So my day care provider sprang on me today that she wants $180 more a month and almost nothing has changed! My little one isn't even an infant anymore... She's awesome and I love her and so do my kids, but come on! The only thing that is different is that my oldest DD is going to preschool for four days a week this year instead of two, (which will cost us another $120 extra per month, we did plan on that increase, but not the unexpected one). And her daughter goes to the exact same preschool at the exact same time so its not like she's going out of her way for my child.
The only "upside" is she is "willing" to let us claim the childcare on our taxes... but I don't think that compares to the monthly increase? Since I'm a teacher the increase will be about $1620 more a year give or take, and there's no way taxes can make up that amount, can they?!
Does anyone have any insight? Am I being unreasonable? Money just stresses me out so bad! Sigh. :(