Thanks, But No Thanks

What are we worth? We are certainly worth every penny of our pay cheques. In fact, we are probably worth at least double the fees we charge on a daily basis. Are we worth more than money and reputation? I think we are.

It always amazes me when I hear stories of daycare providers who have families in their care for five or more years who, upon leaving their daycare, don't offer as much as a card of thanks. I have to wonder how it is, as a parent, that you can leave your precious child in the care of someone for five years and not feel that more than a cheque is warranted for the services provided. Where is the common courtesy of a simple demonstration of gratitude?

I am the first person to admit that daycare is business. As a daycare provider I provide a service and the parents pay me for the service. However, even I can see that the lines are somewhat blurred on many levels. It is not "business" when I purchase birthday and Christmas gifts for children. It is not "business" when I bake a cake and host a party for a child on their last day of care. It is not "business" when I collect small trinkets while on vacation to give to each and every child in my care. These acts are of my choosing. They are not only courteous but thoughtful, conscious undertakings on my part. I do the aforementioned things because I want to and because they bring joy to the children in my care. Why then is this courtesy so rarely reciprocated?

Today, on a daycare forum I read about a friend of mine who, after caring for a child from the age of eight months did not receive so much as a card when the parents left her home for the last time. Is it too much to ask for the slightest recognition for a job well done or the gratitude from one parent for providing a warm, loving environment for their child? Apparently, for some parents this is not a thought worth consideration. Are we not worthy of thanks and appreciation? The last time I checked there were no kind words of thanks on a personal cheque or a twenty dollar bill.

There are many people who would argue that it is business. I beg to differ on that premise alone. Because if every dealing between humans that involved an exchange of money were strictly business then there would be little compassion in this world. We pay school teachers through tax contributions. Teachers spend a mere ten months with our eight or nine year old child but most parents still find the time to send a thoughtful card and small gift to thank them for their service. One might assume that the care of a child from infancy to pre-school might warrant a small thanks in itself. After all, are we not as important as school teachers in the growth and development of children? I could argue we are much more pivotal than a school teacher to who that child becomes. Where is our card?

Not all parents are so selfish. I know that in my care I have had plenty of families gift beautiful items topped with card of kind words. Every once in a while a family will surprise me. They will show up at my door on their last day of care with nothing more than a "good-bye" and "are all his things here?". Of course, I am sure to hold out the gift I have, in fact, wrapped and ready for little Johnny as a thanks for allowing me the privilege of caring for their child. Sadly, there is no card handed to me.

Daycare providers are people. We are human. We have feelings. We hurt, we laugh and we too grow a little bigger and prouder when the work we do is recognized and appreciated. We applaud your child every time they do a great job. We congratulate them when they learn a new skill. And sometimes, just like that two year old to whom we just gave the high-five, a little recognition goes a long way. So, if you are a parent take a minute and thank your provider. She will swell with pride and you, my parent friend, will become one of the "Golden" parents.









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