Yep, I'm afflicted with Short Timer's Syndrome. It's a strange illness. It seems to accompany notice of termination of services. The responsible party matters not. The only factor that matters is the short amount of time left with a particular child.
A few weeks ago I was informed that my services would no longer been needed effective the end of August for a child who has been with me just over a year. Apparently she is off to Grandma's for free daycare. Goody for them. Free daycare with a relative. What could be better?
My Short Timer's Syndrome kicked in this morning. This child is two and a half and very babied by her parents. She is still carried into care every morning. They take off her shoes for her, pull her soother out of her mouth, baby talk their good-byes to her and generally make me want to pull my hair out by the time they walk out the door. Nothing like encouraging your child to never become an independent entity. However, I started to feel my syndrome resurface when mom announced to me that they will start potty training now. Oh really? How convenient. Am I the only one who sees something amiss with this scenario?
I am an advocate for getting kids potty trained early. In fact, I believe that kids go far too long these days being treated like babies when they are capable of so much more. However, this family obviously does not share my sentiment in all areas of independence. I also had their older child in care once and she did not potty train until she was nearly three years old. But, apparently something in their perceptions of developmentally appropriate independence and potty training has changed in...oh...the last few weeks? Hey....wait a minute....isn't that when they gave me notice?! Yeah, I'm no dummy. I know what's going on here.
It amazes me what parents will suddenly expect from you when they know they will no longer have your services at their beckon call. Obviously, I am the only person in her life who requires her to take off her own shoes, clean up her own toys, and use her words instead of the whiny dribble she employs in communication with her parents. Why not then get your last opportunity to have Judy do some more of the dirty work? Yes, how convenient for Judy's last days with this child be spent in accomplished potty training. How wonderful for Grandma to be handed the labours of my love and hard work and pee-stained carpets.
As I stood there nodding and smiling at mom's announcement my Short Timer's Syndrome was carrying on a conversation in my head all by itself. It was chuckling with the absurdity of it all. Or was it really laughing at mom and her stupidity? Does she honestly expect the daycare provider to whom you have just given notice to do all the hard work of potty training just to hand her off and reap no rewards? Well, I guess she does. Or, maybe the jokes on me but you got to give her credit for trying.
So, yeah, I'm going to work very hard at potty training in the next month. Uh, huh. Yep. Whatever you want to believe. Besides, I have a disability and can't be held responsible for my inadequacies. Nope, it's not me talking. It's that damned Short Timer's Syndrome.
For concerns, advice or suggestions I welcome your email at judytrickett@yahoo.ca
Kids are capable of so much more than most parents believe. It irks me as well when they're brought to me without the blankie and soosie, and when they arrive inside the door, out of the bag it appears and given to the child in his arms only for me to take it away when the parent walks out the door. How cruel can they be, you would think seeing how they know my policy that this wouldn't happen. Thank goodness we are strong.
ReplyDeleteThank you for putting a name to this disease. I have suffered with it in the past. My personal symptoms have been periodical moments of giddiness followed by sustained bouts of hope for the future. I too have also experienced an inadequate supply of giving a crap about the parentally issued objectives for their child. For me, this syndrome causes time to move slower relative to the amount of distress caused by the child and/or parents whose termination originated said syndrome. Thank you for bringing our plight to the world's attention. All donations to this cause will be used for celebration parties once the door closes for the final time on short timers everywhere. Thank you for your support!
ReplyDeletemustbenuts.....
ReplyDeleteYou crack me up!! That is hysterical!
If this mom is anything like the one I have coming here, JR. has all the baby einstein movies, toys etc. and they do flash cards as well as give them a mini-lecture on the difference between an insect and an arachnid when the kid points and says "Bug!".
ReplyDeleteThey want the brilliant child, but unfortunately, this child is missing the important link of self-discovery before discovering the world around him.
Wow, so this happens to others. I'm somewhat relieved to hear it. I like the "she's going to REAL preschool, and she has to be potty trained to go there, so can WE really work hard on that?" line of thought.
ReplyDeleteI have this in adundance right now as I'm closing shop mid-August. VERY hard to care when it's not going to be affecting me very soon.
ReplyDeletethank you Judy, your comments always make me chuckle. A few weeks ago a parent told me that we needed to work harder on potty training because they were going on vacation. No time at home "we are just too busy."
ReplyDeleteits a really funny story where sooo typical of many parents will try to max out their graces a couple of weeks before they terminate their care contracts. Personally I let it slide and show them that I am a better person for helping them fulfill their needs whether it be potty training or behavioral modification, i think of it as a service to my fellow daycare provider who will be landing this little demon child after my contract expires.I wouldnt want to spread the misery.
ReplyDeleteAnd it's people like this why **I** dont have MY child in daycare. Obviously irresponsible people who care nothing about the child, and only the paycheck. Time to find a new job...Burger King MIGHT hire you.
ReplyDelete