Beggars Can Be Choosers

Have you ever had golden children in your care? I have. I currently have one child, a two year old little girl, who is fabulous. Hands down she is one of the best children I have ever had the pleasure of caring for. In fact, if I had an entire daycare full of kids like her I would never need an occasion to blog my frustrations.

A few years ago I had another girl in care who was also a golden child. I remember her first day of care. Not a tear was shed and she ran off to play. At the tender age of twelve months, we as daycare providers, realize this is an anomaly. No crying, no screaming, no fussing. It was amazing. This child was with me for only six months when her parents announced that the Montessori school in our area had opened up a new program for children eighteen months old. So, there she went - off to Montessori and I lost the perfect child.

In the two years since she left my care I have had this child visit daycare during Montessori breaks and summer vacation. And every time she comes I feel cheated and discouraged. I feel cheated that I lost such a wonderfully easy going and fun child and discouraged at the demeanour of her replacements. I start to realize how, in a perfect world, daycare could be. Yes, I feel hoodwinked. I start to feel something else too. I feel like a beggar.

Whenever this child spends a few precious days in care I get the itch. I want so badly to strong arm her parents into quitting that fancy "school". I want to beg them to bring her back. I want to pout, and kick and scream until I get my way. And eventually, I do give into the desire and directly tell the parents they need to leave her in my care. She loves it here. My own kids adore her and she fits in like an additional family member. And even her parents constantly remind me of the quality care I provide. Ah, I wish I could find the stumbling block.

The mother is currently on mat leave with the golden child's sister. They have already asked about care for their youngest at the time mom returns to work. It is also apparent that they do not wish to have their youngest follow in her sister's Montessori footsteps. I'm quite certain cost is a factor. After all, I could care for both of their children for the price of their oldest to attend Montessori for only forty weeks a year. Seems like a no-brainer to me.

The next three weeks while the golden child is in my care I will make a special effort to convince the parents to reconsider. And, if anyone know me they will be shocked to discover that I would take the time or consideration to convince anyone to use my services. I'm not the type to run after clients. I'm too smug and feel I have more self-worth than that. But sometimes one has to give up their inclination to be contemptuous in order to reap the rewards of the greater good. And for me, that would be having this child back in care.

So, it is my goal in the next three weeks and then the next five months to have these parents utilize my services once again. I can imagine already the stress-free days and delightful times with sixty percent of the children in my care being 'golden'. Oh, what a dream that would be. And yes, it would mean letting some of the other children go onto other adventures. Those children and their parents can find another provider who is willing to listen to their two and a half year old scream for their sunglasses. Because if all goes as planned there will be no screaming in my house. Nope, just fun-filled days with happy, easy-going kids. Ah, heck, who needs Montessori? Just come on over to my house. My sanity needs you.

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