already covered in dirt!" Yes, I would say that in a joking manner to the child with the parent right there, then look straight at the parent and say something about the child must have been outside playing early. If they were wearing the same clothes as the day before, I would say to the 'Didn't you wear that same thing yesterday?' Then I would look at the parents and say ' what, did he sleep in the clothes last night?' If they come in with food on their face from breakfast, I say something to the child about wearing his breakfast and glance to the parent and tell them that they need to get diaper wipes for their car so they can wash the McDonald's off their child's face before bringing them in to daycare. It typically only took a time or two of me saying this to the child and parent before they realized that I would call them out on it. If they didn't catch on, I would then just bold face tell the parent that they have to clean their child each night and properly get them ready for the day each morning.
I actually added the need to bathe your child, brush their teeth, brush their hair, have a clean diaper on for the morning (if applies), and be wearing clean clothes in my contract/handbook.
As the years has gone by, my contract has gone from one front page to a 12 page handbook!
I actually added the need to bathe your child, brush their teeth, brush their hair, have a clean diaper on for the morning (if applies), and be wearing clean clothes in my contract/handbook.
As the years has gone by, my contract has gone from one front page to a 12 page handbook!
MrsSteinel'sHouse 05:19 AM 06-17-2014
I agree that something must be said. I would probably say something along the lines of I have noticed that they have been having little bumps on their thighs, during the summer they really need a nightly bath so that we are cleaning all of the gunk off them. Regulations prevent me from bathing them so I really do need them to come clean in the morning. And the plus for you is that freshly bathed kids slid into clean sheets tend to sleep really well!!
Play Care 05:32 AM 06-17-2014
Originally Posted by MrsSteinel'sHouse:
I agree that something must be said. I would probably say something along the lines of I have noticed that they have been having little bumps on their thighs, during the summer they really need a nightly bath so that we are cleaning all of the gunk off them. Regulations prevent me from bathing them so I really do need them to come clean in the morning. And the plus for you is that freshly bathed kids slid into clean sheets tend to sleep really well!!
I agree that something must be said. I would probably say something along the lines of I have noticed that they have been having little bumps on their thighs, during the summer they really need a nightly bath so that we are cleaning all of the gunk off them. Regulations prevent me from bathing them so I really do need them to come clean in the morning. And the plus for you is that freshly bathed kids slid into clean sheets tend to sleep really well!!
sarah's butterflies 02:15 PM 08-22-2014
once I had a boy in my class that the mom will be the first one to get to the center and would say "sorry but my son pooped in the car on the way here" I let that pass but then she will come many times with the same excuse that he pooped in the car..I didn't believe it anymore and told her "his diaper bag is here you can change him in the bathroom". and she did. with This mom I had a good relationship and her son loved me and so did I, but I couldn't let her treat me as if I was a babysitter. The mom will stay at the center for about 10min so she didn't have to go to work until later on in the day. I was so stressed out because I was getting all the lesson plan ready for the day and more children coming in. I would never send my child dirty to school, theres no excuse for that. Accidents happened so when they do show your childs teacher that you care by you the parent cleaning your child. is like picking up your child dirty from school(dirty face,dirty diaper,dirty fingers)I always make sure that all my students go home clean and I expect the same from the parents.
daycarediva 02:42 PM 08-22-2014
Originally Posted by MrsSteinel'sHouse:
That made me spit ice tea!! Mine rarely go home clean!! Usually dirt in the hair. Sunscreen, sweat, dirt, paint etc on them. Ready to be bathed for another day!
They come clean, play hard, go home dirty... unless mom and dad inform me before the day that they need to be neat at pick up and then I do my best and will change them right before pick up.
Usually we play outside for at least the last hour of the day. I clean them up before meals, nap etc
That made me spit ice tea!! Mine rarely go home clean!! Usually dirt in the hair. Sunscreen, sweat, dirt, paint etc on them. Ready to be bathed for another day!They come clean, play hard, go home dirty... unless mom and dad inform me before the day that they need to be neat at pick up and then I do my best and will change them right before pick up.
Usually we play outside for at least the last hour of the day. I clean them up before meals, nap etc
same here! Originally Posted by permanentvacation:
I used to start out with something like, "Oh my, what did you do, go play in the mud at 7am!?!" "Good grief, it's only 7 in the morning, and you're already covered in dirt!" Yes, I would say that in a joking manner to the child with the parent right there, then look straight at the parent and say something about the child must have been outside playing early. If they were wearing the same clothes as the day before, I would say to the 'Didn't you wear that same thing yesterday?' Then I would look at the parents and say ' what, did he sleep in the clothes last night?' If they come in with food on their face from breakfast, I say something to the child about wearing his breakfast and glance to the parent and tell them that they need to get diaper wipes for their car so they can wash the McDonald's off their child's face before bringing them in to daycare. It typically only took a time or two of me saying this to the child and parent before they realized that I would call them out on it. If they didn't catch on, I would then just bold face tell the parent that they have to clean their child each night and properly get them ready for the day each morning.
I actually added the need to bathe your child, brush their teeth, brush their hair, have a clean diaper on for the morning (if applies), and be wearing clean clothes in my contract/handbook.
As the years has gone by, my contract has gone from one front page to a 12 page handbook!
I used to start out with something like, "Oh my, what did you do, go play in the mud at 7am!?!" "Good grief, it's only 7 in the morning, and you're already covered in dirt!" Yes, I would say that in a joking manner to the child with the parent right there, then look straight at the parent and say something about the child must have been outside playing early. If they were wearing the same clothes as the day before, I would say to the 'Didn't you wear that same thing yesterday?' Then I would look at the parents and say ' what, did he sleep in the clothes last night?' If they come in with food on their face from breakfast, I say something to the child about wearing his breakfast and glance to the parent and tell them that they need to get diaper wipes for their car so they can wash the McDonald's off their child's face before bringing them in to daycare. It typically only took a time or two of me saying this to the child and parent before they realized that I would call them out on it. If they didn't catch on, I would then just bold face tell the parent that they have to clean their child each night and properly get them ready for the day each morning.
I actually added the need to bathe your child, brush their teeth, brush their hair, have a clean diaper on for the morning (if applies), and be wearing clean clothes in my contract/handbook.
As the years has gone by, my contract has gone from one front page to a 12 page handbook!
Yup. I would definitely be saying something EVERY TIME. Handing the parent wipes or a wet washcloth and handing the child back, too.
I go over this on interview.... It's MY job to let your kid be a kid and get messy, it's YOUR job to wash them so we can do it again the next day.
I wipe them up and change clothes quickly before arrivals, and I wash and reuse their clothes as a courtesy.
KidGrind 04:51 PM 08-22-2014
Originally Posted by debbiedoeszip:
*shrug* It's your business to run as you wish, and I wish you all the best. Not everyone can afford to potentially push clients away. The guidelines I described would be the guidelines enforced in a daycare center and home daycares run through agencies (in Canada, at least). I suppose that a home daycare provider, operating independently, can do what they like (offend who they like?).
I'd prefer to just wipe down the kids (legs, feet, arms, hands, face), and change them into their extra clothes, when necessary rather than cause an unnecessary rift with the child's parents. But that's just me...
It is our business. I am more than okay with the way you run your business.*shrug* It's your business to run as you wish, and I wish you all the best. Not everyone can afford to potentially push clients away. The guidelines I described would be the guidelines enforced in a daycare center and home daycares run through agencies (in Canada, at least). I suppose that a home daycare provider, operating independently, can do what they like (offend who they like?).
I'd prefer to just wipe down the kids (legs, feet, arms, hands, face), and change them into their extra clothes, when necessary rather than cause an unnecessary rift with the child's parents. But that's just me...
I am not dealing with Pig Pen more than twice. Where I am from and how I was trained as a professional a constantly dirty child is considered child neglect. Once I called CPS and one of the first three questions:
Is the child bathe daily?
melilley 10:58 AM 08-25-2014
Originally Posted by daycarediva:
same here!
Yup. I would definitely be saying something EVERY TIME. Handing the parent wipes or a wet washcloth and handing the child back, too.
I go over this on interview.... It's MY job to let your kid be a kid and get messy, it's YOUR job to wash them so we can do it again the next day.
I wipe them up and change clothes quickly before arrivals, and I wash and reuse their clothes as a courtesy.
I need to do this! I make sure he is clean at p/u so he should be clean at drop off. same here! Yup. I would definitely be saying something EVERY TIME. Handing the parent wipes or a wet washcloth and handing the child back, too.
I go over this on interview.... It's MY job to let your kid be a kid and get messy, it's YOUR job to wash them so we can do it again the next day.
I wipe them up and change clothes quickly before arrivals, and I wash and reuse their clothes as a courtesy.
Today, dcm walks is and says "oh L. you have a runny nose again" then proceeds to pick his nose and wipe it on his shirt. YUCK!
I should have said something, but didn't. My mouth was wide open, but nothing came out.
I NEED TO DEVELOP A STRONGER BACKBONE!
It's been a while since I wrote the original post and I said that I was going to say something, but haven't yet. This is the part of me I wish I could change!
permanentvacation 12:04 PM 08-25-2014
A couple of years ago I put a section in my handbook titled Children Must Arrive to Daycare Clean and Properly Dressed for the Day. Then I went on to describe a clean and properly dressed child. I stated things such as being recently bathed, teeth brushed, hair brushed, clean diaper/pull-ups on, dressed fully in proper clean day wear, etc.
I did that after I got tired of dirty, stinky children wearing dirty, stinky clothes telling me they didn't brush their teeth or hair that morning. I have had a handful of children who I have washed off and washed their clothes on a regular basis the first thing in the morning. I finally got tired of being their mother and daycare provider and finally demanded that the parents do their job of at least cleaning their child!
So I put that paragraph in the handbook. I require that the parents read over the handbook during the interview so they can ask any questions and make any comments they need to. That way, I know they have read that paragraph. If I feel the need, I bring that paragraph up verbally and make mention about some of my previous unclean kids. Since then, all of my kids have arrived clean with clean clothes and diapers/pull-ups.
I did that after I got tired of dirty, stinky children wearing dirty, stinky clothes telling me they didn't brush their teeth or hair that morning. I have had a handful of children who I have washed off and washed their clothes on a regular basis the first thing in the morning. I finally got tired of being their mother and daycare provider and finally demanded that the parents do their job of at least cleaning their child!
So I put that paragraph in the handbook. I require that the parents read over the handbook during the interview so they can ask any questions and make any comments they need to. That way, I know they have read that paragraph. If I feel the need, I bring that paragraph up verbally and make mention about some of my previous unclean kids. Since then, all of my kids have arrived clean with clean clothes and diapers/pull-ups.
melilley 12:18 PM 08-25-2014
Originally Posted by permanentvacation:
A couple of years ago I put a section in my handbook titled Children Must Arrive to Daycare Clean and Properly Dressed for the Day. Then I went on to describe a clean and properly dressed child. I stated things such as being recently bathed, teeth brushed, hair brushed, clean diaper/pull-ups on, dressed fully in proper clean day wear, etc.
I did that after I got tired of dirty, stinky children wearing dirty, stinky clothes telling me they didn't brush their teeth or hair that morning. I have had a handful of children who I have washed off and washed their clothes on a regular basis the first thing in the morning. I finally got tired of being their mother and daycare provider and finally demanded that the parents do their job of at least cleaning their child!
So I put that paragraph in the handbook. I require that the parents read over the handbook during the interview so they can ask any questions and make any comments they need to. That way, I know they have read that paragraph. If I feel the need, I bring that paragraph up verbally and make mention about some of my previous unclean kids. Since then, all of my kids have arrived clean with clean clothes and diapers/pull-ups.
I have a policy in my handbook about that too, I just need to enforce it. I'm super bad about enforcing things, especially things that may embarrass a dcp. This family lives in the semi-country and are always getting dirty so it's always funny to them, it's like it's normal. The other day dcm said she "pushed the kids out the door to leave and had to go back in to get something and by the time she came out, they were covered in dirt" and laughed. Dcb was filthy. I had to wash him up so that it wouldn't get all over my newer carpet. A couple of years ago I put a section in my handbook titled Children Must Arrive to Daycare Clean and Properly Dressed for the Day. Then I went on to describe a clean and properly dressed child. I stated things such as being recently bathed, teeth brushed, hair brushed, clean diaper/pull-ups on, dressed fully in proper clean day wear, etc.
I did that after I got tired of dirty, stinky children wearing dirty, stinky clothes telling me they didn't brush their teeth or hair that morning. I have had a handful of children who I have washed off and washed their clothes on a regular basis the first thing in the morning. I finally got tired of being their mother and daycare provider and finally demanded that the parents do their job of at least cleaning their child!
So I put that paragraph in the handbook. I require that the parents read over the handbook during the interview so they can ask any questions and make any comments they need to. That way, I know they have read that paragraph. If I feel the need, I bring that paragraph up verbally and make mention about some of my previous unclean kids. Since then, all of my kids have arrived clean with clean clothes and diapers/pull-ups.
I have the kids bring a toothbrush so we can brush our teeth after nap and she was like "oh thanks, I sometimes forget to brush their teeth".
They just think it's normal. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind a dirty child, but he's coming in almost every day dirty and I have to clean him up. I know it's my fault for letting it happen, I really should say something, I just feel embarrassed having to bring it up.
Thriftylady 04:10 PM 08-25-2014
Not to hijack but a question. For those of you have have the kids bring tooth brushes and do teeth brushing, how do you store them? I don't want them all in a toothbrush cup passing germs around. I would love to do the brushing after lunch just trying to figure it out.
melilley 11:01 AM 08-26-2014
Originally Posted by Thriftylady:
Not to hijack but a question. For those of you have have the kids bring tooth brushes and do teeth brushing, how do you store them? I don't want them all in a toothbrush cup passing germs around. I would love to do the brushing after lunch just trying to figure it out.
I just put them in a toothbrush cup that has holes for each brush. Not to hijack but a question. For those of you have have the kids bring tooth brushes and do teeth brushing, how do you store them? I don't want them all in a toothbrush cup passing germs around. I would love to do the brushing after lunch just trying to figure it out.
Another provider said that she has the holders that you put on the door on the inside of a medicine cabinet. I like this idea, but I don't have a medicine cabinet.