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Daycare Center and Family Home Forum>Went On A Field Trip Today, Comment From DCM...
daycarediva 09:54 AM 10-15-2013
The city does a 'pumpkin walk' through a nature trail, which ends at a beautiful playground near the lake. We packed a picnic lunch and had a great time!
A dcm came to drop off and said "It must me nice to get paid to go for a walk!"
go for a walk? It was a 1.5 mile HIKE with 6 preschoolers, then playground, lunch, and then the 1.5 mile HIKE home. If that's not work, I don't know what is!
It was NICE and it was NICE to be paid. Ya know, for WORKING.
What do YOU say to those types of comments?
A dcm came to drop off and said "It must me nice to get paid to go for a walk!"
go for a walk? It was a 1.5 mile HIKE with 6 preschoolers, then playground, lunch, and then the 1.5 mile HIKE home. If that's not work, I don't know what is!
It was NICE and it was NICE to be paid. Ya know, for WORKING.
What do YOU say to those types of comments?
delferka 09:57 AM 10-15-2013
You say, EXCUSE ME? Then wait for her reply. Most people can't handle there own children, let alone 6!! Sarcasm will get you no where!!!!
SilverSabre25 09:58 AM 10-15-2013
Wow...that was rude of her. Maybe, "Yep, I love my job!" or "Lots of people get paid to take walks...park rangers, trail guides, tour guides, police officers that patrol on foot, mail carriers that deliver on foot, and even teachers of all ages who are providing their charges with wonderful life experiences!"
this is just off the top of my head...I've never had anyone say anything like that to me!
this is just off the top of my head...I've never had anyone say anything like that to me!
MsLaura529 10:03 AM 10-15-2013
One of my newest DCM's said to me during their interview "it must be do nice to just sit here and play all day". I should've turned them down then. I just kind of laughed. Hate that I didn't say anything.
What kid of job does she do? If its an office job I would be tempted to (but probably not say it), say something like "it must be nice to get paid to sit in a chair by yourself all day" ... (NOT trying to make fun of office jobs, just putting it in her context).
What kid of job does she do? If its an office job I would be tempted to (but probably not say it), say something like "it must be nice to get paid to sit in a chair by yourself all day" ... (NOT trying to make fun of office jobs, just putting it in her context).
blandino 10:10 AM 10-15-2013
I have had moms who say "I wish I could stay and play all day".
I say something like "ha, if playing was all I had to do how easy my job would be". Or if I am more sarcastic I will say "oh yes, I wish you could too. That was I can get to the meals, cleaning, activities, diaper changes, and paper work".
Probably in your case I would have said sarcastically "oh, yes because going on a walk with 6 preschoolers is my idea of relaxation".
I say something like "ha, if playing was all I had to do how easy my job would be". Or if I am more sarcastic I will say "oh yes, I wish you could too. That was I can get to the meals, cleaning, activities, diaper changes, and paper work".
Probably in your case I would have said sarcastically "oh, yes because going on a walk with 6 preschoolers is my idea of relaxation".
Maria2013 10:15 AM 10-15-2013
Originally Posted by daycarediva:
The city does a 'pumpkin walk' through a nature trail, which ends at a beautiful playground near the lake. We packed a picnic lunch and had a great time!
A dcm came to drop off and said "It must me nice to get paid to go for a walk!"
go for a walk? It was a 1.5 mile HIKE with 6 preschoolers, then playground, lunch, and then the 1.5 mile HIKE home. If that's not work, I don't know what is!
It was NICE and it was NICE to be paid. Ya know, for WORKING.
What do YOU say to those types of comments?
I wouldn't let comments like this one get to me, I know my DCP and they know how hard I work so I would consider it a humorous commentThe city does a 'pumpkin walk' through a nature trail, which ends at a beautiful playground near the lake. We packed a picnic lunch and had a great time!
A dcm came to drop off and said "It must me nice to get paid to go for a walk!"
go for a walk? It was a 1.5 mile HIKE with 6 preschoolers, then playground, lunch, and then the 1.5 mile HIKE home. If that's not work, I don't know what is!
It was NICE and it was NICE to be paid. Ya know, for WORKING.
What do YOU say to those types of comments?
Moppetland 10:18 AM 10-15-2013
This is a prime example of what parents don't know what we actually do all day. I would think she would be happy that her child is getting exercise and learning, and that the provider isn't sitting on her butt. I do know a few who does that here.
But that's the joy of this job. We can take their children out to experience these types of field trips. What if you didn't take her child to experience this? I doubt the child would have experienced it with the DCM. We just go above and beyond in our career, and so what we enjoy most of it
I had one of those cushioned office jobs for 13 years before I opened this business and let me tell you, I was BORED! I did my work for the day, and I wanted to scratch my eyes out for the remainder of the day because there was nothing to do. When it was time to go to lunch or home, I ran so fast out the door, I made myself dizzy. I love being flexible to either stay in with the children and do a fun activity, or to go out on a field trip for a fun activity.
But that's the joy of this job. We can take their children out to experience these types of field trips. What if you didn't take her child to experience this? I doubt the child would have experienced it with the DCM. We just go above and beyond in our career, and so what we enjoy most of it
I had one of those cushioned office jobs for 13 years before I opened this business and let me tell you, I was BORED! I did my work for the day, and I wanted to scratch my eyes out for the remainder of the day because there was nothing to do. When it was time to go to lunch or home, I ran so fast out the door, I made myself dizzy. I love being flexible to either stay in with the children and do a fun activity, or to go out on a field trip for a fun activity.
Meyou 10:18 AM 10-15-2013
Must be nice to go to work, drink HOT coffee, not make 18 meals that may or may not be eaten, have multiple human's bodily fluids on you and to not change 12-20 diapers depending on the day and the child and the poop.
daycarediva 10:21 AM 10-15-2013
Yup, she has a government office job (own office), hour of paid lunch, more PTO than the rest of my day care parents COMBINED. She is a nice person, and I really don't think she considered how rude it sounded but her ONLY child is super easy going and is the easiest child I have ever cared for and she can barely handle her.
I just smiled and said "It will be nice today. Right, kids?!" and afterward it seemed so LAME. I needed a do-over. I should have said "I'll trade you the hour lunch ALONE for the walk with 6 kids!"
I just smiled and said "It will be nice today. Right, kids?!" and afterward it seemed so LAME. I needed a do-over. I should have said "I'll trade you the hour lunch ALONE for the walk with 6 kids!"
Soccermom 10:42 AM 10-15-2013
I would have said -
It sure is nice on days like today, besides all the screaming, crying, fighting and diapers of course. Not to mention the fact that I am on constant edge the entire time trying to keep 6 little ones safe, clean, fed and out of harm's way But OTHER THAN THAT, yeah it is nice. If it were up to me we would stay home in a bubble all day because that would be easy but I do everything I do because I want everyday to be a great day for the children in my care.
It sure is nice on days like today, besides all the screaming, crying, fighting and diapers of course. Not to mention the fact that I am on constant edge the entire time trying to keep 6 little ones safe, clean, fed and out of harm's way But OTHER THAN THAT, yeah it is nice. If it were up to me we would stay home in a bubble all day because that would be easy but I do everything I do because I want everyday to be a great day for the children in my care.
Shell 10:48 AM 10-15-2013
Originally Posted by Meyou:
Must be nice to go to work, drink HOT coffee, not make 18 meals that may or may not be eaten, have multiple human's bodily fluids on you and to not change 12-20 diapers depending on the day and the child and the poop.
Must be nice to go to work, drink HOT coffee, not make 18 meals that may or may not be eaten, have multiple human's bodily fluids on you and to not change 12-20 diapers depending on the day and the child and the poop.
CedarCreek 10:53 AM 10-15-2013
That is super rude.
I like your revised reply and would have said that!
I like your revised reply and would have said that!
julie 10:55 AM 10-15-2013
Yup, people are ignorant.
Two options I give when someone says something like that.
1) "Well, we all make choices in life. It is pretty nice though, that's why I work hard to plan activities for the kids like this. I'll probably need a nap too when we get back though, haha!"
2) "I am sure you didn't mean to imply that this was in anyway an EASY job?Those kinds of assumptions are pretty rude" Let her take her foot out of her mouth. "Cool. Just checkin!"
Two options I give when someone says something like that.
1) "Well, we all make choices in life. It is pretty nice though, that's why I work hard to plan activities for the kids like this. I'll probably need a nap too when we get back though, haha!"
2) "I am sure you didn't mean to imply that this was in anyway an EASY job?Those kinds of assumptions are pretty rude" Let her take her foot out of her mouth. "Cool. Just checkin!"
spinnymarie 11:12 AM 10-15-2013
Originally Posted by daycarediva:
"I'll trade you the hour lunch ALONE for the walk with 6 kids!"
Definitely tell her that one "I'll trade you the hour lunch ALONE for the walk with 6 kids!"
In fact, maybe tomorrow you should mention, Must be nice to get paid for peace and quiet!
MamaBearCanada 11:35 AM 10-15-2013
Yeah it must be. A lot easier than caring for, supervising, feeding, and teaching 6 preschoolers that's for sure! Well have a nice day
Blackcat31 11:45 AM 10-15-2013
Originally Posted by daycarediva:
The city does a 'pumpkin walk' through a nature trail, which ends at a beautiful playground near the lake. We packed a picnic lunch and had a great time!
A dcm came to drop off and said "It must me nice to get paid to go for a walk!"
go for a walk? It was a 1.5 mile HIKE with 6 preschoolers, then playground, lunch, and then the 1.5 mile HIKE home. If that's not work, I don't know what is!
It was NICE and it was NICE to be paid. Ya know, for WORKING.
What do YOU say to those types of comments?
I say "Yes, it's the best job I've ever had. I get paid to color too!" and then smile really big. The city does a 'pumpkin walk' through a nature trail, which ends at a beautiful playground near the lake. We packed a picnic lunch and had a great time!
A dcm came to drop off and said "It must me nice to get paid to go for a walk!"
go for a walk? It was a 1.5 mile HIKE with 6 preschoolers, then playground, lunch, and then the 1.5 mile HIKE home. If that's not work, I don't know what is!
It was NICE and it was NICE to be paid. Ya know, for WORKING.
What do YOU say to those types of comments?
I assume parents make comments to you like this because our job DOES look easy... I mean come on, how many of you thought this job was going to be much easier than it really is? How many of you really thought you'd encounter some of the issues you are faced with?
Apparently, this job and it's duties are something that unless you actually do it, you have NO idea what it's like.
This mom also probably made the comment because like most things in life, the grass always appears greener on the other side.
I wouldn't have taken the comment as rude but more wishful or sad....I have a lot of empathy for people who don't really like their jobs... I couldn't imagine getting up everyday and going to work at a job I hated...
So is it nice to get paid to go for a walk? Even with 6 preschoolers?
Heck yeah!!!
Why? Because YOU chose to go for a walk and could.
I bet DCM can't just plan to take a picnic lunch and go on a walk with all her co-workers whenever she wanted to......
JoseyJo 12:33 PM 10-15-2013
Originally Posted by delferka:
You say, EXCUSE ME? Then wait for her reply. Most people can't handle there own children, let alone 6!! Sarcasm will get you no where!!!!
Yep! I would have looked taken aback and said the same thing! Then if she kept on or started to make excuses for her comment I would say " If you would like you are welcome to come next time we are going on a "nice walk" so you can get the break that comes with watching 6 children"You say, EXCUSE ME? Then wait for her reply. Most people can't handle there own children, let alone 6!! Sarcasm will get you no where!!!!
JoseyJo 12:34 PM 10-15-2013
Originally Posted by Blackcat31:
I say "Yes, it's the best job I've ever had. I get paid to color too!" and then smile really big.
I assume parents make comments to you like this because our job DOES look easy... I mean come on, how many of you thought this job was going to be much easier than it really is? How many of you really thought you'd encounter some of the issues you are faced with?
Apparently, this job and it's duties are something that unless you actually do it, you have NO idea what it's like.
This mom also probably made the comment because like most things in life, the grass always appears greener on the other side.
I wouldn't have taken the comment as rude but more wishful or sad....I have a lot of empathy for people who don't really like their jobs... I couldn't imagine getting up everyday and going to work at a job I hated...
So is it nice to get paid to go for a walk? Even with 6 preschoolers?
Heck yeah!!!
Why? Because YOU chose to go for a walk and could.
I bet DCM can't just plan to take a picnic lunch and go on a walk with all her co-workers whenever she wanted to......
Awww, such a better way to look at it! Thanks I say "Yes, it's the best job I've ever had. I get paid to color too!" and then smile really big.
I assume parents make comments to you like this because our job DOES look easy... I mean come on, how many of you thought this job was going to be much easier than it really is? How many of you really thought you'd encounter some of the issues you are faced with?
Apparently, this job and it's duties are something that unless you actually do it, you have NO idea what it's like.
This mom also probably made the comment because like most things in life, the grass always appears greener on the other side.
I wouldn't have taken the comment as rude but more wishful or sad....I have a lot of empathy for people who don't really like their jobs... I couldn't imagine getting up everyday and going to work at a job I hated...
So is it nice to get paid to go for a walk? Even with 6 preschoolers?
Heck yeah!!!
Why? Because YOU chose to go for a walk and could.
I bet DCM can't just plan to take a picnic lunch and go on a walk with all her co-workers whenever she wanted to......
daycarediva 12:40 PM 10-15-2013
Originally Posted by Blackcat31:
I say "Yes, it's the best job I've ever had. I get paid to color too!" and then smile really big.
I assume parents make comments to you like this because our job DOES look easy... I mean come on, how many of you thought this job was going to be much easier than it really is? How many of you really thought you'd encounter some of the issues you are faced with?
Apparently, this job and it's duties are something that unless you actually do it, you have NO idea what it's like.
This mom also probably made the comment because like most things in life, the grass always appears greener on the other side.
I wouldn't have taken the comment as rude but more wishful or sad....I have a lot of empathy for people who don't really like their jobs... I couldn't imagine getting up everyday and going to work at a job I hated...
So is it nice to get paid to go for a walk? Even with 6 preschoolers?
Heck yeah!!!
Why? Because YOU chose to go for a walk and could.
I bet DCM can't just plan to take a picnic lunch and go on a walk with all her co-workers whenever she wanted to......
as always, wonderful perspective BC. I say "Yes, it's the best job I've ever had. I get paid to color too!" and then smile really big.
I assume parents make comments to you like this because our job DOES look easy... I mean come on, how many of you thought this job was going to be much easier than it really is? How many of you really thought you'd encounter some of the issues you are faced with?
Apparently, this job and it's duties are something that unless you actually do it, you have NO idea what it's like.
This mom also probably made the comment because like most things in life, the grass always appears greener on the other side.
I wouldn't have taken the comment as rude but more wishful or sad....I have a lot of empathy for people who don't really like their jobs... I couldn't imagine getting up everyday and going to work at a job I hated...
So is it nice to get paid to go for a walk? Even with 6 preschoolers?
Heck yeah!!!
Why? Because YOU chose to go for a walk and could.
I bet DCM can't just plan to take a picnic lunch and go on a walk with all her co-workers whenever she wanted to......
EntropyControlSpecialist 12:56 PM 10-15-2013
I typically say something like, "I love my job!" because I do. Whether they are disgruntled that they are "paying me" to take a walk or not is their issue.
Sugar Magnolia 01:15 PM 10-15-2013
One word here:
JEALOUS.
JEALOUS.
TwinKristi 02:17 PM 10-15-2013
Wow, I think I would have been a little offended too! I haven't had any comments like that yet. Maybe its the 100lbs of baby I was pushing in the quad stroller that didn't seem as glamorous? hahaha! We had a really nice nature "Fall walk" a couple weeks ago to look for signs that Fall is here! We collected different leaves, rocks, sticks, etc. The kids loved it! Then we came back and did leaf tracings! It was a blast!
We had a really nice nature "Fall walk" a couple weeks ago to look for signs that Fall is here! We collected different leaves, rocks, sticks, etc. The kids loved it! Then we came back and did leaf tracings! It was a blast!
mrsnj 02:18 PM 10-15-2013
Originally Posted by Sugar Magnolia:
One word here:
JEALOUS.
Yep!One word here:
JEALOUS.
We had a pj day here and one mom comes for drop off and says "must be nice to go to work in your Jammie's all day". "Excuse me" was my reply too. And a mention that it was pj day too since she clearly forgot. She felt a little embarrassed. Thing is I never work in my Jammie's so to make that comment was offensive. I normally am dressed professional. Didnt appreciate it at all.
harperluu 02:28 PM 10-15-2013
This reminds me of a facebook "article" that has husband coming home to a trashed house, dirty children wandering around in the yard, a missing dog, laundry piled to the ceiling, crayon on the wall, overflowing bathtub, wife looking made up with freshly painted toenails. When husband asks "What happened?????" Wife responds, "You know every day when you come home from work and you ask me what in the world do I do all day?…"
She answered, ‘Well, today I didn’t do it.’
If only we just took a walk each day and didn't do what we actually get paid to do.
She answered, ‘Well, today I didn’t do it.’
If only we just took a walk each day and didn't do what we actually get paid to do.
LK5kids 05:18 PM 10-15-2013
Originally Posted by daycarediva:
The city does a 'pumpkin walk' through a nature trail, which ends at a beautiful playground near the lake. We packed a picnic lunch and had a great time!
A dcm came to drop off and said "It must me nice to get paid to go for a walk!"
go for a walk? It was a 1.5 mile HIKE with 6 preschoolers, then playground, lunch, and then the 1.5 mile HIKE home. If that's not work, I don't know what is!
It was NICE and it was NICE to be paid. Ya know, for WORKING.
What do YOU say to those types of comments?
And these outings are not just a leisurely stroll! You always have to be on your guard that someone doesn't wander off, get hurt or throw a rock at our national bird-in my case when my kindergarten class visited a nature preserve and one of my charges threw a rock at a bald eagle in a cage ( these animals were in captivity because they had mishaps that damaged wings, etc)! While these trips are fun, I don't think of them as relaxing.The city does a 'pumpkin walk' through a nature trail, which ends at a beautiful playground near the lake. We packed a picnic lunch and had a great time!
A dcm came to drop off and said "It must me nice to get paid to go for a walk!"
go for a walk? It was a 1.5 mile HIKE with 6 preschoolers, then playground, lunch, and then the 1.5 mile HIKE home. If that's not work, I don't know what is!
It was NICE and it was NICE to be paid. Ya know, for WORKING.
What do YOU say to those types of comments?
LK5kids 05:23 PM 10-15-2013
Originally Posted by daycarediva:
The city does a 'pumpkin walk' through a nature trail, which ends at a beautiful playground near the lake. We packed a picnic lunch and had a great time!
A dcm came to drop off and said "It must me nice to get paid to go for a walk!"
go for a walk? It was a 1.5 mile HIKE with 6 preschoolers, then playground, lunch, and then the 1.5 mile HIKE home. If that's not work, I don't know what is!
It was NICE and it was NICE to be paid. Ya know, for WORKING.
What do YOU say to those types of comments?
And these outings are not a just leisurely stroll! You lays have to be on your guard that someone doesn't wander off, get hurt or throw a rock at our national bird as in my case when my kindergarten class visited a nature preserve and one of my charges threw a rock at a bald eagle in a cage ( these animals were in captivity because they had mishaps that damaged wings, etc)! While these trips are fun, I don't think of them as relaxing.The city does a 'pumpkin walk' through a nature trail, which ends at a beautiful playground near the lake. We packed a picnic lunch and had a great time!
A dcm came to drop off and said "It must me nice to get paid to go for a walk!"
go for a walk? It was a 1.5 mile HIKE with 6 preschoolers, then playground, lunch, and then the 1.5 mile HIKE home. If that's not work, I don't know what is!
It was NICE and it was NICE to be paid. Ya know, for WORKING.
What do YOU say to those types of comments?
Recently I went on a fall walk that I had high hopes for...four kids 23 mo, 2 are almost 3 yrs and one 2 1/2. Half-way through the walk one is chasing the other in someone's front yard while the next door neighbor looks on and as we walk off almost three yr old is having a screaming fit...relaxing and fun, right?
littlemissmuffet 09:00 PM 10-15-2013
"Speaking of being paid... I guess now is a good time to mention that I'm increasing fees next month by $40!" and smile REALLLLY big.
Laurel 04:30 AM 10-16-2013
Originally Posted by harperluu:
This reminds me of a facebook "article" that has husband coming home to a trashed house, dirty children wandering around in the yard, a missing dog, laundry piled to the ceiling, crayon on the wall, overflowing bathtub, wife looking made up with freshly painted toenails. When husband asks "What happened?????" Wife responds, "You know every day when you come home from work and you ask me what in the world do I do all day?…"
She answered, ‘Well, today I didn’t do it.’
If only we just took a walk each day and didn't do what we actually get paid to do.
This reminds me of a facebook "article" that has husband coming home to a trashed house, dirty children wandering around in the yard, a missing dog, laundry piled to the ceiling, crayon on the wall, overflowing bathtub, wife looking made up with freshly painted toenails. When husband asks "What happened?????" Wife responds, "You know every day when you come home from work and you ask me what in the world do I do all day?…"
She answered, ‘Well, today I didn’t do it.’
If only we just took a walk each day and didn't do what we actually get paid to do.
blandino 05:22 AM 10-16-2013
Originally Posted by Laurel:
I have been tempted to say something similar when someone insinuates that I play all day. If I played all day you would walk into a pig sty or un-napped children, in the same diapers they came in, starving from not eating all day, no daily reports and so forth.
EntropyControlSpecialist 06:07 AM 10-17-2013
Originally Posted by blandino:
I have been tempted to say something similar when someone insinuates that I play all day. If I played all day you would walk into a pig sty or un-napped children, in the same diapers they came in, starving from not eating all day, no daily reports and so forth.
You don't consider diapering play??? What is wrong with you?I have been tempted to say something similar when someone insinuates that I play all day. If I played all day you would walk into a pig sty or un-napped children, in the same diapers they came in, starving from not eating all day, no daily reports and so forth.
Unregistered 08:11 AM 10-17-2013
I would have responded with "Yep, and you know whats even nicer? YOU pay me to go for a walk!"
mom2many 08:08 AM 10-19-2013
Originally Posted by TwinKristi:
Wow, I think I would have been a little offended too! I haven't had any comments like that yet. Maybe its the 100lbs of baby I was pushing in the quad stroller that didn't seem as glamorous? hahaha! We had a really nice nature "Fall walk" a couple weeks ago to look for signs that Fall is here! We collected different leaves, rocks, sticks, etc. The kids loved it! Then we came back and did leaf tracings! It was a blast!
In 27 years I have never had a parent say something like that either! Wow, I think I would have been a little offended too! I haven't had any comments like that yet. Maybe its the 100lbs of baby I was pushing in the quad stroller that didn't seem as glamorous? hahaha!
We had a really nice nature "Fall walk" a couple weeks ago to look for signs that Fall is here! We collected different leaves, rocks, sticks, etc. The kids loved it! Then we came back and did leaf tracings! It was a blast! 
I would be ready to term on the spot for a rude comment like and I never term! We've been taking walks with the triple stroller almost daily- the younger ones ride and the 3 & 4 yo's walk. They love it! It's a great work out for me pushing just 75 lbs!!!! We collected leaves in different colors and sizes for a collage and lately we have been checking out the cool Halloween decorations and looking for pumpkins, scare crows etc! It's been a fun experience for them!