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Daycare Center and Family Home Forum>Had Anything Shocked You?
dreamer 11:32 PM 01-24-2019
What are some unexpected things you’ve encountered as a daycare provider?
DaveA 03:41 AM 01-25-2019
That the parents will be the hard part of the job.
Mike 07:27 AM 01-26-2019
Originally Posted by DaveA:
That the parents will be the hard part of the job.
Many of the posts after yours prove it. That the parents will be the hard part of the job.
Luckily for me, since I found this forum first, that won't shock me when I start. I've heard enough stories from many of you to have an idea of what I'm going to be seeing.
springv 09:05 AM 01-26-2019
Parents that think its okay to not sign their kid in/out.
Ms.Kay 03:48 AM 01-25-2019
Parents who decide to have kids... and really dont want to spend any time with them!!
amberrose3dg 04:26 AM 01-25-2019
Originally Posted by Ms.Kay:
Parents who decide to have kids... and really dont want to spend any time with them!!
This!Parents who decide to have kids... and really dont want to spend any time with them!!
I had no idea how many parents would be dropping off to have me time on a weekly basis. Then kids eventually go through emotional times and parents are like I do not know why he cries all the time.
I know we get paid so we should be quiet but I cannot help but notice that the damage it does to the kids.
Annalee 04:29 AM 01-25-2019
the stressors that come EVERY DAY with this job have surprised me...i.e. expectations from so many departments, doing my taxes correctly, dealing with the public, on and on and on.......When I opened in 1992, I think I was more naive and didn't realize the long-term effects of some of these issues. But too far in to turn back now and continually pray for the best!
Ac114 04:32 AM 01-25-2019
Originally Posted by Ms.Kay:
Parents who decide to have kids... and really dont want to spend any time with them!!
I agree with this! Parents who decide to have kids... and really dont want to spend any time with them!!
Also the fact that so many parents don’t consider that daycare is also considered a bill and that needs paid on time every single week. They act like they can just pay whenever.
Ariana 07:02 AM 01-25-2019
The boredom, oh God the boredom!!!
Snowmom 07:16 AM 01-25-2019
That I would become a germaphobe.
Rockgirl 07:23 AM 01-25-2019
The volume of poop I would be dealing with.
MyAngels 08:07 AM 01-25-2019
The 4 year old that cussed like a sailor - one of my 1st kids and only term in over 25 years.
The child that brought his parent's old cell phone with nude pictures on it
.
The 3 year old that brought a backpack filled with random stuff, including what I think was a bong (not 100% sure, as I've never used or seen one, prude that I am
).
The child that brought his parent's old cell phone with nude pictures on it
.The 3 year old that brought a backpack filled with random stuff, including what I think was a bong (not 100% sure, as I've never used or seen one, prude that I am
).
Cat Herder 08:15 AM 01-25-2019
The extreme lack of comprehension and reading ability from supposedly educated adults.
That I did not see coming.
That I did not see coming.
Kimskiddos 08:16 AM 01-25-2019
I once had a POS dcd, he was very immature. I got butt dialed by him (voicemail) it was all vile, abusive, poor me language he was screaming directed at I'm assuming his wife. She was going through cancer treatments at the time. 
Happily I didn't have to deal with him much longer. She divorced him and they moved away.
Happily I didn't have to deal with him much longer. She divorced him and they moved away.
Blackcat31 08:24 AM 01-25-2019
What are some unexpected things you’ve encountered as a daycare provider?
That almost all parents can lie with a perfectly straight face.
To never just open picture attachments a DCP sends via text message. Some things can not be unseen. (nudie pix)
The profession a parent is in DIRECTLY corresponds with the type of client and parent they are.
I don't like taking parents that work in the counseling, psychology or therapist field.
I don't like taking teacher's kids
I don't like taking kids of doctors and/or nurses.
That almost all parents can lie with a perfectly straight face.
To never just open picture attachments a DCP sends via text message. Some things can not be unseen. (nudie pix)
The profession a parent is in DIRECTLY corresponds with the type of client and parent they are.
I don't like taking parents that work in the counseling, psychology or therapist field.
I don't like taking teacher's kids
I don't like taking kids of doctors and/or nurses.
Blackcat31 08:27 AM 01-25-2019
Oh and that "Dear Parents" is almost always responded to with "Does that mean me/us too?" 
hwichlaz 08:43 AM 01-25-2019
Originally Posted by Blackcat31:
What are some unexpected things you’ve encountered as a daycare provider?
That almost all parents can lie with a perfectly straight face.
To never just open picture attachments a DCP sends via text message. Some things can not be unseen. (nudie pix)
The profession a parent is in DIRECTLY corresponds with the type of client and parent they are.
I don't like taking parents that work in the counseling, psychology or therapist field.
I don't like taking teacher's kids
I don't like taking kids of doctors and/or nurses.
My teachers have been great except the not wanting to pay in summer part. I just unenroll them and fill their spots. What are some unexpected things you’ve encountered as a daycare provider?
That almost all parents can lie with a perfectly straight face.
To never just open picture attachments a DCP sends via text message. Some things can not be unseen. (nudie pix)
The profession a parent is in DIRECTLY corresponds with the type of client and parent they are.
I don't like taking parents that work in the counseling, psychology or therapist field.
I don't like taking teacher's kids
I don't like taking kids of doctors and/or nurses.
Hate taking nurses kids, doctors are so bad. Nurses want a detailed chart kept....input and output, and they expect feedings to be scheduled like they are medications. :P
I love having cops kids, they are ALL about following rules and regs.
amberrose3dg 11:11 AM 01-25-2019
Originally Posted by Blackcat31:
What are some unexpected things you’ve encountered as a daycare provider?
That almost all parents can lie with a perfectly straight face.
To never just open picture attachments a DCP sends via text message. Some things can not be unseen. (nudie pix)
The profession a parent is in DIRECTLY corresponds with the type of client and parent they are.
I don't like taking parents that work in the counseling, psychology or therapist field.
I don't like taking teacher's kids
I don't like taking kids of doctors and/or nurses.
Yes teachers expect special treatment and do not want to pay for a second their kids aren't here. I had it happen with like several families. They also think their jobs are more important and therfore they are better than you.What are some unexpected things you’ve encountered as a daycare provider?
That almost all parents can lie with a perfectly straight face.
To never just open picture attachments a DCP sends via text message. Some things can not be unseen. (nudie pix)
The profession a parent is in DIRECTLY corresponds with the type of client and parent they are.
I don't like taking parents that work in the counseling, psychology or therapist field.
I don't like taking teacher's kids
I don't like taking kids of doctors and/or nurses.
Josiegirl 09:40 AM 01-25-2019
I guess my main thing is parents who choose to be parents but then give up their responsibility for everyone else to take over. Being a parent of young children gave me such joy; sure there were challenges but never did I expect other adults to take over that entire role for me.
e.j. 10:31 AM 01-25-2019
I tend to be a rule follower so for me, the biggest shock was how hard I'd have to work at getting grown adults to respect and follow my policies. I've also been surprised at how much time and effort I spend on my business at night, on weekends and during vacation. I'm constantly doing something day care related - catching up on paperwork, updating my parent handbook, curriculum planning, cleaning, shopping, interviews, repairs, etc.
BumbleBee 03:13 PM 01-25-2019
How many things daycare gets blamed for.
How many parents think they can pull one over on me.
How many parents think they can pull one over on me.
Lil_Diddle 05:17 PM 01-25-2019
The cost of actually running the daycare. I thought doing it out of my home, I was going to be rolling in dough. It’s not the case, but I am comfortable. And being my own boss has its perks
Lil_Diddle 05:18 PM 01-25-2019
I have to join the concencus that the parents are the biggest stressor.
Msdunny 05:56 PM 01-25-2019
As of tonight? Parents who apparently think i will wait indefinitely for them to decide if they will be choosing my daycare. Hadn’t heard from a parent for several days. In the meantime, another parent called and wanted care, filled out and returned forms, and paid my deposit. When I informed the first parent, he said, “I was just going to call you to tell you we wanted to start with you. How can we work this out?”
Sorry, we can’t.
Sorry, we can’t.
Silly Songs 07:35 PM 01-25-2019
Parent spilled cocain once at a center I worked. We couldn’t prove who spilled it so we couldn’t do anything.
much_lovee 05:56 AM 01-26-2019
Parents and grandparents that think it’s okay to turn around in my yard. My driveway is 100% straight with nothing blocking views while backing up. Why are you driving through my yard when no one is behind you?! I even had the food program lady driving through it!
Parents that track through the house with their shoes, especially on the carpets. Honestly never thought that would be a problem. I also have some parents let their kids run around with their shoes on and go on my furniture.
Parents that track through the house with their shoes, especially on the carpets. Honestly never thought that would be a problem. I also have some parents let their kids run around with their shoes on and go on my furniture.
Lil_Diddle 07:33 AM 01-27-2019
Originally Posted by much_lovee:
Parents and grandparents that think it’s okay to turn around in my yard. My driveway is 100% straight with nothing blocking views while backing up. Why are you driving through my yard when no one is behind you?! I even had the food program lady driving through it!.
They don’t pull through my yard, but are constantly using my neighbors drive to turn around. My neighbor hasn’t complained, but it drives me insane. I live at the end of an addition, just follow the circle around, it really doesn’t take any longerParents and grandparents that think it’s okay to turn around in my yard. My driveway is 100% straight with nothing blocking views while backing up. Why are you driving through my yard when no one is behind you?! I even had the food program lady driving through it!.
Gemma 10:41 AM 01-28-2019
Originally Posted by dreamer:
What are some unexpected things you’ve encountered as a daycare provider?
I'm shocked by:What are some unexpected things you’ve encountered as a daycare provider?
1) The level of disrespect that some parents can reach.
2) The childish excuses and lies parents constantly give us.
3) The many hoops we have to jump to stay licensed.
daycarediva 11:06 AM 01-30-2019
1. parents. How oblivious, downright rude and obnoxious they CAN be. Eg. 2am 'child is sick' text. SERIOUSLY!? The lies omg the lies.
2. Kids- noooo respect. See ^. No model for respect. I haven't in the last 5 years or so, had a kid come in having basic manners, table or otherwise.
3. It's always daycare's fault. Behavior. Bedtimes. Illness.
4. The EXPENSES and wear and tear. I spend a small fortune on maintenance, supplies, food, activities.
5. The stress. Definitely a high stress job.
2. Kids- noooo respect. See ^. No model for respect. I haven't in the last 5 years or so, had a kid come in having basic manners, table or otherwise.
3. It's always daycare's fault. Behavior. Bedtimes. Illness.
4. The EXPENSES and wear and tear. I spend a small fortune on maintenance, supplies, food, activities.
5. The stress. Definitely a high stress job.
Hunni Bee 01:21 PM 01-30-2019
The lack of regard some parents have about their kids. When you think of neglected kids, you kind of think of low income. The amount of kids I see with parents who earn six figures who don't have coats, caps, socks, etc. Who never do anything fun on the weekends. The SAHMs who are perfectly ok with their kid missing a field trip because they are "too busy" to sign the form. The kids who never have a parent for Thanksgiving Dinner, holiday parties, Mothers and Fathers day breakfasts because their parents couldn't care less.
I've worked in a disadvantaged area and to see the same things on the opposite end of the spectrum but for different reasons was definitely an eye-opener.
I've worked in a disadvantaged area and to see the same things on the opposite end of the spectrum but for different reasons was definitely an eye-opener.