Children and suitable clothes for winter
3I am a childminder from Scotland and at the minute we are getting lots and lots of snow, which my own kids (6 and 9) are enjoying.
I was however, astonished when parents dropped off their kids with thin jackets and with no hats, gloves or a scarf, if it’s snowing then kids need a thick jacket which is able to be fastened and also gloves and a scarf would be beneficial too, the kids I childmind for are 6 and 7 and, because my car wouldn’t start today, I had to walk them to school, the children were complaining of being cold which was understandable, they were in thin jackets which I insisted on getting zipped right to the top and I put the hoods up.
Whereas, my own girls were fully bundled up, they had a warm winter jacket which I zipped right up to the top, hood up, gloves on and a scarf around their neck.
Once the parent came to collect the kids, I explained that they were complaining of being cold but they just asked “we’ll, did you get them to do 70 their coats”, to which I replied “yes but the jackets are not warm or thick for this sort of weather”, the reply I got was “well if you want a warm jacket to keep at yours, f****** buy one”, I was shocked and angered by their language and tone of voice in front of the kids but just left it but I did get the kids winter jackets which I will leave at mine but I’m torn as to whether I increase their charge until the payment for the jackets is repayed, or do I leave it in order to avoid more conflict because the kids love me as a childminder.
What do you think guys/girls?
- 5 comments, 1 reply
- Comment
Give the kids the coats, sounds like they need someone to care about them. Do the parents dress themselves efficiently for the weather?
You shouldn’t put up with any level of verbal abuse on a job, particularly in front of children, and I really think your first step should be to tell the parents that they will have to find another sitter. Being firm sets a good example for the children as well and it’s important not to forget that. If you let yourself be bullied you are creating all sorts of bad precedents.
In reply to emt305, yes, the parents were dressed properly. Today they moaned about me zipping the kids jackets all the time.
@ScottishLeanne You’ve got to wonder in what other ways the kids are being neglected at home. At least they have a compassionate and conscientious caregiver part of the time.
No advice on this one because it, of course, depends on your income and lots of other factors we don’t know about.
Where do you live in Scotland? I used to work for Loch Eil Outward Bound and hiked all over NW Scotland with the students.
Bill them. The one parent said “buy one” and that is implicit permission to make a purchase on his/her account.