Household incomes across the country vary greatly from family to family.
Take my household… it relies solely on one income while most families I know have the benefit of two.
And some households have lost their only source of income.
You’ll find that in every neighborhood. In every city. Our checking accounts all look very different right now.
So I understand how difficult it can be for families to afford to give during the holidays.
But I just don’t understand how you can grumble about contributing to a holiday gift for a teacher or caregiver.
These people who educate and take care of our children have their own families to take care of during the holidays.
To support. To surprise with gifts. To cook holiday meals for. To take to visit family in other cities.
How can someone be upset about giving a $50 donation?
It’s not like you didn’t know weeks ago you would be asked for a monetary contribution.
Last year, I emailed my daughter’s class parent after asking if she made a mistake.
(I thought a holiday gift of $50 total for three teachers was too little.)
And she responded that the PTA was told by other parents they only wanted to do $30 per family.
So after giving in $50, Natalie also made a gift bag of products from The Body Shop for each of her teachers.
I just didn’t feel right not adding to that gift in some way because her teachers worked so hard.
This year, my son is in daycare and he’s there for hours every day as I work.
His caregivers comfort him as he teethes and console him if he wakes up Mr. Cranky Pants.
And because I can’t be there for him during the day, they are the ones who are taking care of him. I am so thankfully I found loving people who could do that every day for me.
But I don’t feel the amount being asked for for them is sufficient. And it’s disturbing some parents still complain!
How much is your school/day care asking for this year as the teacher’s holiday gift contributions?
December 3rd, 2008 at 9:24 pm
I have to respectfully disagree. While I think it’s nice to give gifts to these people and show your gratitude, I don’t think it should be expected and I don’t think it should be frowned upon if some choose not to contribute - for whatever reason. These people are working and they’re paid for their work.
Again, I have no issue with giving gifts, but I don’t believe they should be compulsory. And gifts should never be relied upon as income.
Just my opinion.
December 3rd, 2008 at 9:29 pm
I don’t think they should be relied upon as income either.
Just think so many people (in various fields) do expect to do so much with their holiday bonus or holiday gift from their jobs and it would be nice if every parent contributed considering these people are doing jobs most of us couldn’t last a day doing.
December 3rd, 2008 at 10:58 pm
I just think it’s no longer a gift when it’s expected. But I agree, it’s nice to give when, and if, you can. Always assuming it’s deserved.
December 5th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
Some of the teachers at my younger kids’ school asked that the room parents not collect this year because of the economy and uncertainty. But at least half (or more) of the parents of the kids in each class want to and can afford to contribute the “typical” $10 or so each Christmas. Rather than each give a little dinky gift, I’d much rather have the collection go on to give the gift card. I am surprised, though, that $50 — or even $30 — is typical where you’re at. For the childcare provider, yes, I typically did $100. For the teacher, though, it’s never been more than $20.