Freaking People

People never cease to amaze me. Just when you think you have heard everything once again you are stupefied by the behaviour of others.

Tuesday, my sister embarked on a new career - that of a home daycare provider. She welcomed into her home three siblings whose last provider left them in the lurch. The parents seemed pleased, signed on to care immediately and started the day after the interview. Upon arrival on day one the mother handed over the contract, cheque for the deposit and her children. She bid them all farewell and was off to work for the day.

Sometime after she left my sister reviewed the signed paperwork only to find that the parents had taken it upon themselves to add a hand written addendum to the contract. It read to the effect that they agreed to the terms of the contract with the exception of paying for stats, their children's sick days and any of their own vacation time. Of course, my sister being my sister and sharing our fierce DNA called me on the phone to vent about the insult of a parent assuming, wrongly, that they were setting the terms of the contract.

My sister is a strong woman. This attribute would prove to be advantageous in her first daycare confrontation. Upon arrival to pick up her children, my sister confronted the mother to inform her that the contract was not negotiable and that care in her business required that all parents abide by the terms of the contract. The mother appeared surprised but agreed that she would pay all fees regardless of attendance.

When the outcome was conveyed to me by my sister there were virtual high-fives all around. I was quite proud that on day one of her daycare career she had more back bone than a lot of providers who have the advantage of years of service. She did well.

Incredibly the same mother arrived yesterday to inform my sister that she "couldn't afford to pay a daycare provider $75 a day to care for her three children". Instead, she informed my sister that they would only be using half day care and in return would grace her with a whopping $12.50 a day. WHAT? Who the hell are these people? Why do parents think that they make the rules?

Gosh, I wished I lived in the same town as my sister. I would love to knock on the door of this parent and take them on a field trip. Perhaps we would start at Wal-mart. We could find the cookie section, locate a box or Oreos, take half of them out of the box and then proceed to the check out. Certainly the cashier or the Walton family wouldn't have a problem with us paying for only half the box. After all, we only brought a loonie and can't afford the whole package. After leaving Wal-mart cookieless we would venture over to Rogers Cable. We would notify the cable company that although we have signed on to their basic cable package in the future we would only be paying for half the channels. Afterall, we don't really enjoy the Weather Network or the CityPulse ticker channels anyway. And last but not least on our field trip we would stop by the city clerk's office. Maybe they would see our point when we explain that although the garbage limit is four bags we only put out two a week so we will expect a break on our taxes. Oh, and nope, we don't use all of the city streets, only those on our way to work and back so cut us a break there too.

I'm guessing that if this daycare parent read this blog post she would see how ridiculous the above scenarios appear. I have no doubt that she would agree that those situations would never fly with Wal-mart, Rogers or City Hall. So why then, should they apply to home daycare providers? I love having my garbage picked up. I love being able to watch Oprah via Rogers Cable. But a daycare provider cares for your KIDS! Do you really think it's a good idea to low ball the person who is responsible for the care and consideration of your most precious treasure? Wake up people! Get your priorities straight.

So, to that parent I have this to say........

You can't "afford" care at a rate that is fair and reasonable to be paid to the person who cares for your children? Can you still "afford" cable T.V.? Do you still enjoy your Timmies coffee in the morning? Do you buy those Oreos at Wal-mart? Are you wearing this season's sandals when you have ten more in the closet at home? Because if you can't "afford" to pay a daycare provider for the important work she does then you should not be arriving at her house asking her for a discount stepping out of your gas guzzling 2009 SUV, wearing your new shoes, and sipping your Timmies coffee. Let's get serious here.

Money is about priorities. For the most part and with few exceptions most families who complain about the cost of care just don't have their priorities straight. I guess it comes down to this; what's more important - your new sandals or the welfare of your children? I sincerely hope for your children's sake that you make the right choice.

I hope this mom's ass recovers from the mark the door left as she felt is slam against her backside. I also wish her the best in locating her next babysitter. Because anyone who holds on to her children operating by her rules will always be 'Just The Babysitter'. Good luck to her.

Oh, and Stephanie........good going, girl! Hang in there. Most parents are great you just started out at the bottom of the barrel. There is no way but up from here.




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