I Can't Stop Crying!

[Symphony]

All the threads about babies who are crying, but over here it is me! I am just having a really *really* hard time the last few days, and I need to get it all out I guess.

I have been doing daycare for 10 years and I love it, 9 years in one town and now one year in this town. I love the kids so much it hurts my heart! The problem is it is a whole new world here compared to where I was before. The pay is not even in the same ballpark. Town A I had 6 children, I made $4000/mo and I had a waiting list at all times. I STILL have parents calling me and sending me letters about how much they appreciated me and wish I was still there. They were courteous, always on time, told me how much I was worth, etc etc. Town B I have 7 children, I make about 1200/mo and I haven't received an inquiry for care in 6 months. My parents are early every morning, late every night. They bring their sick kids, lie to me about symptoms, won't pick them up when I call. I maybe get a thank you once a week from one parent. I am constantly asked for "a drop in rate" and every payment I am handed includes a complaint of how expensive I am.

I just can't believe I am being treated like this. I love what I do, I really do. Where we lived before, the fact that I have degrees in child development meant something and was valuable. The parents would go without (not that many had to) in order to provide their kids with the best care. Here, they are driving their brand new cars, going on cruises, weekends to Vegas, and complaining about my $80 a week.

It makes me feel like dirt Thanks for reading, I just needed to vent to people who could understand.

[ninosqueridos]

Sorry you are going through this. It sounds like you went from one extreme to the other No advice, just sending BIG (((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))))

[krystamichelle]

Wow! I feel for you. My rates are among the cheapest in my area and with seven kids, I would be making about $2800/month. I hope things start looking up for you.

[SimpleMom]

the payment issue is exactly like it was for me when i first moved here. totally a shocker for me. i'm getting used to it now 6 yrs later ). as far as the parent's go...keep looking, grateful ones are out there. don't take it personally. i get the same thing about expenses and such, but it's like you said it's priorities on what they spend their money on.

KEEP YOUR CHIN UP! You are an amazing provider and the kids are so very lucky to have you! *HUGS*

[Symphony]

Thank you ladies. It feels good to be validated

The final decision to move here was mine and it has been positive for my family in all other aspects. My DH is really supportive of me and told me this morning if I still feel like this in a couple years we can go back.

[tulip1969]

That REALLY stinks! Just remember how important you are to the children you care for. You are their "other mommy" to them and you are doing a GREAT job. Hold your head up high and hopefully things will get better. (((HUGS)))

[Sunny Day]

Oh my! I'm so sorry, that is terrible. I would just try to keep your spirits up and maybe the longer you're in the area the more respected you be (I'm NOT saying thats the way it should be!). I found it took a little bit to 'make a name for myself' when I first started. Once you have some more credibility within the area and start getting some people who treat you like you DESERVE to be treated, weed out the disrespectful jerk parents--you don't need that. Good luck! HUGS!