As daycare providers we have to sometimes take the blame for what is happening out there in the world of daycare. Every day I read a forum post about a demonic daycare child, a rude daycare parent or a simply pissed-off provider. When is it OUR fault? When is it time to cut the parents some slack and take a moment to reflect on our own misgivings?
The simple fact is, that as in life, your happiness in the business of daycare is dependent on you and you alone. Sure, we all have eye-popping moments of parental interaction that leave us stunned and unprepared for the sheer audacity of the events that have occurred but for the most part our happiness or lack thereof is the responsibility of us and us alone.
We teach people how to treat us. Period. You can only be treated with as much disrespect as you will tolerate and accept. If you, as a provider, want more respect from parents, to have your policies followed, to be paid on time, only YOU have the power to make that happen.
Stop being a doormat. Stop playing the victim. Stop speaking in code.
Ask for what you want; demand it; get it.
It's really that simple.
Just as we would not tolerate a child in our care treating us with disrespect neither should we tolerate it from the very parents of those children. We are in control of our destiny, our happiness and our success in daycare.
Every time we lack the courage to confront a parent who has paid us late we allow that to happen to us. We set a precedent that tells that parent that we do not think ourselves worthy of being paid on time. Every time we remain mute when a parent arrives late to pick up we train that parent that tardiness is acceptable to us. We need to stop the blame and start to walk the walk. We need to start claiming what is ours - self-worth, assertiveness and ultimate happiness.
I challenge every provider this week to find one area of daycare that frustrates them to no end. And then I ask you to really look at that situation and see where you fall short of demanding what you need or deserve. Ask yourself where you have failed YOU and are allowing the frustration to occur. You might be surprised to find that you are more than fifty percent of the problem.
Stop being the victim. Accept your part in everything that happens to you. You might be surprised to find your life, and your daycare days can be better than you ever imagined.
For concerns, advice or suggestions I welcome your email at judytrickett@gmail.com
