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daycarediva 12:26 PM 05-06-2013
Dcm doesn't work, wants FT care, to train for triathalons/marathons/ironman events.

I seriously thought it was a crank call at first. They are coming to interview tonight. Dcm has a 2yo boy, she doesn't work, but needs a 'free schedule' to train. She said on the phone she competes in atleast one event per month, and it often involves traveling.

Last I knew (I have done tough mudder, zombie 5k, dirty girl 5k, and a half marathon) you didn't get reimbursed for these things, and they cost quite a bit out of pocket, not including travel expenses.

I am reluctant to sign on a FT kid, 50 hours a week, with what is essentially a SAHM with 'better things to do'. Also, what happens when they realize they don't need FT care?

WWYD?
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Blackcat31 12:30 PM 05-06-2013
Had a family just like this. They competed in lots of competitions and were paid WELL for placing high and/or winning.

They did train ALOT!

Of course, my family also competed in the Olympics but the other training they did was for competitions through out the rest of the year.
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LaLa1923 12:31 PM 05-06-2013
Originally Posted by daycarediva:
Dcm doesn't work, wants FT care, to train for triathalons/marathons/ironman events.

I seriously thought it was a crank call at first. They are coming to interview tonight. Dcm has a 2yo boy, she doesn't work, but needs a 'free schedule' to train. She said on the phone she competes in atleast one event per month, and it often involves traveling.

Last I knew (I have done tough mudder, zombie 5k, dirty girl 5k, and a half marathon) you didn't get reimbursed for these things, and they cost quite a bit out of pocket, not including travel expenses.

I am reluctant to sign on a FT kid, 50 hours a week, with what is essentially a SAHM with 'better things to do'. Also, what happens when they realize they don't need FT care?

WWYD?
That does sound quite ridiculous. How did you come to 50 hrs? Are your rates based on contracted hours??


If I needed the money I would take them.
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daycarediva 12:33 PM 05-06-2013
She is not olympic level, she is older (38) and we chatted for a while, we seem to be into the same things fitness-wise. She seemed very nice, I am more concerned with the long term stability of a client that doesn't essentially NEED daycare, if that makes sense. All of my clients are single parents are dual working families. Only one contracted for 4 days and only works 3 days and she just requested to remove that day since they don't 'need' it.
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daycarediva 12:35 PM 05-06-2013
Originally Posted by LaLa1923:
That does sound quite ridiculous. How did you come to 50 hrs? Are your rates based on contracted hours??


If I needed the money I would take them.
I do contracted hours, UP TO 10 hours a day. She instantly said 10. dcb would be here from 8-6 M-F.

I don't need the money, but it is the first call I have gotten that needs/wants FT care for my upcoming opening in late June. I have two on my waiting list interested, both are PT and the same schedule.
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Blackcat31 12:44 PM 05-06-2013
Originally Posted by daycarediva:
She is not olympic level, she is older (38) and we chatted for a while, we seem to be into the same things fitness-wise. She seemed very nice, I am more concerned with the long term stability of a client that doesn't essentially NEED daycare, if that makes sense. All of my clients are single parents are dual working families. Only one contracted for 4 days and only works 3 days and she just requested to remove that day since they don't 'need' it.
Makes perfect sense, but in reality ANY family could be short term or long term....ya just never know.....things change in life so quickly that I wouldn't count on anyone being long or short term....just follow my policies and it's all good.
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JoseyJo 12:48 PM 05-06-2013
We have one family with a mom who doesn't work. She is one of our best dcps! Pays on time, great xmas bonus (a month's pay, can you believe it!), doesn't ever complain, p/u and drop off always on time. DCG is a gem, follows directions, loves art and learning, quiet, polite and kind.

When she started she said it would be a temp placement 6 months to 1 year. But I think it will probably be more perm., they have the money and dcg loves it here, gained weight (she was a failure to thrive), and quickly caught up on some milestones, and has significantly better behavior at home since starting.

Go with your gut, if you think it will be a good fit then it may be worth it even if it isn't a long term placement.
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EntropyControlSpecialist 01:36 PM 05-06-2013
I've had (and currently have) some interesting situations with what are stay-at-home-moms who do not stay at home with any or some of their children.
All have been reliable income for me. In fact, they've been more reliable and better at following my policies than my dual income clients. I've had working families come and go for various reasons, but the clients who are stay-at-home-moms have remained. 4/5 of the children who attend here that have stay-at-home-moms are extremely well behaved children for me. Only 1/5 gives me a run for my money.
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Willow 01:45 PM 05-06-2013
That scenario would not fly for me, I wouldn't care how good the money and bonuses were or how reliable they were. I wouldn't even have agreed to interview them.

That said, it depends on your personal feelings OP. Everyone operates in a way that best suits them.

Do what's right for you
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AmyKidsCo 01:51 PM 05-06-2013
I figure that if they want to pay for care and stay home that's their business. (I know not everyone agrees, but that's my philosophy - you're entitled to your own.)

You can't make your decision based on what a family might or might not do in the future - any of our parents could be fired tomorrow or decide to quit and stay at home, or whatever. All you can do is make a decision based on today.
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daycarediva 02:01 PM 05-06-2013
I am going to interview and see how it goes. I never make a decision at interview (or tell them that, anyway).


Yes, BC and everyone else you are absolutely right that even my working families aren't actually 'reliable' income. I don't know why I didn't think of if like that- duh.
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Happy Hearts 02:03 PM 05-06-2013
I don't care, either, about whether the parent/s are working or not. As long as they can be reached by phone and pay me on time, I'm ok with whatever they're doing.

I am not the parent police. Unless they're doing something illegal or child endangerment, who am I to say how they parent (or not parent) their kids?
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Cradle2crayons 02:20 PM 05-06-2013
Originally Posted by Happy Hearts:
I don't care, either, about whether the parent/s are working or not. As long as they can be reached by phone and pay me on time, I'm ok with whatever they're doing.

I am not the parent police. Unless they're doing something illegal or child endangerment, who am I to say how they parent (or not parent) their kids?

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RosieMommy 09:25 PM 05-06-2013
Originally Posted by daycarediva:
Dcm doesn't work, wants FT care, to train for triathalons/marathons/ironman events.

I seriously thought it was a crank call at first. They are coming to interview tonight. Dcm has a 2yo boy, she doesn't work, but needs a 'free schedule' to train. She said on the phone she competes in atleast one event per month, and it often involves traveling.

Last I knew (I have done tough mudder, zombie 5k, dirty girl 5k, and a half marathon) you didn't get reimbursed for these things, and they cost quite a bit out of pocket, not including travel expenses.

I am reluctant to sign on a FT kid, 50 hours a week, with what is essentially a SAHM with 'better things to do'. Also, what happens when they realize they don't need FT care?

WWYD?
Parent here but I have my own business so I will say this: sometimes you can't choose your clients. I'd make it a business decision.
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canadiancare 05:53 AM 05-07-2013
I wouldn't have a problem with it. She is considering her exercise a career. If she has the financial flexibility to do so, then more power to her.

Regular hours, full-time child = full-time income.

If you like her and she is willing to follow your contract then I say go for it.

One of my moms doesn't work Fridays but she drops her child her at his normal time (doesn't deviate from routine) does her house work, takes a run, does the groceries and picks him up at his regular time. It doesn't affect me at all.
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countrymom 06:18 AM 05-07-2013
I don't care what the parents do, my concern is that she wants to keep him in care for 10 hours a day everyday. Thats alot for a kid
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itlw8 06:28 AM 05-07-2013
If they can afford for her to train it is not our business. If a parent can be reached in an emergency then fine.

I provide a quality preschool/childcare program. If I tell parents the value of my preschool program it is still valuable if the parent is training not working a traditional job.
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daycarediva 06:49 AM 05-07-2013
Update: interview went really, really well. We got along fantastic and were on the same page with discipline, parenting philosophy and her expectations of me/group care were on par with what I provide.

I did voice my concerns about 50 hours a week, especially since dcb has NEVER been in daycare before.

The reason for 50 hours is because of her training schedule and her gym is about 30 minutes away, the local gym doesn't have a trainer who offers what she needs. She finishes up at 5, showers and then comes to pick up. 2-3 days per week, she will be able to pick up by 5/5:30 since she doesn't always do swim training. If I offer them the position, I will make sure that is enforced on their contract. The only other little guy I have here 50 hours a week has two commuter parents. Those are some LOOONNNG days for a little dude.

Previously his grandmother watched him and two of his cousins FT, but she is moving out of state. (She was bummed I wouldn't have room for 2 more FT kids/keep him with his cousins). I will most likely sign him on. Other than having no set routine/structure my concerns about him are minimal. He is almost 3, not potty trained/even close, loves outside time, and was comfortable enough with me within 30 minutes to sit in my lap and chat.
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KnoxMom 06:52 AM 05-07-2013
I would consider taking them on if I thought it was a good fit. Professional Fitness can be considered a career like any other athlete that gets paid for a sport. They can't win/receive pay without training so it comes with the package. I would focus more on whether or not she has reliable income, a similar parenting style and a good probability that the relationship will work. Even if she didn't work at all, she might also decide that it is best for her son to be with his peers and get used to being in a group setting prior to pre-k/kindy. Ion't rule out the possibility. Your gut will tell you once you interview :-)
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KnoxMom 06:53 AM 05-07-2013
I missed you post while I was typing my response, but I'm glad you went in with an open mind. I hope everything works out for you!
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RosieMommy 06:54 AM 05-07-2013
Originally Posted by itlw8:
If they can afford for her to train it is not our business. If a parent can be reached in an emergency then fine.

I provide a quality preschool/childcare program. If I tell parents the value of my preschool program it is still valuable if the parent is training not working a traditional job.
I agree. Daycare is valuable even when the parent stays at home. Also, I disagree with the notion of treating her training as her just having something better to do. She sounds like someone who takes her training very seriously (if she's training that much on a daily basis) and it is something that is obviously important to her. It just sounds like you're writing the training off because she doesn't have a traditional job and I don't think that's fair to the parent.

As for whether it will be long term, did you find out how she long she's been doing this? If she's been doing it awhile then they NEED the care because it's a serious endeavor. I understand being nervous since you don't usually have SAHMs essentially but the other two part-time placements could not pan out either especially in this economy.
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RosieMommy 06:57 AM 05-07-2013
Originally Posted by daycarediva:
Update: interview went really, really well. We got along fantastic and were on the same page with discipline, parenting philosophy and her expectations of me/group care were on par with what I provide.

I did voice my concerns about 50 hours a week, especially since dcb has NEVER been in daycare before.

The reason for 50 hours is because of her training schedule and her gym is about 30 minutes away, the local gym doesn't have a trainer who offers what she needs. She finishes up at 5, showers and then comes to pick up. 2-3 days per week, she will be able to pick up by 5/5:30 since she doesn't always do swim training. If I offer them the position, I will make sure that is enforced on their contract. The only other little guy I have here 50 hours a week has two commuter parents. Those are some LOOONNNG days for a little dude.

Previously his grandmother watched him and two of his cousins FT, but she is moving out of state. (She was bummed I wouldn't have room for 2 more FT kids/keep him with his cousins). I will most likely sign him on. Other than having no set routine/structure my concerns about him are minimal. He is almost 3, not potty trained/even close, loves outside time, and was comfortable enough with me within 30 minutes to sit in my lap and chat.
I didn't see this as I was typing. So the child hasn't been in a daycare setting but he's been cared for by family full time up until this point if I read correctly. She sounds pretty serious and I love that you two clicked which is soooo important. I hope this works out because it sounds like it could be a good opportunity for you.
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LaLa1923 07:04 AM 05-07-2013
Originally Posted by daycarediva:
Update: interview went really, really well. We got along fantastic and were on the same page with discipline, parenting philosophy and her expectations of me/group care were on par with what I provide.

I did voice my concerns about 50 hours a week, especially since dcb has NEVER been in daycare before.

The reason for 50 hours is because of her training schedule and her gym is about 30 minutes away, the local gym doesn't have a trainer who offers what she needs. She finishes up at 5, showers and then comes to pick up. 2-3 days per week, she will be able to pick up by 5/5:30 since she doesn't always do swim training. If I offer them the position, I will make sure that is enforced on their contract. The only other little guy I have here 50 hours a week has two commuter parents. Those are some LOOONNNG days for a little dude.

Previously his grandmother watched him and two of his cousins FT, but she is moving out of state. (She was bummed I wouldn't have room for 2 more FT kids/keep him with his cousins). I will most likely sign him on. Other than having no set routine/structure my concerns about him are minimal. He is almost 3, not potty trained/even close, loves outside time, and was comfortable enough with me within 30 minutes to sit in my lap and chat.
yay! good for you!!
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canadiancare 07:14 AM 05-07-2013
BTW how does she look? I can barely find the energy for an hour of Zumba at the end of the day. Imagine if I could work out for 8 hours a day.
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Former Teacher 07:39 AM 05-07-2013
Originally Posted by daycarediva:
Update: interview went really, really well. We got along fantastic and were on the same page with discipline, parenting philosophy and her expectations of me/group care were on par with what I provide.

I did voice my concerns about 50 hours a week, especially since dcb has NEVER been in daycare before.

The reason for 50 hours is because of her training schedule and her gym is about 30 minutes away, the local gym doesn't have a trainer who offers what she needs. She finishes up at 5, showers and then comes to pick up. 2-3 days per week, she will be able to pick up by 5/5:30 since she doesn't always do swim training. If I offer them the position, I will make sure that is enforced on their contract. The only other little guy I have here 50 hours a week has two commuter parents. Those are some LOOONNNG days for a little dude.

Previously his grandmother watched him and two of his cousins FT, but she is moving out of state. (She was bummed I wouldn't have room for 2 more FT kids/keep him with his cousins). I will most likely sign him on. Other than having no set routine/structure my concerns about him are minimal. He is almost 3, not potty trained/even close, loves outside time, and was comfortable enough with me within 30 minutes to sit in my lap and chat.
Awesome!
Originally Posted by canadiancare:
BTW how does she look? I can barely find the energy for an hour of Zumba at the end of the day. Imagine if I could work out for 8 hours a day.
Thanks for the laugh!
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daycarediva 08:13 AM 05-07-2013
She looks amazing! Lots of cardio, she is tiny tiny. LOL!!

I love to train & if I were in the position financially I would love to devote hours to it a day.

She has no endorsements & gets no funding. She says it's important to her to do what she
loves & what makes her happy. If dcb is sick, I am to call dcd since she is typically unreachable.
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EntropyControlSpecialist 12:31 PM 05-07-2013
I find her parenting to be interesting, but she sounds like she may be a great client.
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DaisyMamma 04:13 AM 05-08-2013
Originally Posted by Blackcat31:
Makes perfect sense, but in reality ANY family could be short term or long term....ya just never know.....things change in life so quickly that I wouldn't count on anyone being long or short term....just follow my policies and it's all good.
That's true. This woman sounds like she Is in this for the long haul though.
I have a SAHM who brings a kid PT and a WAHD who brings a kid PT and they are the best clients.


Originally Posted by daycarediva:
She looks amazing! Lots of cardio, she is tiny tiny. LOL!!

I love to train & if I were in the position financially I would love to devote hours to it a day.

She has no endorsements & gets no funding. She says it's important to her to do what she
loves & what makes her happy. If dcb is sick, I am to call dcd since she is typically unreachable.
It sounds like a good fit! Just curious, what does dad do for a living???
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daycarediva 05:18 AM 05-08-2013
Originally Posted by DaisyMamma:
That's true. This woman sounds like she Is in this for the long haul though.
I have a SAHM who brings a kid PT and a WAHD who brings a kid PT and they are the best clients.




It sounds like a good fit! Just curious, what does dad do for a living???
Financial planner.
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mrsmartin2007 08:39 AM 09-17-2013
Originally Posted by canadiancare:
BTW how does she look? I can barely find the energy for an hour of Zumba at the end of the day. Imagine if I could work out for 8 hours a day.
LOL! I needed that laugh!!
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My3cents 09:54 AM 09-17-2013
Originally Posted by daycarediva:
I do contracted hours, UP TO 10 hours a day. She instantly said 10. dcb would be here from 8-6 M-F.

I don't need the money, but it is the first call I have gotten that needs/wants FT care for my upcoming opening in late June. I have two on my waiting list interested, both are PT and the same schedule.
I would want to know if she was training for ten hours a day and explain to her that is a long time to keep little in daycare if not needed. I would also explain to her that you have to be dependable upon an income and is this going to be a long term deal or a two week two month stunt? I feel the interview is not just them interviewing me but also me interviewing them to see if we are going to be a good fit for each other. I would also make it clear your not babysitting that your here for "training" not other stuff such as errand running and spa days etc.... you usually only take clients that work or go to school as it is important to you that when a child can be home with the parent that they should be with the parent and family. Good luck, curious to see how this pans out for you- Could be a great thing so long as your clear with parents from the start. Usually parents that have the money to stay home or play all day have nannies but not all. Just have to iron out the details.
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My3cents 09:55 AM 09-17-2013
Originally Posted by Blackcat31:
Makes perfect sense, but in reality ANY family could be short term or long term....ya just never know.....things change in life so quickly that I wouldn't count on anyone being long or short term....just follow my policies and it's all good.

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daycarediva 10:05 AM 09-17-2013
Originally Posted by My3cents:
I would want to know if she was training for ten hours a day and explain to her that is a long time to keep little in daycare if not needed. I would also explain to her that you have to be dependable upon an income and is this going to be a long term deal or a two week two month stunt? I feel the interview is not just them interviewing me but also me interviewing them to see if we are going to be a good fit for each other. I would also make it clear your not babysitting that your here for "training" not other stuff such as errand running and spa days etc.... you usually only take clients that work or go to school as it is important to you that when a child can be home with the parent that they should be with the parent and family. Good luck, curious to see how this pans out for you- Could be a great thing so long as your clear with parents from the start. Usually parents that have the money to stay home or play all day have nannies but not all. Just have to iron out the details.
This is an old thread, so I have an update:

They are still clients.

Mom still trains FT.

Dcb is a great kid, it was a rough transition (lots of screaming here and at home in the evenings) but after the first week it improved and by week 3 he was running in every morning and chatting all about his day at pickup.

Dcm on the other hand, I am less than impressed with. Not only does she train so much that dcb is in care 45-50 hours/week she goes away almost every other weekend to races or events and leaves dcb with relatives. (dcd goes along, too) She leaves dcb when she isn't training and is home for the full day.

She is also pretty high maintenance. I send home detailed daily take home sheets, newsletters, menus, etc and she wanted a daily email included so she could know about his day. I did that during his transition, but discontinued ('dcb seems to have adjusted fine now! He is a pleasure to have every day and I no longer see a reason for sending you a daily email. If that changes, we can reassess. Thank you for communicating and working together to make it as smooth as possible for dcb!' )

They pick up late 1-4x/month, and have even forgotten to pick up dcb twice. Seriously, both parents are home and 'didn't realize' dcb wasn't there. They do pay on time, money doesn't ever seem to be an issue.

Did I mention dcb is sweet and everyone adores him? He really is a great addition to the group!
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Willow 10:18 AM 09-17-2013
I'm so glad kiddo worked out, but completely self absorbed selfish parents like your above drive me INSANE.

I am glad there are providers more tolerant of patents like that because guaranteed that little boy needs and loves you in ways his "parents" will never truly understand or gain themselves.......


No joke, bless your heart.
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My3cents 10:43 AM 09-17-2013
Originally Posted by AmyKidsCo:
I figure that if they want to pay for care and stay home that's their business. (I know not everyone agrees, but that's my philosophy - you're entitled to your own.)

You can't make your decision based on what a family might or might not do in the future - any of our parents could be fired tomorrow or decide to quit and stay at home, or whatever. All you can do is make a decision based on today.
I want to know how and where to reach the parents at any given moment in case of an emergency. I don't want to try to track down a parent. My biggest reason. If a parent is well off financially or not well off but able to pay me and that is what they want for their child I have to weigh it out and decide if I want that for my daycare. I can't align myself with all like minded people or I would be missing out on a lot. A lot of growth for one and patience and understanding for others even if I don't want that for myself. I can pick and choose what I am ok with and what I am not ok with and what will work for me and what won't work for me. I love being my own boss!

Great parents know that they need time for themselves and what their needs are. Great parents can also give everyone of their needs to their families and be 24/7 parents. Great families come in all different situations.

I am not so narrow minded that it is one way or not at all- but I am also not so loose that all my brains are going to fall out either
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daycarediva 10:48 AM 09-17-2013
Originally Posted by Willow:
I'm so glad kiddo worked out, but completely self absorbed selfish parents like your above drive me INSANE.

I am glad there are providers more tolerant of patents like that because guaranteed that little boy needs and loves you in ways his "parents" will never truly understand or gain themselves.......


No joke, bless your heart.
I do just love him. He is a DOLL. He made me a picture last night and brought it in today, it was ALL purple (my favorite color).

I am getting more parents like this as the years go on. It upsets me greatly for the children, but I can't change them all.
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My3cents 10:49 AM 09-17-2013
It sounds like it is going to be a great win win situation for you.

Good luck-
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EntropyControlSpecialist 11:40 AM 09-17-2013
Originally Posted by daycarediva:
This is an old thread, so I have an update:

They are still clients.

Mom still trains FT.

Dcb is a great kid, it was a rough transition (lots of screaming here and at home in the evenings) but after the first week it improved and by week 3 he was running in every morning and chatting all about his day at pickup.

Dcm on the other hand, I am less than impressed with. Not only does she train so much that dcb is in care 45-50 hours/week she goes away almost every other weekend to races or events and leaves dcb with relatives. (dcd goes along, too) She leaves dcb when she isn't training and is home for the full day.

She is also pretty high maintenance. I send home detailed daily take home sheets, newsletters, menus, etc and she wanted a daily email included so she could know about his day. I did that during his transition, but discontinued ('dcb seems to have adjusted fine now! He is a pleasure to have every day and I no longer see a reason for sending you a daily email. If that changes, we can reassess. Thank you for communicating and working together to make it as smooth as possible for dcb!' )

They pick up late 1-4x/month, and have even forgotten to pick up dcb twice. Seriously, both parents are home and 'didn't realize' dcb wasn't there. They do pay on time, money doesn't ever seem to be an issue.

Did I mention dcb is sweet and everyone adores him? He really is a great addition to the group!
It kills me when parents do that. They wan all that information so they can play the role of being a great parent (maybe even playing that role to themselves so they don't feel guilty) without actually having to do any of the work.
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Hunni Bee 03:58 PM 09-17-2013
Originally Posted by EntropyControlSpecialist:
It kills me when parents do that. They wan all that information so they can play the role of being a great parent (maybe even playing that role to themselves so they don't feel guilty) without actually having to do any of the work.
I agree. It's gross. My sister is like that - she drops my nephew off at before-school daycare at 7 am, he goes to Head Start from 9-3, then back to afterschool daycare until they close at 6. Then she ships him off to my mothers house right after daycare on Friday until Sunday night. She does NOT even work full time.

Oh yeah, he's THREE.

I try not to be critical of parents like this...but now that I have my own and now the sacrifices I have had to make already and in the future, I feel even more critical
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MyAngels 06:20 PM 09-17-2013
Originally Posted by daycarediva:
This is an old thread, so I have an update:

They are still clients.

Mom still trains FT.

Dcb is a great kid, it was a rough transition (lots of screaming here and at home in the evenings) but after the first week it improved and by week 3 he was running in every morning and chatting all about his day at pickup.

Dcm on the other hand, I am less than impressed with. Not only does she train so much that dcb is in care 45-50 hours/week she goes away almost every other wķeekend to races or events and leaves dcb with relatives. (dcd goes along, too) She leaves dcb when she isn't training and is home for the full day.

She is also pretty high maintenance. I send home detailed daily take home sheets, newsletters, menus, etc and she wanted a daily email included so she could know about his day. I did that during his transition, but discontinued ('dcb seems to have adjusted fine now! He is a pleasure to have every day and I no longer see a reason for sending you a daily email. If that changes, we can reassess. Thank you for communicating and working together to make it as smooth as possible for dcb!' )

They pick up late 1-4x/month, and have even forgotten to pick up dcb twice. Seriously, both parents are home and 'didn't realize' dcb wasn't there. They do pay on time, money doesn't ever seem to be an issue.

Did I mention dcb is sweet and everyone adores him? He really is a great addition to the group!
I'm glad it's working out okay, but boy is that sad for the little guy. He deserves better from his parents.
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