Trapped at DW's office party. One of the doctors she works with just got done telling me how "intriguing" it is that they would allow something so "risky" as to allow a "strange man to watch other's children". You never have a hand grenade when you need one. Jeez.

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What a$$!!!

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That would make me angry! I had a parent tell me one time that he was well-pleased with MY services but he had nothing to say about my HELP.????? He didn't explain and I didn't ask but It ticked me off! I have had the same assistant ever since I opened well over 20 years ago. Clients never cease to amaze me

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LOVE my job, but feel so under appreciated about 99.9% of the time. working 10.5 hours a day 5 days a week caring for a teaching other people children as well as my own, just to have disputes about my paid time off as if I don't deserve it? Because my job doesn't matter?

Constant battles, constant awkward conversations about how parents need to keep their sick kids home.

Is it too much to ask to be respected as a professional. I am a family child care provider. I run a preschool in my home. I'm not you "baby sitter" I'm not your "friend down the street who watches the kids" I'm a professional and expected to be treated as such.

Thank you.

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When did a child taking off their diaper become the most significant sign of being ready to potty train? What happened to being able to speak? Play with toys meant for children over 9 months old? Be able to walk across the room without falling? Being able to keep a diaper dry for more than an hour? These girls are NOWHERE near ready for training. They each have ONE word, and that's their sister's name.

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I'm sure I will hear things like that. Where can I pick up a hand grenade in case I ever need it?

There will always be people who think it's wrong. He's obviously not a child doctor cause then people would have to trust HIM with kids.

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My 2 yo dc boy keeps saying "DANG IT!"

He drops a toy? "DANG IT!" He can't figure something out? "DANG IT!" The block tower isn't working out? "DANG IT!" All.The.Time.

It's so not cute. I'm ignoring it.

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Don't take this the wrong way but reading this thread makes me smile, giggle and sometimes laugh out loud. Great stress reliever.

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12 days away from my due date, I am at a 3, could go at any time. 1 DCF still has not found an alternate daycare provider for my 2 week maternity leave closure. Are you kidding me? They have had since January to find alternate care, with a big push to find care again in August. I have given DCM the local CCR&R provider look up multiple times, as well as suggested local providers per her request. I have done more than enough to help them.

If I go into labor during daycare hours, back up care provider or not they will get their butts here to get their kid within 30 minutes, or they will be termed, and I have 2 families waiting to take their place should it come to that.

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4 years ago a lady I know was at 3, and 2 days later went to the hospital because she was in labor. They said not time yet and sent her home. A couple hours later, she went back, and gave birth a few hours after that. I guess they were wrong.

I hope it all goes fine, and fast, when the time comes.

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I bet his parents are so proud he's saying "dang" and not the alternative I know I would be
I teach the kids to say "rats!" 'cause it is legit adorable.
DCB2: are there anymore crackers Ms CC?
Me: Nope, all done!
DCB2: Wats! (tries to snap finger in an aw shucks kinda movement)
it kills me!

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My 2.5yo dcb says "Aww, shucks!" It kills me every time! (and I found it even funnier when it sounded like Aww, sucks!)

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What a jerk. My kids' physical therapist is near retirement, and he's thinking of opening a daycare himself when he retires from the state. I think he'd be AWESOME at it, and I KNOW he'd be full within a week...I've never seen anyone better with kids in my life!

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Tell him to hurry up. We need more guys.

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I know others have had this issue as well but:

READ my AD!!!!! It clearly states what openings I have (ages 2-5) I have NO infant openings and NO SA openings (I don't even take SA unless they grew up here and have a FT sibling here)

Oh yeah, and b!tching about your current provider to me doesn't make me want to take you on. When you say she takes too much time off, and it's a problem for you and your husband, it was all I could do not to recommend a CENTER day care. Because if you don't have reliable back up or your provider can't take a day off without it being an issue, then that's on you.

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I do recommend centres and/or nannies. Sometimes people just need to be told (politely and professionally) that their expectations are unreasonable.

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But But But...... I'm special and so is my child! Didn't you know you were just waiting for the blessing of me to come along and grace you with my dear angel's presence?

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Dear co-teacher,
Please do not call me on my day off to ask whether or not it's okay to leave cleaning supplies on top of the cubbies. It's definitely against state regs, but anyone else in the building probably could have told you that.

And, no, I'm not going to talk to you about a curriculum activity we're supposed to do in two weeks. Ask me on Monday if you can't figure it out on your own.

Thanks so much.

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I had a former neighbor (she was a teen when we were neighbors) contact me on fb for care she would be needing a few months away. I was on vacation when the message came through, so I didn't answer right then. She messaged me back later that same day, saying she really needed to get going on it. I called her and said I was closed for vacation, and we could set a time to meet when I came back. She asked a couple of questions, then said, "You mentioned that you are closed? What do people DO?!? I mean, they DEPEND on you!"

We did not set up a meeting.

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T- 4 days till my due date (not that a certain date means anything to a baby with their own schedule!) And DCM mentioned in an above vent STILL has no back-up care provider, and continues to ask me for suggestions. Sorry not sorry, but you are almost out of time, and not many people I know can plan to take a drop-in kid for 2 weeks on last minute notice.

This is why I told parents I was pregnant early, informed them of my plan to close early, (think, January/February) and gave out a list of local providers to contact.

Stop asking for help, DCM. I am over it, you did this to yourself.

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Well, hello, Monday morning! 14 month old dcb is screaming at the top of his lungs; he's not mad, he just likes the sound of his voice I guess! And another dcb keeps trying to take toys from everyone. I'm not feeling this today and need some patience!!!

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I can hear 3 yo dcb screaming from the driveway. This crap started 2 weeks ago after dad took a last minute day off and dcb got to spend the day with him. Now he doesn't want to come and his reason is another kid is mean to him. The other kid left over a month ago. Of course dcm is up my butt about it. So over it!

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I may be rude but I reply with things like, "Oh dear. It sounds like I wouldn't be a good fit for your family either as I also take personal time off. Daycare Center down the road has minimal closures, however, and it might be worth it to to take a look."

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Ugh. I can not handle preschooler screaming. They ARE old enough to know better!

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Me either.

They're sent to sit on a squishy mat away from everyone else. It doesn't tend to last long here because they get zero attention for it. I would be having a conversation with that parent...they need to tell him to stop, drop and run, and you need to not even acknowledge it. Just guide him to where screamers go to sit until they're done.

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Yeah we've had the convo and I do the same as you. Mom can't handle her 'baby' being upset. She needs to suck it up and be a parent. Now she's riding my a$$ because I wouldn't carry her 5 year olds backpack home from school and now his back hurts and now he has to miss school to go to the chiro.

The b!tch switch flipped on and she was told her 3 year old is playing her like a fiddle & to stop packing so much in her 5 year olds backpack.

I don't carry backpacks. I pick up 5 kids from school. It's not happening.

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Dcg (3) who is leaving for an au pair...

Just showed up in a tank top and capris....

And it's 52 degrees out.

I'm trying to understand the logic of letting your child wear that(she dresses herself). And literally not giving a s#%!.

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While I was putting a baby down for nap, 2 yo dcb decided that his pants and diaper needed to come off.

Thankfully diaper was only a little wet...

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I feel like you should compromise for this mom. Get a miniature donkey to carry backpacks home-he can pull a cart behind him so that this mom's kids can ride and not hurt their feet and need a trip to the podiatrist. Be sure to line the cart with down pillows!

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And get the guys that wave the palms at you!! Haha

I just saw that in my mind and it gave me a chuckle!

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Absolutely! Don't want them overheating!

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The mom could be the donkey. She already is.

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bite.jpg

Ouch ouch ouch ouch ouch

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Kids were eating lunch peacefully, we were having a nice conversation about upcoming bdays. Literally ALL at the exact same time, dcg3 spilled her cup, dcg4 puked, and baby woke up screaming hysterically, after only sleeping 20 minutes. I put down the baby I was holding, to start dealing with things, and he joined in on the screaming.

I tell ya, we can sure make that Calgon lady look like a wuss, with all we have to handle!

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I am so over babies waking up from naps screaming.

So.over.it.

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Amen to that! My own babies woke up happy--I knew they were awake by the happy baby coos. The 8 month old here has the loudest, angriest scream-cry I've ever heard, and that's how she wakes up every day.

The kicker? I don't even take babies! Yet I have 2. One is my grandbaby, so of course I took him. The other one has a sibling here, so I agreed to take her. NO MORE AFTER THESE!!

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Yikes! Hope your afternoon goes better and no one else gets sick!

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YES! I've done the preschool crew for years and I'm just not feeling the babies. But those were the only calls I was getting.

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I am very upset so I am going to watch what I say. Sister in laws bf is such a great dad that it's been an hour and he still isn't here. I told DH (we work jointly), that he needs to enforce full late fee. They're going on $75 now. He wants to charge less. Uh hello, they don't care to pick up their own daughter, why should aim care how much I charge?

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Why does he feel that you shouldn't charge the fee that the parent agreed to in the contract? He certainly knows about the late fee, he chose to not show up (sounds like without notice)-I'd charge it.

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Just got back from the vet with my dog an hour ago. Vet said he was so INTERESTING! That's not good. He has some weird skin issue and maybe a growth in his nose? Maybe a fungus? Maybe a bone issue? Whatever it is, the estimate was $875 for our next visit in 2 weeks. If THAT one doesn't turn up what's wrong, then it's a 100 mile drive to get him an endoscopy to look up that expensive nose of his. Oh, and the 2 CT scans, MRI, and Upper and Lower GI's that I've had this month? Insurance applied nearly the entire costs to my deductible (I've already MET my deductible, so I'm guessing it's actually a "coinsurance" payment). Whatever it is, I'm now about $5000 poorer than I was this morning. And, next month, I get to drive 300 miles to the middle of nowhere for MORE expensive tests.

I'm thinking of spending this week's entire pay on lottery tickets!

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Made no sense. Felt it was too high. I told him yeah and them picking up 1 hour late is too high. It was taken care of and their last day will be October 14th.

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Amen! And mine are 17 and 15 months. Oh the lung power!

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And some people think pets are cheap. But then, some think children are too.

I'd suggest go buy 1 lottery ticket. If yer gonna win, yer gonna win.

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Oh no! Poor puppy and poor you! Though truly lucky puppy for having owners that will do so much to take care of him. Every time our puppy eats something she shouldn't (stuffed animals, Tupperware, socks, grapes, trucks, rocks etc) we tell her "we cannot afford doggy surgery, so you best poop that out" so far so good

And DH says go for a lottery ticket

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Really dcm? You couldn't wait the 15 minutes we had left of nap time to pick up? You live 5 minutes away.

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Yes Dcm, I WILL charge you my late fee when you are 8 mins late, last to pick up, no phonecall to let me know you're late, and you're late because you overslept. You live 2 mins away and you are not even working right now!!!!

She was about to suck her teeth, then realized she was in the wrong.

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Gearing up for a termination tomorrow.

DCM lasted 2.5 weeks.

@!#*

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Ugh. Hope it goes well.

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Wish you the best. It is never easy, I had to do it once. It's the anxiety that builds before hand. Once it comes out, you feel so much better! Hope it goes well!

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Not so much a vent but more of a wish.

I am down to two DCK's (three inducing my own) and our morning weather is beautiful! I so wish I could transport the children. I envision us having mornings at the park with picnic lunches. It sounds so lovely. But insurance and liability keep me from transporting - so here we are

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I feel your pain! Now that I have two infants, I can't go anywhere, due to ratios. I realize I was a much happier provider when we could go places.

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Thank you!

She did the "we need to talk about this first"... WHILE simultaneously breaking 2 of my policies (no items from home and arriving at the cutoff time).

Just no.

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My new dcg is super annoying. I do like her and she's adorable, but she has some habits that drive me insane. She has a speech delay but I feel there may some other delays as well.

She crawls, lays, stretches, climbs all over everything. She's all over the table at meals, knees in the chair, all over the carpet at circle. She sucks her thumb so she puts spit on everything she touches. At nap time, she is super loud, feet on everything, blanket all over the place. Ugh.

I knew she would be a challenge and I can handle it but she wears me out.

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Yippee- no school today. School age DCG literally has been in the house 4 minutes and just told me she's "bored." Going to be a long day.

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"bored" here is code for several choices:

Reading quietly to yourself
Practice writing your name

Nap time
Chores


I don't have many kids that use the word "bored" often

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"Bored" is her way of saying "I'm not the center of attention right now! All of you focus on ME!!!!!" I just tell her to go be bored in the book corner.

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Yesterday, my positive post was that the school moved my son's bus stop one block over to my house, and that my life will be easier. Apparently, the forgot to tell the morning bus driver. We watched as he bus stopped one block over and didn't turn down my road. Had to call hubby home from work to bring the boy to school (because daycare). Hopefully, they will straighten it all out this afternoon.

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The joys of miscommunication.

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Dcm who had bacterial pneumonia insisted she "wasn't contagious"...yeah, not so much. The pneumonia part hasn't shown up yet but the virus that caused it? The coughing, runny nose, fever virus...my kiddo (11m old who really needs to avoid respitory infections as much as possible) has it, 1yr old dcb is on his second day home with it and dcb who's mom had it was showing symptoms by the end of the day yesterday.
So mad at myself for not excluding. I don't think it matters at all to dcm
Time to start being super strict on illness...at least other dcf kept their kiddo home.

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Why is it every time I need someone out to the home to do work -electrician, plumber, etc. - they come during nap time? Why not the morning when we're busy and you won't bother us?

Just like clockwork, naptime hits and my electrician calls and says he can be over right away. He finished 2 hours later, stayed long enough to keep the baby from sleeping, and 2 other light sleepers. Sigh...

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Sister in law whose dcg last day is Friday probably won't come back. Dcd picked up 60 minutes late because he thought dcm was picking up. We'll either pay me $60 or come pick up dcgs things. Mehhhhh

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I am losing my mind.
Licensing inspection this morning went well - except I don't have one of dc baby's medical statments in their folder.

I KNOW I have it. But I have no idea what I did with it.

She told me to email her a pic later when I find it, but still.

Why wouldn't I have just put it in her file with every other piece of paperwork?!

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Glad the rest of the inspection went well. I do that with paperwork sometimes, I'll slip it under my computer or in some other "safe" place and then I can't find it later

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Happened to me during my inspection. I lost it that morning and boom during nap licensor comes. She said it is okay. I even offered to fax it to her that afternoon when mom brought me a copy and she said not to worry. Didn't even write me up.

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Yup dcm never apologized. Never answered my DH's texts or calls. DCG isn't coming back and we are not getting our $60 late fee but that's fine because her last day was supposed to be tomorrow. Now I have an extra crib sheet, formula and a few other things. It would be easier if she wasn't DH's sister but not like we see her much outside of daycare anyway.

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Ugh my own children are the ones I would like to term lately. My 3 yo son thinks he is in charge because it's his house and doesn't have a care in the world to anything I say. He laughs and thinks it's funny and I try hard not to lose my patience but it's tough.
On a side note I feel like all the babies want to do is eat. After 1 or 2 hours even after a nap they just scream and cry. It never ends!

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I know I'll regret this in a couple of months but: it's in the mid 80's here today and I'm over it. We've had the first frost already. I want sweaters and boots and being able to be outside and not having bugs in my face.

Also, I have an interview on Friday. Mom seems desperate. I'm nervous

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Same here! So over it! I hate this mixed bag weather right now. Cold, hot, coler, hotter. Ugh. Get chilly already, i just put away all my kids summer clothes.

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This falls under the things that shouldn't annoy me but do category..
I have a child who is enrolled full time who has become a "sniffer" at nap time. Every nap time, for an HOUR straight before he falls asleep, he sits and sniffs every 2 seconds. He doesn't have a runny nose. I've told him to stop. I've tried moving him. We ALL still hear him. It is extremely obnoxious.

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He should probably see a doctor. I am a "sniffer", too, when I'm not on meds. For me, it's asthma and allergies.

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Running off maybe 3 hours of sleep from teething 10 month old, ALL my kids decide today is NOT a napping day.

Then one finally falls asleep, and my trouble DCG3 wakes her up. So ragey.

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DCM that I'm waiting to term asked today if I could watch her 2 kids tomorrow so she can clean her house because you can't get anything done with them around. DCM asked me this while there were 10 kids in my house and I was cleaning my kitchen and talking to her. She asked my rate (she's on assistance) for a full day-then asked if I'd do HALF of that rate (uh, NO! I don't even want to take your kids tomorrow!).

I just want to term her because I don't like her. Her kids are angels until she walks into the door, at which time they turn into demons. It's not about the kids at all-DCM is just annoying as heck! The good news is that I think I have one of those spots filled, and that's good enough for me...if I get that contract back on Monday, I'm terming then.

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My dog has an upset stomach.
I did a poor job cleaning up the yard.
THREE children ROLLED in dog diarrhea
They didn't just step in it.
They rolled in it.



All kids sleeping in back up clothes - I threw everything in the wash, I'm so embarrassed. I work so hard to keep the yard picked up...I don't know how I missed it.

"Oh Sally had a great day! She shared with Tommy, ate all her vegetables and swam in dog $hit! Have a great night!" Yep, that'll go over just fine.

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OMG I am dying at the way you just said that.. I'm sorry you had that happen today though! The clothes will come out clean and I'm sure the kids had a good time!

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ICK! I used to have my kids and dogs share play space. When I moved, I was thrilled to find that there was an area of the yard that was just MADE for a dog yard. Now, they have a 20 x 25 play space of their own and I no longer have to spend nap time on poop patrol!

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So jealous! We have an area we are going to fence off, but decided we would rather have a large fenced off garden (protected from DCKs and dog) than a dog run. And I like her having lots of room to run and play. BUT it is occasionally nasty! All pants cleaned and dried before pick up, shoes cleaned and drying in the sun. I think its gonna be ok

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i dont think you should raise your voice at another staff, but... it feels good when you do it! I told one of my coworkers today that i can't do everything around here with a high pitch voice. There was no kids around us, but just her and me.


!!!!! I been keeping my pent up anger against other staff, because she doesn't not do her fair share of work. I get swamp with the kids outside/inside where she just watches and doesn't lift a finger to help me...

Also she doesn't do her job right while watching the kids i see kids falling left and right and she is off in her own imagine or doesn't seem to care to check on them. It drives me insane!

I feel like i am doing all the work out here, and having to worry about the threat of getting in trouble due to the fear that i am afraid of having one kids getting injured and no staff witnessing it.
Which is gonna result in all of us getting written up when i am doing my job to the fullest!While having a torn acl/mcl in one leg.

P.S. One of my leg is smaller than the other and the kids are picking at me =☾

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I know that what i did was wrong and that I could have dealt it in a better manner.

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Say a prayer for me. I'm interviewing Jaws McChomper this morning

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Good luck!

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Oooh, yes! Good luck!!

Let us know how it goes!

I'm sending good vibes!

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I have never tried to be more negative about me/my program in my life

I can see why there are issues

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DCB4 set a basket on its side, layed down in front of it, and has been pretending to watch Paw Patrol. First plan he's came up with on his own all day, and it's to fake watch TV for 15 minutes. Grrrrrrr

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you intentionally threw the interview?

Odds are they will be calling and begging to sign on!

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They were nuttier than squirrel turds.

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I would have been tempted to start drinking in front of her. "I put the kids down for a nap and pour myself a glass of wine every day. You want some?"


I had a dck who did that----for HOURS.

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So much poop talk in here... between dog diarrhea and squirrel turds.

I should hang out in here more often!

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Oh that was a good read
I had several DCKs a few year ago (I was in a different location) and they would go into this hallway, turn off the light and sit and stare at the wall shhhhing each other to watch the movie I usually redirected them right away, but one day I timed it and it was nearly 15m. So bizarre.

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I am a licensed daycare provider. I have put thousands upon thousands of dollars into my daycare, like I am sure many others. The monetary return I receive is so minimal, I usually end up loosing money before ever making any. I never really look at solely the monetary value of this line of career, but rather the value of being able to help children and possibly impact them.

One thing I have found, however, since I chose this line of career, is the rather "vindictive" nature of how other providers can be. I recently advertised on care.com since I currently have room for two older kiddos in my childcare. Out of curiosity, I was looking at other providers in my community. I saw on several listings the same person, who is also a provider, indicating on the review portion whether the listing was licensed or not. While I understand that it's illegal to watch children who are not related to you, in your own home, without being licensed, I guess I question what that person who's posting the license status of another individual has to benefit from being so seemingly slanderous. If that is the only way that provider has to get business, to me that clearly shows problems with that provider in itself. It just seems really vindictive.

Please don't get me wrong. Like I stated before, I am licensed and know how much work goes into the process in addition to the time and energy in running a business. However...if we, as providers, are doing this line of career to benefit the children, wouldn't you be happy knowing the children in a person's care are being well cared for regardless of whether they have a number behind their name? Why take extra time to slander another person who may or may not be licensed, take away the possibly beneficial environment of another child and also the drive that person may have in watching kids.?. I asked some of those people who listed whether they were ever contacted by the provider who wrote the review indicating their licensing status. They all said, surprisingly, no! Why???? If we as providers see people who are watching children not licensed, and are good at it, why not offer them help or guidance in becoming licensed?

The person, "provider," who writes all these comments on different childcare listings, proclaims to be a very "sincere" Christian. No offense, but the God that I follow would never make comments or statements like that provider has made on different listings. In my opinion, that simply is not what a person who sincerely follows their faith would or should do.

Underlying question...why slander someone who has interest in loving, caring, helping and possibly impacting children? Why not ask if they are licensed and offer guidance to become licensed BEFORE deciding to slander a person???

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This one coworker that i really dislike, had the dam nerve to leave and not clean up the back room! She has a horrible attitude and when asked to do the back room she complains. I mean lets be real, its part of your dam job to clean.

I asked her to clean the backroom and she reply" i am off" then walk off. She was lucky that we had kids and parents there or else i would have went off on her. Got me heated
Can't wait to tell my boss about this...

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Annnnd, they want to start.

I really have no reason not to start them. They are annoying and helicopery, but that's what the trial period is for.

The one out I may have is that they have some "questions" on the contract, so if it's a biggie I can use that to be done sooner.

I am terrible.

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Fingers crossed that it works out for the best for YOU!

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You should have offered her that drink, I'm telling you. Whatever you do decide, I hope it works out for the best

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Hurts 'cuz it's true. . . .

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So, today is her first day and

But, I'm telling her parents Friday that I will work out next week but then they need to find other care.

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Do you suspect special needs or just special snowflake needs?

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A snowflake if ever I saw one.

I mean, I was as clear as day about my quiet time being non-negotiable. And yet, here is she is chatting, singing, crawling off her mat. Despite me reminding her that it's QT, she has pictures, a stuffed bunny, a warm blanket, etc.

So I'm thinking of emailing mom today and doing it instead. I just can't deal with deliberate disobedience. But I'm going to make it all about HER needs, because clearly she is so special.

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