I have been reading the comments on this blog and there have been some really great ones thus far. But a few in particular have me rolling my eyes and chuckling to myself. The comments I am referring to can be found here and here
I think it is important to address the reason for the creation of this blog and why the readership has been increasing daily with many, many of you taking the time to contact me via email with your support. I thank all of you who have taken the time to send off a message. It is really appreciated.
As a member of a number of daycare provider message boards I found that many, many providers are very tired people. Tired of being taken advantage of, tired of being misunderstood, tired of being someones doormat, tired of having to fight day in and day out to receive what it is they deserve - common respect and an accurate pay cheque. In fact, many of the message boards out there are private. Why is this? They are private because daycare providers aren't allowed to openly vent about their jobs. And, if there is another job wherein you work harder and get paid so little with such great responsibility I would surely appreciate your telling me what it is. And, I am sure that those individuals employed in those jobs have their list of grievances too. The difference is that for them, it is socially acceptable to voice those grievances.
Daycare providers are held to a different societal standard. The fact that we work with children makes many of those who, even on their best day, could never do our job judge us and our misgivings harshly. We are not allowed to be anything but rosy-cheeked, bubbly people who are at the control of our charges and the parents who pay us. This is society's view. When a daycare provider openly complains about their job they are often attacked and flamed. If you don't agree then I challenge anyone to make up a complaint, go to a popular parenting board and post it. I can guarantee that by the end of the day you will need the assistance of the burn unit at your local hospital. And for goodness sake do NOT use your real name or you risk real and serious repercussions.
Our jobs are to care for children but those same children are products of the clients that pay us - the parents. Therefore, a problem with a child is really a problem with a parent. We all know this. Daycare provider or parent alone -we know this. If my own child has a behavioural problem it is reflected on my parenting or lack thereof. I can hardly blame a child for acting in a manner for which it was taught was acceptable. And those who teach children are adults. A problem with a child in care is a problem with the parent of that child - period. Every once in a while you will find a parent who is on the same page and shares your views and the problem is easily and quickly solved by a united front both at home and at daycare. However, this situation is not the norm and it is more likely that a problem becomes a battle of wills between the provider and the parent. The child is trapped in the middle experiencing two different environments with different expectations.
Most providers I know personally are very upfront with their policies, discipline, and parenting philosophy during the initial interview. We are not hiding anything. We are not trying to win the parents over. Simply put, we are open, honest and want those in care who share our views. It is painfully obvious where we stand and if a parent chooses to place their child in our care then they also take on the expectations of the provider. If the parent did not agree then perhaps they should have continued their search elsewhere.
Therefore, this blog simply voices the concerns, frustrations and daily adventures that 99% of all providers face. Even our best attempts at being open and honest are often not considered. This leads to the very problems I write about everyday.
I welcome your comments - all of them. Negative or positive all comments are welcome here on this blog. I will not gag-order anyone simply because I am tired of being gag-ordered myself and so are a lot of other providers. So, love me or hate me - your choice. But I will continue to speak the truth for myself and those who can't. I'm tired of being silent.
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