Just a few of many examples: The base clinic is the most depressing place I have ever come across, people in there are angry, moody and live to make you feel the same way. The second I walk into this place I turn into a person that I do not like, I turn it those people, I am sarcastic to people before even giving them a chance, I have a harsh tone in my voice and I look like I want to kill everyone. This is my defence because I would get so upset coming out of there sometimes nearly in tears because of how I was treated or spoken to, but if you act like them, they cant hurt you? Wrong again, they have hurt you because they have brought you down to their level and turned you into a person that you do not like, your children watch you turn into this 'Monster' and cant understand why. Nice people cant survive in places like this.
Running a business like mine I meet and have met a lot of people, I am very glad to say that 95% of my daycare parents past and present are kind, caring, reliable, honest and nice. Its these people that make me love my job, I love running my daycare like a hobby because I love to stay home with my kids, I love looking after other peoples kids and I love helping people, but you can not run a business like this. I hate being strict and charging people for being late (like most daycares) I have even given up my weekends to help these people out. Its the 5% that has started to change my thoughts of how I run my business and think as a person, because its not real life to be that nice, I hate that!!
I have a daycare girl right now and she is so sweet, but her parents are part of that 5%. They have seen my kindness and they use it everyday to take advantage of me. I am so weak and I just take it, and just keep taking it. For the main reason that I don't like confrontation, but I don't like saying the truth because the truth hurts and I don't like hurting people, so basically I allow people to hurt me but again im too N-I-C-E that I don't hurt them back with a few home truths. I do not make a habit of taking time off, those kids go everywhere with me so I don't have to let the parents down even if it puts me in a difficult position. Still talking about this family, I have had this child for 8 months and have taken one day off for Masie's tests (+ she wasn't even working that day). Masie has an orthodontist appointment tomorrow and she has to have Xrays and stuff, again this parent is not working tomorrow and I told her about her appointment and she said without a doubt that she would bring her after. Obviously thinking something different because the dad picks the child up and tells me that she will be here at 8am as always, he looked at me like dirt. Do you know I didn't even mention it to any of the other parents because they are actually working, I thought she might be nice and as she wasn't working she could spend a little time with her kids while I take the other 6 kids to the appointment with me, but I guess not, that's fine she has paid me for those 2 hrs I guess, but over the last few months here is a little list of what extra I have done for that family for not an extra penny:
- They are late several times a week
- They are early about twice a month
- Their son goes somewhere else, they were busy so brought him to me
- They double booked their weekend and were both working, I watched them
- I feed her breakfast everyday (I do not get reimbursed from Chins), even though I stated that she needs to be fed before she comes (I will never not feed a child)
So I thought they might have taken a few of this nice, non selfish reasons and given me 2 hours off. But again its all my fault because I let them get away with it time and time again, so why am I shocked.
So I guess my point of this post is to A. Vent B. Learn C. Change. Now I just have to find away to still be the kind person I am but show people that I do mean business and my kind heart is not an advantage for them to get things in life for free. I also think its important to keep kindness going in this world.
Kerry, i know there are lots of people out there that are rude, arrogant, and selfish, but that does'nt mean that you should lower your standards to become like them. Yes i do belive you should harden up in regards to your business, make rules and stick to them, then people will beaware of what that can do and can't do. Have set start and finish times. if you had an office job you would start and finish at the same time you would not be allowed to start and finish as you wished. As you said 95% of people you work with are really nice so take heart in that. And for the rude people, Most rude and arrangant people are not worth worrying about. Please do not allow them to bring you down to there level. You are the bigger person if you can raise above it. i Know its hard sometimes but just remember you are are very nice, friendly, loving person who has a fantastic husband, children, family and friends which all support you 100%. Just smile sweetly at the bad tempered people and know that your life is so much better then theres, now i really must get on with some work before my boss starts shouting at me LOL. I love you so much so keep smileing and being the Kerry that we all love and respect. You have so many good quilty you just need to say NO more often. (You use to say it a lot when you was a child).LOL. xxxxx
ReplyDeleteYou are a very kind person Kerry but you can be a kind person and still demand respect. You must demand respect from people by sticking to your guns. The saying goes "fool me once, shame on you - fool me twice, shame on me" -- I think you need to let this little girl go elsewhere. Give them notice and explain to them your policies and then you will have room for a child who's parents have respect for your services because you are doing a favor to them being so flexible.
ReplyDeleteYou're right, thanks both of you I really have learnt. The good thing is the little girl is leaving on Friday, and I am so looking forward to it. xxx
ReplyDeleteBecause you are who you are, those children have such a light in their life. If you feel you can't tell people like these, perhaps you can make a nice leaflet that goes home restating the rules. ie., child needs fed before arrival, etc. if there are future issues. If you need help for an appointment, let me know. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Sonya I will:)Thats a really good idea about the leaflet though, hopefully when she is gone I will be able to start a fresh and stay strong from the begining.
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