Why don't people realize that they should give decent gifts to their child care provider?

I am a child care provider, and for the most part I get half decent gifts from parents at Christmas. I have super low rates, actually take care of the children and pay attention to them. Give them healthy meals and snacks in a safe environment. I have one family who actually shows their appreciation but then I have another who gave me...and I am not joking here....a gift that cost $1.00. I spent more than $50 on their two childrens gifts last year. I was really hurt. This past week the two mothers were in my home at the same time and the one mother asked me if I would like a certain gift (very nice by the way) and I said I would love it. The other mother%26#039;s eyes almost popped out of her head. I wouldn%26#039;t mind but this particular family has a six figure income per year as where the other mother is a teacher. Am I being awful here?

Why don%26#039;t people realize that they should give decent gifts to their child care provider?

I don%26#039;t think you%26#039;re being awful. Take a step back however, did the parents tell you that you had to give their children presents? No. Were they expecting that you would? Probably not. I think it%26#039;s great that you care that much that you did it. Also, my boyfriend comes from a family that is well off, but the gifts they give each other are very inexpensive. So what feels right for one person (regardless of income) may not feel right to another person.

Now do I think a $1.00 gift is reasonable, no not at all. Just tell her your preference that you appreciate the thought but it%26#039;s not necessary. Because honestly, the thought was there, but the price is offensive to you so you would probably be better off with an understanding of not exchanging gifts with that family.

Best of luck!

Why don%26#039;t people realize that they should give decent gifts to their child care provider?

Most people would view this as you are being paid to watch this lady%26#039;s children and you shouldn%26#039;t expect anything more than payment on the day you decided it was due! When they agreed for you to watch their children, it was not written in the contract that they must spend a certain amount on a Christmas gift for you. So what if they only spent $1? Shouldn%26#039;t it be the thought that counts? They could have not even spent the $1!! And could it be possible that the children picked this $1 gift out for you? And so what if this woman has a 6-figure income? Just because she makes that kind of money doesn%26#039;t mean that she%26#039;s actually got it to spend on a Christmas gift for her babysitter!

Sounds to me like you are just being greedy!

Why don%26#039;t people realize that they should give decent gifts to their child care provider?

Maybe because they have all ready compensated you for the service you provide them. If you want more trying asking for it up front. Why do people think they are entitled to something extra for doing exactly what they are paid to do?

Why don%26#039;t people realize that they should give decent gifts to their child care provider?

The fact that you are given a gift at all is something you should be grateful for. No one is obligated to give a gift to anyone. Nor are you obligated to give a gift to their children. If you decided to give the children gifts, then it should be out of the goodness of your own heart, not because you are hoping to be rewarded with a gift of equal or higher value. Haven%26#039;t you ever heard that it%26#039;s the thought that counts.

Why don%26#039;t people realize that they should give decent gifts to their child care provider?

Yes, you are being awfully ungrateful. You should be thankful that they get you a gift. It is really the thought that counts.

Buying gifts for everyone and their brother can get awfully expensive. Maybe they are short on cash and 1.00 gift is better then nothing.

You shouldn%26#039;t be greedy and you should continue to provide good care for their kids regardless of the gift they give.

Maybe they aren%26#039;t Christian, or maybe the spirit of Christmas means something else to them.

Why don%26#039;t people realize that they should give decent gifts to their child care provider?

This is a business relationship. They pay you for their child%26#039;s care so they don%26#039;t owe you anything. It%26#039;s wrong to feel that someone is obligated to give you a gift. It%26#039;s also impolite to make assumptions about a family%26#039;s finances. I think in this relationship a plate of cookies and a card is appropriate as a holiday gesture.