Confusion and Frustration

I am always a positive person! It's not hard, I have an amazing life, great kids, great friends and a phenomenal wife. I love love love my job and I put my heart and soul into it. What confuses me is people who want more out of me.
I have a client, a family, who has made some demands of my dayhome, which I tried to accommodate, no driving in the winter, we go out on days their child is not here; the child eats ichiban noodles and breads and alphagetties, it is not what I serve, I asked if they want the child to eat this way to please provide; I take the kids swimming; they wanted one on one, I changed days so the child is 'safe'.

What frustrates me, I have always explained what my dayhome is like. We like to be out in the community, we like to go to Galleries, Rec Centre, even Costco. We have playdates and make incredible crafts and celebrate every day. We dance and bake and laugh. We have so much fun. Most my parents love me and what I do. I hear weekly the appreciation, and it feels great.

Yesterday a parent informed me that I am a 'contracted worker' and will only be paid when the child is here. (I have monthly rates).  I was told that the child's mother has issues with winter driving, food ( trust me when I say we eat healthy and offer so many options). He told me that I offer the most personal care and unbelievable care, but he wants more. Or maybe not more but I am less than... I feel so devalued.

I shouldn't care, but I do!

He has told me how I am not entitled to be paid, how he will let me know the days his child will be here, how it will be.

I am really easy going. I have one little person who stays late some days, stuff is happening and I love being able to be there for the family. Never once did it ever cross my mind to expect more pay, as a matter of fact, I would be insulted.

Spending the day with children to me is a huge commitment. I need to be available to love, teach, guide, grow, nurture and provide stimulation all the time. I carry each little heart and mind carefully and love what I do.

Trust me, I get the huge hugs and the loving laughter. I receive so much from the kids, I love every day. I miss them when they leave, but am so proud when I see these kids later and am always met with big hugs and stories about school, sports and so much more.

So what happens now? I let them know this relationship will no longer continue. He actually said to me , "what would happen if we want to continue?" At  the time I was just shocked by everything but my response is,

I will wrap the child up in my arms with a huge hug and say hello!

So I wonder why I am frustrated? I guess because the kid pays the price. He said, " what the F am I going to do now?". Good luck unkind sir, it will be hard to find the place you desire.

I think I am done venting and maybe I was also a little sad.