How much did I mess up?

[Anonymous]

Not in DC any more. In Seattle area. Daycare closed for two weeks in March when the state moved to phase one. They opened at reduced capacity. We paid what they asked - 50% tuition at first and then we paid for two months that we kept her home but paid for the spot. They went to less than 50% capacity. We wanted a spot so paid but did not send

I was ready to send her back in August, but then case have spiked here and I will be home and we have high risk people in the house. We decided to go the nanny route for this year.

Anyway. I called daycare and told them we would be pulling her but please put us on the waiting list for when they open back at full capacity. We love them and want to stay with them and planned to send the newborn (if conditions are better) and we really appreciate them. They said ok and to please get her stuff. I went today and on the drive over realized I didn't have a card or gift or food or anything.

I normally would have made a big deal about leaving but I just didn't think about it after all these months and I feel like we are not leaving but are pausing.

Anyway. How much did I mess up? Should I send them something? Is it ok? I am feeling very anxious.

[Anonymous]

You don't need a gift card or a gift at this point.

[Anonymous]

Don’t stress. If it would make you feel better, send something over, like a box of those fairy tale brownies (individually wrapped) for the staff to share.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Don’t stress. If it would make you feel better, send something over, like a box of those fairy tale brownies (individually wrapped) for the staff to share.

This. You paid them for months for nothing.

[Anonymous]

I don’t think you messed up at all. Don’t be so hard on yourself. Since you really love the daycare and will be returning I would just send a card with a sincere note of appreciation, make sure to tell them you and your child look forward to returning

[Anonymous]

You paid them money for months for nothing and you're worrying you didn't do enough?
Meanwhile parents who couldn't afford to pay their daycare for nothing won't get a spot if/when they find work?

Wow.

[Anonymous]

I dont get why you feel the need, and stress out, to get them something. I guess this is part of the over-tipping culture.

If anything, they should be doing YOU a favor; paying them for months for no services rendered. Pretty much a glorified holding fee. They should offer like 5 or 10% off tuition or waive the re-registeration fee or the like. Reward loyalty and such.

[Anonymous]

Thanks. I guess I feel that I want to keep a good relationship with them and they took great care of my kids and I want to show appreciation.

What I paid was fair. They were open half a month and asked 50% tuition. They opened at 50% capacity and I did not want to lose the ability to send her. So I paid. They rendered services but I was not comfortable using them. I don't hold any bad feelings about that.

I am out of routine and have not been leaving the house for "fun" shopping so didn't even think about gifts or cards for leaving. When we left our home daycare, I gave cards and gifts. Do people not usually do that at a center?

I may mail them a card.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I dont get why you feel the need, and stress out, to get them something. I guess this is part of the over-tipping culture.

If anything, they should be doing YOU a favor; paying them for months for no services rendered. Pretty much a glorified holding fee. They should offer like 5 or 10% off tuition or waive the re-registeration fee or the like. Reward loyalty and such.

I think it would be a kind gesture, and much appreciated, if you send a physical note or email telling them you were thinking of them and how they cared so well for your child, and wishing them the best. I am sure there are small moments you remember that you can share.

You don't have to, but people everywhere are under a lot of pressure. It's nice to know someone is thinking kindly of you.