I’m interested in hearing what others think about this family.

I’ve had them 9 months now. One DCG who recently turned 2.
The first few months were fine, no complaints. They pay on time and usually a month at a time (I only require weekly).
I adore DCG and Dad is great too.
Mom on the other hand, I’m getting increasingly annoyed with.

Over the last few months:
1. She tells me little white lies like: “DCD is working late and couldn’t make it here on time” (she’s 5 minutes late)- two minutes later she tells DCG that Dad’s waiting at home sick.
BTW, she paid that late fee in coins the next day. No biggie, but ? If they're ever late, Dad usually pays the late fee and it's in actual bills.
2. She pushed potty training on DCG the day she turned 2. She isn’t ready and I printed my policy, told her what I would need from her to start training (never dressed her appropriately for training and brought her in diapers) and gave her the ultimatum that either she can try potty training here according to my policies or wait until she is developmentally ready- because she is not showing the signs here (doesn't stay dry, no predictable BMs, can barely speak more than 2 words much less pull pants up/down). Mom swore up and down that she does it at home no problem. Two weeks later she let it slip that she puts DCG on the potty for 20 minutes at a time to have her “go” and she has to coerce her to stay there.
3. Mom gave me grief (basically a tantrum) for taking 1 week vacation last Spring. I told her it's 2 months away and there’s options out there for back up care. I was a bit dumbfounded at the time since that has never happened to me before. I should have just stared in disbelief at her and not offered any input! Live & learn.
4. Tells me a few weeks after the above that she’s in jeopardy of losing her job because of all the sick time DCG and she has had to take. BTW, mom stays home with a “migraine” once a week.
5. She’s snarky to the other DCKs. Not mean, but not nice.
6. She requires a special diet for DCG. Not medically necessary- but she’s one of those jump on the bandwagon gluten free types.
7. Two weeks ago she asked me what I do for kids attending preschool. I told her that if she’s asking me if I offer part time, my answer is I do not. I told her I have had kids attend from infant through kindergarten, and it’s up to you if you decide to attend a formal preschool, but I do not offer a part time schedule for 2 year olds. So now I know she's not planning on staying long term.
8. Today she asked me if I had an outline for my preschool curriculum and what I do for parents so that they can work on it at home. ?? I post tons of pictures and information about what we do during the day. TONS. Over the past 9 months she has SEEN this. I think she’s just trying to make me feel inadequate or something.

Based on DCM alone, every time I deal with a scenario she throws at me, I want to term. Then, Dad drops off or picks up and he’s so sweet and easy going (has even plowed my driveway with his truck during the winter). DCG is one of the best kids I’ve ever had too. Would mom be a deal breaker for you?

Reply