Hey friends,
Here I am with my second post, already getting into serious business. This post is about something that is so important for me to share, although part of me thinks I should just drop it. I guess I've decided to tell it.
My friends will attest to the fact that I stand up for what is right more than I don't, or I used anyway. The reason I am this way is because my dad used to demand that things be right. He added up grocery receipts just in case a mistake was made, and believe it or not, he saved a good bit of money over the years. He also demanded respect from those who are essentially paid to be courteous (aka customer service folks). For example, if the food wasn't as ordered, he complained. In fact, he did it all the time and it always embarrassed me.
Then one day I realized I had inherited this need for things to be done right, and I couldn't believe it! To make things worse, it only hit me when I realized it was embarrassing my friends. Sorry guys ;) This changed me a little but lately, I find this need to get what I pay for creeping back. I have probably embarrassed hubby a time or two but I think he respects me more for it (sometimes). However, this post isn't about sending food back or complaining about a rude employee, but it is most definitely about standing up in what I believe.
When we moved last year, I reluctantly joined the YMCA because #1 made it impossible to get out in the stroller. After about ten minutes the fussing would begin and spiral out of control until we got home and out of the stroller. My solution was to join a gym with child care, and what better place than the YMCA where they are supposedly committed to Christian values, child development and employing those who have training and/or the experience necessary to provide a safe and nurturing environment. I was anxious about leaving #1 for the first time with someone other than family, but the staff immediately made me feel comfortable and handled the anxious mom situation (me) in a kind and professional manner. From there things went well, I got to work out while #1 played, a win-win situation.
Well, a few months later we found out we would be blessed with sweet baby K, and although I was determined to stay in shape with that pregnancy, I stopped going to the Y around 7 months because I would get so dizzy while working out.
Fast-forward 5 months: I am ready to get back in the gym so although a little hesitant because of some information I received, I visited the other gyms but ultimately went back to the Y.
This is where my heart breaks. Call me dramatic, I do not care, but I will do anything to protect my children, as most mothers would (I wish I could say all mothers but we all know the sad truth).
After the first time back at the gym, the first time I brought baby K to the YMCA child watch, I found out that one of the employees had made "comments" about both of my kids. I would not say that she was directly making fun of them, but making unnecessary comments about them. The comments regarding baby K's crossed eye were those that I found to be most inappropriate because these girls are supposed to be somewhat familiar with child development. As soon as this was brought to my attention, I asked to speak with the CEO of this particular branch and despite their lack of reaction to what I was saying at that moment, I trusted that it would be handled.
Over the next few days this particular employee had more to say, and even had the audacity to insult my husband. Talk about an angry momma bear.
So what did I do? I stood up for my family and what I believe. I spoke to the necessary supervisors and informed them of the situation (again) and I expected action. Action is what I received. #1's favorite employee lost her job, supposedly not because she let me know what was said, but for other reasons (yeah, right). After speaking to a board member, I learned that termination from the Y requires two formal write-ups, which is why the employee in question (let's call her MS for misguided soul) was able to keep her job. And yet, this other person we know, who does not have a bad bone in her body and has a clear passion for children was terminated on that same two write-up premise. Now I'm not really saying that someone played dirty, but if procedure was in fact followed in this particular incident then it's time to revisit procedure because there is a flaw in the system.
On our end, we asked for a refund and the Y honored that. It took a few weeks to get it back but I got it nonetheless; no note, no written apology. In terms of the responses during phone calls and emails, yes there was the occasional "sorry this happened" but that came coupled with a long list of excuses. On the top of that list is that MS is just young and needs a little maturing and that the Child Watch is not a place that promotes child development but a place to drop your kids off for a work out. Actually, sir, this is directly off the national YMCA website, describing their children's programs:
"That’s why our child care, afterschool and Child Watch programs are staffed with people who understand the cognitive, physical and social development of kids, the need children have to feel connected and supported in trying new things, and the caring and reinforcement parents and families need to help each other. At the Y, babies develop trust and security, preschoolers experience early literacy and learn about their world..."
I think that speaks for itself. The Y seems to fall short in terms of honoring their claims.
Now listen, I am not out to get this girl, and I really would not have been happy if she lost her job but in the end, a good person lost their job, we have to find another gym (if I can trust another gym childcare ever again) and MS went through this pretty much unscathed. I guess life is unfair?
At times I almost regret taking this so far, almost. I know those close to me are over it and sick of hearing it but guess what? I'm sick of telling it but not sick enough to stop telling the story. People deserve to know what kind of people are employed at the YMCA Greenwood Child Watch. They have some greats then there are those who refuse to change diapers, nurse a scraped knee, or interact with your kids. Maybe one of these board members should take some time out of their busy days to see the lack of enthusiasm in some of these people. In the end, this little girl insulted my family, and I refuse to stand for it. If you bring your kids there, and yes, you should question their emotional well being in the care of some of the employees.
I believe that especially in this day and age, any kind of bullying should be taken seriously. Young or not, MS made a mistake and in any other workplace, her rude behavior would not be tolerated. As a Christian establishment I expected the situation to be taken more seriously so I will keep on telling the story. Tell your friends who go to the YMCA Greenwood and leave their kids in Child Watch. What has this world come to when you can't leave your kids with the people at the Y? Lesson learned. Too bad no amount of research could have helped me, but I hope this will help other moms to be more aware of who is around their kids. Beware of the misguided souls.
