Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You shouldn't give with the expectation of getting something back.

This is true but at the same time, is it really that hard to scrawl out "merry christmas, thanks for being a trusted childcare provider" on a card. Presumably these families don't have 20 people they'd need to do that for...maybe 2-3. That would take all of five minutes, tops, including the time to lick and stamp the envelope. A little courtesy and gratitude goes a long way toward building goodwill with someone you presumable trust and want to have a good relationship with.

I'm sorry, but you're being ridiculous and yes, I am a nanny/babysitter. I don't expect any cards from anyone and I NEVER send a card or a gift because I expect something in return. OP, this word gets thrown around here a lot but your post is the perfect example of entitlement. Ease up and drink some eggnog.

The post office/mailman could've screwed up too but the chances of that happening to more then one sitter-family is low. My guess is that they're busy. You many still get one or maybe they don't do cards? Have you received cards from them in prior years?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You shouldn't give with the expectation of getting something back.

This is true but at the same time, is it really that hard to scrawl out "merry christmas, thanks for being a trusted childcare provider" on a card. Presumably these families don't have 20 people they'd need to do that for...maybe 2-3. That would take all of five minutes, tops, including the time to lick and stamp the envelope. A little courtesy and gratitude goes a long way toward building goodwill with someone you presumable trust and want to have a good relationship with.

I'm a nanny, and if your clients treat you well 364 days of the year, then you shouldn't take it personally if they forget to give you a card. would you prefer a card, and no bonus?

I meant to add that they should be allowed to forget 1 day.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You shouldn't give with the expectation of getting something back.

This is true but at the same time, is it really that hard to scrawl out "merry christmas, thanks for being a trusted childcare provider" on a card. Presumably these families don't have 20 people they'd need to do that for...maybe 2-3. That would take all of five minutes, tops, including the time to lick and stamp the envelope. A little courtesy and gratitude goes a long way toward building goodwill with someone you presumable trust and want to have a good relationship with.

I'm a nanny, and if your clients treat you well 364 days of the year, then you shouldn't take it personally if they forget to give you a card. would you prefer a card, and no bonus?

Anonymous wrote:You shouldn't give with the expectation of getting something back.

This is true but at the same time, is it really that hard to scrawl out "merry christmas, thanks for being a trusted childcare provider" on a card. Presumably these families don't have 20 people they'd need to do that for...maybe 2-3. That would take all of five minutes, tops, including the time to lick and stamp the envelope. A little courtesy and gratitude goes a long way toward building goodwill with someone you presumable trust and want to have a good relationship with.

You shouldn't give with the expectation of getting something back.

Anonymous wrote:Silly. I did not do cards this year. Nothing personal but I am exhausted and we have a lot going on.

+1

Anonymous wrote:It's ok. I send out 15-20 cards to my sitting families and usually receive maybe a third back. I don't do it to get a card in return but because I like to.

this is me as well.

Silly. I did not do cards this year. Nothing personal but I am exhausted and we have a lot going on.

I receive more cards than I send out. ...and I'm a nanny. Don't take it personally. Parents have a lot going on this time of the year. It truly isn't about you.

OP, I understand how you feel. Don't take it personally.

It's ok. I send out 15-20 cards to my sitting families and usually receive maybe a third back. I don't do it to get a card in return but because I like to.

Anonymous wrote:My goodness OP, you need to let it go. Holidays are a very busy time and even more so for people with children. Do they smile and thank you (and pay you) every time you work? That is normally adequate.

+1. Seriously, OP, you're being absurd. I very much appreciate all the occasional sitters on my call list, but they are not foremost on my mind during the incredibly busy weeks leading up to Christmas. Between getting a tree up, a multitude of holiday parties, shopping for the perfect things to ensure that Santa gives the kids a magical day, shopping to bring cheer to elderly relatives, making cookies and going to see holiday lights with the kids so they have memories of family traditions, planning holiday meals and accommodations for guests, entertaining them when they get here, holding down my job, and meeting my kids' basic daily needs, I haven't had a chance to even think about holiday cards, let alone holiday cards for my occasional sitters. For me, cards in general don't usually happen until mid-January New Years greetings. Some years they don't happen at all. Has nothing to do with how much I appreciate the people in my broader circle and everything to do with prioritizing time and memory-making with my family and closest friends.

Are they gracious and do they treat you with respect when you actually work for them? If so, stop hyperfocusing on getting your due during the holiday season.

My goodness OP, you need to let it go. Holidays are a very busy time and even more so for people with children. Do they smile and thank you (and pay you) every time you work? That is normally adequate.

I am a bit disheartened by this. I sent out cute cards to my babysitting families and got nothing in return. I am not expecting a gift (though it would be nice) but a card with a nice note would have been great and I admit I am a bit disheartened by it as I feel very unappreciated. I have been with the families that I nanny for a number of years. I think this coupled with nanny burn out has really made me feel unappreciated that I can't even get a card from families that I babysit for.