Monday, February 11, 2008

I Just Want It To Be Fixed

I don’t even know where to begin today. I have a huge knot in my stomach that will not go away, no matter what I do. We all know I have stress at work…it will be with me for another month. But this childcare thing is really pushing me over the edge. I know in my head that it’s out of my control, and everything will work out…but my body isn’t listening…and I’m not sleeping well, and my stomach is upset, and I just feel like crap.

My kids were at my parents’ this weekend. They wanted to give hubby and me some time together and give me time to rest so that hopefully I can get better. Hubby and I had FANTASTIC weekend! We watched a movie, we went t a really nice restaurant for dinner…we just hung out with each other and had a blast!

When the kids came home yesterday I was unpacking their stuff and I looked at my daughter’s Care Bear…there was writing on it! My kids know that you only write on paper. I asked my daughter about it and she said that the sitter’s daughter did it. When I really looked at it I realized it said “I Hate (insert my daughter’s name here).” To say hubby and I were furious would be an understatement.

Thankfully, I have great parents that rearrange their schedules for us (even though I kept telling them they didn’t have to). My dad ran his errands last night and we went to church and then he packed the kids back up and took them back to his house. It was really hard…I hadn’t seen them in a couple days and now they were leaving again. But hubby and I knew we had to…they could never go back to that sitter again. I really pray that this week we can find someone who will be perfect for the kids…and for us…so that we can get back to our normal lives.

I told the sitter that we needed to talk to her about something and that we would be over tonight to get our stuff and discuss something with her (I called her and told her this). She sent me an e-mail saying that she knew about the Care Bear, and there wasn’t really anything to talk about – our stuff would be on her front porch and we shouldn’t contact them again. Her excuse was that her kids had a really hard time adapting to having to share her, so they act out. First of all, she should have anticipated that, and second of all, it’s called discipline!

I can’t even describe how I’m feeling right now…how can two people trick you into thinking they are the nicest people ever? How on earth did hubby and I not see this??? It just really makes me mad…how can people act this way? I know I’m not biased…I’ve had a bunch of people tell me what great and easy-going kids I have…so I know it’s not my kids (because if it was, I would deal with it).

We have an interview tonight and hopefully we’ll get some more set up for this week. I just really want my kids to come home and I want the knot in my stomach to go away.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

Ugh.

First, how great that you and hubby got the weekend alone.

Second, I know it sucks that your kids are gone again, but it's SO much better than having no choice BUT to send them to that cow of a sitter.

Third, I'm furious FOR you at her response. Write her a nasty letter and then? Wipe your hands clean of the situation.

You WILL find something that works for everyone...I promise :)

Amy W said...

That sucks...I don't know what else to say. I hope you find a new sitter soon!!

Squishy Tushy said...

OMG. I would take the Care Bear and absolutely pummel her with it.

Rachel (Crazy-Is) said...

That is horrible!!!!! Try not to be hard on yourselves about it. Some people are able to convey themselves one way, but are really not nice people underneath. I am glad that you found the bear, that way, your kids are not there any longer and subjected to who knows what kind of treatment. You will find someone new. Someone that is genuinely nice and cares about people and will take wonderful care of your kids.

It is people like that woman that make it sooooooo hard for us as parents to find childcare for our kids. You just don't know who to trust.

Dani said...

Ok. Completely unacceptable. I would want to hurt her. Badly.

Good luck finding something perfect. They're out there, I know it!
Just be thankful that your parents are close enough to help out. Thank God for family when you need them!

Sherry said...

OMG that sitter has me so mad right now I can't even see straight!!! How can she even advertise herself as a sitter and her DEVIL child wow. Discipline is the key but with this con of a person, I can tell it won't happen.
Yeah she fooled you which only means she is good at being a liar and that my dear is not your fault or your hubby's. She put on a show and you being the type person you are, only see the good in people.
How dare her put your stuff on the porch too, she is too chicken to face you, oh let me at her!!!!
Stress is giving you the knot in your stomach, work yes, but more so your daycare situation. I only pray this week will end that for you. I know you won't rest until your children are in the very best of care.
It will happen, not all are bad, you will find someone that is awesome!! Chin up and keep positive thoughts on this okay?

Julie said...

I can't believe she won't even meet with you. Can you write a letter to you local daycare accreditation board? To make sure if she ever starts up again a note is in her file about her unprofessionalism, etc.

Julie said...

Oh, and don't beat yourself up over it. ANYONE can put on a good front in an interview - you and hubby didn't miss anything.

ChrisB said...

Are your child sitters not regulated. Here in the UK everyone has to be registered and they are inspected against national standards.

Radioactive Tori said...

I am so sorry for you and this whole situation! Yuck! I am so proud of you for not sending your kids back there...who knows what would happen.

As for the care bear and the writing, yes, sometimes kids do nasty things but if she knew about it, why wouldn't she have told you about it???? If one of my kids ever did something like that to one of my daycare kids (they wouldn't, but lets just say they did) I would definitely bring it up with the parents and apologize like crazy and also tell them what consequences my kids would get for doing something so mean spirited. I can't imagine any of my kids ever doing that though because they genuinely love the kids I watch...I wouldn't keep watching these kids if they hated them because it wouldn't be fair to anyone.

Good luck with it all...I really do wish you lived near me!

Jill said...

So sorry you are having to go through this again. Have you considered a daycare center instead of in-home daycare? At least you won't have to deal with the "not available" thing and many of them really are good learning environments. Our 2 year old has been in a Primrose School since age 7 weeks and he loves it. He learns so much, has his little group of "friends" and you get a variety of teachers and personalities. I rarely give advice, and that's not what I'm trying to do here....but just a suggestion. I hated the thought of a daycare with all the sickness and large classes, but it's been really wonderful for us (so far!). I hope this all works out for your family the way you desire and I'll be keeping your in my thoughts and prayers.

Edie said...

I'm just catching up on your blog and this sounds so terrible!! I'm so sorry this is happening again. How can this be happening again?!? I know you keep asking yourself that.

What about hiring a Nanny from a nanny service that will come to your house and take care of your kids in your home?? Are there any agencies in your area? At least that way, you don't have to worry about other kids.

This is horrible. I wish you the best of luck!!

Like you needed any more stress!!

Anonymous said...

So sorry to hear that. Don't beat yourself up over it. We do the best we can. Stuff happens. And now you'll just go find someone lots better! Hope the search goes well. And quickly. I know it's hard.

Kelly said...

It amazes me how rude people can be! THe babysitter sucks and I'm glad you guys are rid of her. You will find another one..who is much MUCH better. Good luck with your search...keep us informed! As for the carebear I'd make the biatch pay for it!