Post No. 100

Ah, I did it! I am so proud to announce that today marks my one hundredth post here on this blog. Over the past three months I have blogged about snot, poop, tantrums, tears, payments, contracts, parents, parenting, napping, and much, much more. It's been quite a journey for me as a person and as a daycare provider. In fact, blogging has been the most effective outlet I have ever had the pleasure to experience.

I used to feel daily bouts of overwhelming frustration with all of those things that come along with the job of daycare provider. There were times during the day I wanted to put on my shoes and run far, far away. I longed to call up every parent and tell them I quit. My head was in control and my emotions were its victim. It was nearly paralyzing. I knew that I needed to find a way to vent and scream and swear if I had to. I need to know and convey to others that I was not crazy or alone or on the brink of insanity. And you know, I think I have accomplished that.

Every day I open up my email and find a note from some daycare provider who has taken the time to thank me for the blog. Often these providers will recount to me their darkest days and how, for the first time since embarking on their daycare careers, they feel "normal". They no longer feel that they have to bottle up the those feelings that have been suppressed for so long. They now realize that it's okay to just be them. To be open, honest, and not apologize for it. We are not the ever rosy-cheeked, Pollyanna, Miss Positivity that every parent anticipates finding when they search for a provider. We are not the exception but rather the rule. Are there rosy-cheeked, ever optimistic, in the depths of diarrhea, daycare providers out there? Of course there are! These personality types find service in every type of business, in every continent on the planet. But know this......they are the exception.

I never, in my wildest dreams, anticipated that by discovering an avenue to clear my racing thoughts that I would in return be of service to others. And it's a damned good feeling to know that perhaps, in some small way you have made a difference to someone. Because, unfortunately, in this job that we all do we are not thanked enough. We are taken for granted, take advantage of and used when needed and discarded when not. We work too hard for too little money. We put in more hours than most but never see overtime pay. We give up our homes, our hearts and often our security to be of service to others. We give all that we have but they always want more. In short, every one's needs come before our own. We are always last in line and the line gets longer every day.

Woman are underestimated and undervalued. And at the bottom of the spectrum of value is the title, "daycare provider". It has been commonplace throughout history that those who care for our children are least appreciated, understood or regarded. It's just a given that this is our role. Any area where a segment of society is engendered with a role of rigid boundaries and expectations it's nearly impossible to change the mindset that has evolved along side that reality. But it can be done. I think it is time for women, all women, provider or not to set the record straight.

The job of childcare is important - perhaps more important than that of the leader of the free world, the neurosurgeon, the police officer or the best-selling author. It is more paramount and has more affect than any of those jobs combined. Because, without a special person to guide, correct and support you in your early years there will be little a person can change in the world later. Read the biographies of any great person and you will realize there was always at least one special mentor or caretaker during their childhood who profoundly contributed to the characteristics of the adult they became. It's not up for debate. It's fact. The early years environment and interaction of all children does shape who they will later become as adults. Therefore, know, regardless of the naysayers, those who view you as the babysitter, that you are making a difference in the world.

Why is it that those who are admired most in the world are the same people who make immediate impressions throughout their work? We too can, and do, change the world every single day. The difference is that the world will not be privy to our work for many years to come. We are helping to shape and support caring, empathetic, compassionate future adults. Do not underestimate or deny this truth to yourself or anyone else. What you do matters.

Please decide to just be you. Decide today to no longer pretend to be more than you are. Because what you are - a daycare provider - has far more impact on the world than most people can ever attest to having accomplished. And don't apologize for your misgivings. This job, this very hard, demanding and consequential job, requires that you speak the truth. One can not do their best work when harbouring feelings of inadequacy, resentment, anxiety and a sense of false self.

I sincerely hope, that over the last one hundred posts you have enjoyed the humour and sarcasm but have also taken with you a valuable lesson in just being one's self. If you are not being your true self then how can you teach others to hold dear that attribute themselves? Your job is important. So walk the walk and talk the talk. Your head will thank you for it today and the children in your care one day in the future.




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