Semantics

It seems I'm in good company. Every day I go to my email and find a note from one of you here who thank me for the blog. The general sentiment of nearly every email is that this topic of conversation is long overdue. It seems there is a collective sigh of relief after reading the daily postings. There are many more of us who share the common themes of this blog than one might predict.

It's high time that we spoke out. We're not all blessed with the gift of holding our tongues. I can certainly attest to that. I think it is the responsibility of those who have the ability to always speak up and offer the truth. Regardless of the topic, the field of employment, your station in life, speaking the truth is always the best approach. There are naysayers who might read this blog and say that the "truth" is genuine to only the author. To some extent I agree. As the author one can only whole-heartedly speak for themselves. It is hard, although not impossible, to convey the thoughts, sentiments and truths of others when you do not share their views. However, if the comments and feedback I have received from many, many providers, parents and friends are relevant, in even the smallest form, to the level of shared attitude, then I feel this blog offers an important and much needed outlet for myself and my colleagues. One can fault me and those who comment here for my opinions but they can not fault anyone for speaking the truth. It is my truth and the truth of a lot of providers who have been too scared by the socially repressive edicts of society. There is far too much fear of judgement, persecution and backlash. Who can blame them for not wanting to speak out? Although I am not personally afraid to openly voice my opinions I can respect the reasons that others might not.

My approach to this blog is often taken through sarcasm. I enjoy the fact that nearly any situation can be viewed with a little bit of comedy. I think that is well conveyed here. Sarcasm helps to make situations seem less stressful. It's a coping mechanism I see a lot in home daycare providers. The old "laugh or cry" adage comes to mind. We collectively chose to laugh at the moments of frustration rather than throw ourselves a pity party, cry ourselves to sleep at night or have to resort to Prozac to get through the day. We're a funny, comedic bunch who are able to laugh at ourselves and rarely take ourselves too seriously. I view this as a character trait rather than a flaw. Perhaps more people need to loosen up a little, realize none of us is perfect and that a little appreciation goes along way. Lord knows I have had children in care who have long overstayed their welcome but have managed to not be terminated simply because their parents are so damned nice. Yeah, being considerate goes a long way.

The naysayers who read this blog (and your comments) will often attack our "lack of consideration, and selfishness". This honestly makes me laugh out loud. I am not easily ruffled by such things. Maybe it's because I revere myself so highly. I can't say anyone has recently accused me of having low self-esteem! Perhaps the amusement from such comments comes from the fact that it is primarily women who leave them. The same women who would gladly stand up on the steps of parliament and demand the rights of women. These are the women who relish the fact and thank God every night in their prayers that they have been afforded the right and equal opportunity to work each day with a wage equal to the man with whom she shares her cubicle. This is the same woman of course who left your daycare hours earlier after picking up her child. It's okay for her to go to work, earn a wage and be viewed as "equal" and an "asset", be protected by the Employment Standards Act and given fair opportunity. But somehow, the person who 'babysits' her child is not valued enough by her or society to receive the same respect if even just in the minds of others. So yeah, many providers might appear to be inconsiderate. Perhaps it's because they have lived and learned. They are protecting themselves and the time and effort they have put into their business. We don't have the ESA to fall back on or an Ombudsperson to call up when a parent is belligerent at the door, "forgets" to pay us, or leaves without notice contrary to the terms of the contract. Incidences that happen far more often then any non-provider could ever imagine. The same attitude in any office by a woman would be considered business-savvy, but put in the context of a home daycare provider it's then coined as inconsiderate and rude. It's all just semantics. There is no difference.

I make no apologies for my view and opinions. And, I should hope that those here who have voiced their overwhelming support would not be quick to do so either. I think that the only truth we have in life - the only given - is to know who we are and what we stand for. I know who I am. I don't spend my life worrying about pleasing others or taking stock of my list of people who might hate me. It's just not worth it. I don't have time for such trivialities. What you see is what you get. Take it or leave it. And anyone who says that is not admirable is lying to themselves.

So keep being who you are. Stay strong, enforce your policies and make your business YOUR business.


For concerns, advice or suggestions I welcome your email at judytrickett@yahoo.ca