Wednesday, September 7, 1994
When I started tending again, my next-door neighbor didn’t want to pay $10.00 a day. I knew her daughter *Conny, she was a sweet girl, so I said I would do it for $1.00 an hour like I used to.
Dianne said she was a single mother and couldn’t afford that. She asked me to go even lower. I reluctantly agreed to .75 cents an hour.
Shortly after I started tending again, Conny started to over on a Saturdays. The first time it happened, I told Conny I wasn’t tending and that she needed to go home. Conny said that her mom told her to come over to play. I ended up tending her for free on those days. It was my own fault. I did it because Conny was an only child and I felt sorry for her.
Dianne was a manager at her company; she had a fancy car and was always well-dressed. I knew she was taking advantage of me, but I was afraid to speak up.
Today, Dianne came over and said she wanted me to go to 50 cents an hour, since that’s all she could afford. I told Dianne I couldn’t go that low. Dianne got upset and started arguing with me. Dianne is intimidating. I managed to stay strong and didn’t back down.
Friday, September 9, 1994
Dianne came with a check for last week’s childcare. When I opened the door, she said to me. “Here is the money I owe you! My child will no longer be coming here!” She crumbled up the check and threw it at me. Then she turned around and stomped off.
I felt bad because I loved her child. But I just couldn’t go that low, especially since I babysat for free on Saturdays.
It’s going to be akward from now on, because Dianne lives right next door to me. And Conny is in Jared’s class.
Monday, October 3, 1994
I had just put all the kids down for a nap and was about to eat my lunch. I was so tired, and I still don’t have answers for why Laila never sleeps and is always crying.
I thought I should be getting a medal for everything I accomplish with what little sleep I get. As I turned on naptime music for the little ones, I imagined standing before a crowd, receiving flowers and a trophy, as everyone clapped and gave me a standing ovation.
My thoughts were interrupted by a woman standing in the doorway watching me. I didn’t know who she was, so I ran over to the phone to call the police. The lady could tell I was scared, so she hurried and said she was from the state because one of the parents I babysat for had filed a complaint about me.
When you are a licensed daycare provider, you sign a document stating that the state can come in at any time, unannounced, and go through your home. I had imagined they would at least have the courtesy to knock first before just barging in.
The lady told me she needed to do an inspection. I asked the lady for the name of the parent who had complained about me. She told me she was not allowed to tell me. I told her that wasn’t right, because then anyone could call and complain, and I would have no way to defend myself.
The lady said, “Well, if you have everything in order, there is nothing for you to worry about!” I still didn’t think it was right that I wasn’t allowed to know who had reported me.
The lady had her pen and notebook in hand. She was only permitted to inspect the rooms that I had agreed to when I first started tending. Instead, she went through my whole house! She even went through my closets to make sure I didn’t have more kids than I was allowed. I assured her that I didn’t have anyone hiding in the closets and that I wasn’t going over the allowed amount.
Then she checks the papers where parents sign in and out. As she went over them, she noticed I had one child too many for 30 minutes. This incident happened a few weeks ago. I assured her that it was a mistake.
The lady told me she wasn’t going to fine me because she believed it had been an honest mistake. Then she let me know the state would start watching me more closely.
After the lady had left, I cried. I felt my home had been violated. It was awful having her here, watching her go through each room of my house and even my closets!
As each child was picked up, I asked the parents if they had called. Everyone assured me that they loved having their kids watched by me and that they would never call the state and complain about me. I trusted them, but the lady from the state had said it was one of the parents, so I wondered which one.
In hindsight, it must have been Dianne who called the state and filed the complaint.
Tuesday, October 4, 1994
As each parent arrived, I told them that I was quitting and gave them two weeks’ notice. I let them all know that I loved their child, but I was sick from the pregnancy, and I needed to get more sleep. They were all very understanding.
I called the state to let them know that I quit, so there would be no need for them to keep a close eye on me.
The woman who had come to inspect my house called me. She asked why I was quitting. I told her it was time. She apologised for going through my house the way she had. She asked if I would reconsider quitting. She said, ” While I was at your house, I was so impressed with how you had everything set up. It was obvious to her that I cared about the kids. We need more daycare providers like you.” She then asked me again to reconsider. I let her know it was for the best. For now, I needed to focus on my family.
November 19, 1994
I was worried about bringing Laila to a class Jared and Sarah were attending at the hospital this evening.
To my relief everthing went well.
Wednesday, November 30, 1994
I tried to wean Laila. She won’t eat solid food and only wants to nurse. Besides, when I nurse her, it feels like it’s the only time she is not screaming. Then I can get some rest while she is nursing.
I was worried about nursing Laila since I am expecting. The OBGYN told me it was okay and to remember to take my prenatals.
Laila is not getting better. I have told her doctor that she doesn’t sleep and cries a lot. He tells me again that she is just spoiled. I told him I already have two kids, I babysat, and have had childcare classes. I told him there’s more to it. He thinks otherwise. I wish I could find a doctor who could give me some answers!
The baby is due next month. It’s a boy. The doctor says he is growing as he should. His due date is December 1st.
Richard wants to name the baby John after his ancestor Johny Howland who he is very proud of. I wanted to name him Johny after my dad. Richard thinks that sounds gay. We finally agreed on Johnathan. Once he is born, Johnathan will be too long to say, so I will just call him Johny. When everyone hears me say “Johny,” I am sure they will call him by that name as well.
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