It is very hard to not get offended when some people make comments about how much daycare costs. So many negative undertones for my chosen profession. No one likes bills, myself included. Admittedly I am a minority for what I charge, a small hourly fee to help offset daycare expenses. But there are times when the comments sting. Bear in mind, I can’t speak for all of us in this profession, I can only speak for myself.
Being in any profession for as long as I have (26+ years) should have resulted in holiday pay, retirement funds, healthcare, and much more. But, Being self employed, working directly with parents, providing top quality care for children, unless I do these incentives for myself, they do not happen. Knowing I am a core teacher in their formative years, I take my position very seriously. Some weeks I work as many as 60+ hours, and I take very little time off. In short, if I don’t work, I don’t get paid.
All the day home’s bills, groceries, crafts, outings, supplies, and all extras come from what parents pay me. Choosing to work out of my own home, as a parent, I got to be home for my children, a choice that was important to me. There were sacrifices that my children had to make, sharing their Mother, their home, and my time. I missed out on so many school concerts, sporting events, and numerous other appointments. Gratefully my spouse was able to attend to all of these, but alas I still felt slighted.
My home was home to many children over the years. Children that grew up and brought me their babies to help raise. All the wear and tear on my home, memories made by all raised in my care. The sacrifices, sometimes harder to swallow than not, felt somehow worth it. When lovingly caring for a sick child so a weary thankful parent could head home to sleep. The chocolate smeared smile from baking, the finger paintings that adorn my wall, the squishy warm leg hugs from my littles.
Yes I am a bill, no I don’t make much money, yes I absolutely love my job. Yes it is your hard earned money that pays me. I give you peace of mind knowing your child is cared for with so much love, and patience. I am worth the money I make, I deserve it, I work hard for it. Most people would not work for what I earn, or give the sacrifices I have. I love my job, my career. Please understand I am not trying to offend anyone, and money is tight for all, but everything I do is to make your children’s lives better. So excuse me if occasionally I roll my eyes when the cost of day homes/daycares are criticized. I know in my heart the work I do is priceless.