Lilac Colored Glasses

I read plenty of mommy blogs.

In fact, most of the blogs in my reader are mommy blogs. As a childcare worker I find that mommy blogs are something I can relate to very well (second only to expat blogs). So I’ve read plenty of things, both good and bad regarding daycares. I usually respect the opinions of the bloggers I read, even if their opinions (as parents) and mine don’t always jive. But now, as a relatively seasoned (albeit still marinating) daycare worker, after a comment I received from a parent this morning, I have something to say. Perhaps it applies to you (in general…obviously none of you said this to me cause none of you live in Brussels and have a child in my crèche), perhaps it doesn’t, but it needs to be said.

Your child is special.

Just like everyone else’s child.
And my job is to provide care and attention to each child equally. Do not have the audacity to come to me and ask me quietly to pay attention specifically to your child. There are eight children in my care and I give each of them as much attention as I can. Your child is not an exceptional case. He has no particular special needs above and beyond that of any other child. The issues he seems to be having with adjustment most likely stem from how he is treated at home. If a toddler is treated like an infant at home, he will not act like a toddler. He will act like an infant. If you never feed him anything but puree he will not learn to chew pieces. If you carry him everywhere you go he will not learn to walk. If you treat him like he is the center of the universe, he will expect everyone to treat him like he is the center of the universe.

And perhaps he is the center of your universe, but he is not the center of mine, my colleagues or any of the other families bringing their children to be cared for every day.

Perhaps you mistake babying your child for nurturing.

Well, I do not.

And neither do any other quality childcare providers or child development specialists.

So please , save your special requests fir extra attention for your personal, private babysitter. I have more than just one child to care for in order to properly do my job.