Some days, it feels like no one truly comprehends the sheer amount of effort it takes to run a daycare or day home successfully.
The dedication to planning each day down to the smallest detail often goes unnoticed. Nor does anyone realize the stress of maintaining a calm demeanor amidst the constant chaos and emotional management involving children, parents, and caregivers.
Recently, I encountered a situation that left me both frustrated and disheartened. A distraught and tired child arrived at the daycare, carried by her parent, tears streaming down her face. It was her first day of kindergarten, a morning class. This little one was still recovering from gastroenteritis, and the excitement of her first day had completely worn her out. The parents had informed me beforehand that she would require lunch, and I had prepared a nutritious plate of food for her. Little did I know that there had been some bribery involved in the form of candy to convince her to come to daycare.
Had the parent allowed the child to consume the candy before entering the daycare, it wouldn’t have been a significant issue. Unfortunately, she arrived with it in hand. Our daycare policy emphasizes the importance of eating healthy before indulging in sweets, and if a treat is brought, it should be enough to share. Tired or not, if she was going to have something, it should have been the nutritious lunch I had prepared. However, when I expressed my concern to the parent, it led to an outburst of anger.
“I am the parent, not you!” the parent exclaimed. It was an undeniably true statement, but what happens at home doesn’t always align with daycare rules. We do not entertain anger at the daycare, and we prioritize the well-being of every child. Assessing the situation, I assured the parent again that the child would be allowed the treat, but only after she had eaten something healthy. I even suggested that the child consider taking a short rest before indulging. The child looked at me, gave a sly smile, and opened the candy. The parent stood there, glaring at me, so I bent down, took the candy, and told the child, “You’re just recovering from a sore stomach, sweetheart. I’d like you to put something healthy in your stomach first, and then you can have your treat as dessert.” The parent looked shocked and said, “Now I know why she says you’re mean!”
Taking their child’s hand and demanding she put on her shoes, they stormed out of the daycare. The child snatched the candy from me, smiled, and popped it into her mouth. My heart broke; the parent did not seem to have enough respect for me to understand the significance of what had just happened. I am not mean; I am simply looking out for the child’s well-being.
Later that day, I received a phone call from the other parent. I explained my side of the story, and thankfully, my intentions were understood. Moreover, the other parent extended an apology to me. The relationship between parents and daycare providers is delicate, and both parties need to feel respected and trusted. We all have bad days, but being called “mean” was deeply hurtful. My intentions are always to create a healthy, loving, and fair environment for all the children under my care. And with that, my daycare rant comes to an end.