Venting Thread

[Blackcat31]

One day this week I will only have one child. This rarely happens. And of course, it's the one child whose mom doesn't work. She is aware of her child being the only one here that day. Her response? "Oh, at least you'll have some 1 on 1 time!"

Was really hoping she would decide to just keep him home that day. If I was in her position, I would absolutely keep my child home. But, we all know that's not how it works.

WHYYY???

I have a policy that if only one child is in attendance I may opt to close. If she's not working I would absolutely close.

Just let her know since she is already at home, you are closing and taking care of some personal stuff that day. Even if the personal stuff is sitting around doing nothing,

Don't ask her...tell her you are closing.

[e.j.]

One day this week I will only have one child. This rarely happens. And of course, it's the one child whose mom doesn't work. She is aware of her child being the only one here that day. Her response? "Oh, at least you'll have some 1 on 1 time!"

Was really hoping she would decide to just keep him home that day. If I was in her position, I would absolutely keep my child home. But, we all know that's not how it works.

WHYYY???

Oops! I read your post wrong. I missed the fact that it's one day this week. I was thinking it was the one day each week. In that case, I wouldn't say it's not worth opening for just one child () but I agree with BC...I would let her know you've decided to close for the day. If it were me, I'd still offer to take the child on a different day if I had the opening but that's just me. I hope it's Friday so you have a long weekend!

[CountryRoads]

Oops! I read your post wrong. I missed the fact that it's one day this week. I was thinking it was the one day each week. In that case, I wouldn't say it's not worth opening for just one child () but I agree with BC...I would let her know you've decided to close for the day. If it were me, I'd still offer to take the child on a different day if I had the opening but that's just me. I hope it's Friday so you have a long weekend!

I feel like I can't tell her that She's already paid for the day and if I say I'm "closed", then I don't get paid for that day at all. And yes, it is Friday. Of course It's actually her child's last day in my care, so I really thought she would keep him home since there is no point in him coming.

[e.j.]

It's actually her child's last day in my care, so I really thought she would keep him home since there is no point in him coming.

That's an even bigger kick in the pants! I'd be sorely tempted to give her her money back but if that isn't an option for you, I guess I'd just **** it up and make it a fun day for dc kid.

[Snowmom]

I feel like I can't tell her that She's already paid for the day and if I say I'm "closed", then I don't get paid for that day at all. And yes, it is Friday. Of course It's actually her child's last day in my care, so I really thought she would keep him home since there is no point in him coming.

I don't see why you "can't" tell her.
I'd weigh the options: $30-$50 for one day or a day off... no brainer. Day off would win.
The fact that it's their last day makes it an even easier decision. Refund and take the day.

[Ac114]

I don't see why you "can't" tell her.
I'd weigh the options: $30-$50 for one day or a day off... no brainer. Day off would win.
The fact that it's their last day makes it an even easier decision. Refund and take the day.

I completely agree with this!

[CountryRoads]

I don't see why you "can't" tell her.
I'd weigh the options: $30-$50 for one day or a day off... no brainer. Day off would win.
The fact that it's their last day makes it an even easier decision. Refund and take the day.

My only concern with this is that all my dcms know each other and talk, so I would imagine it would come out that I "closed". I'm worried I will have the other moms questioning why they had to pay for the day and she didn't - perks of a small town

[Cat Herder]

My only concern with this is that all my dcms know each other and talk, so I would imagine it would come out that I "closed". I'm worried I will have the other moms questioning why they had to pay for the day and she didn't - perks of a small town

It is the same way, here. I would stay open because it speaks to my professionalism and reliability. I give my calendar out for the year in advance in January. It is a rare year that I close on a day not listed. My husbands emergency surgery was the last time. I do take plenty of paid time off, though.

Also, it is very common for parents who claimed on Monday they were not coming Friday to change their minds and inform me Thursday at pick-up.

[CountryRoads]

It is the same way, here. I would stay open because it speaks to my professionalism and reliability. I give my calendar out for the year in advance in January. It is a rare year that I close on a day not listed. My husbands emergency surgery was the last time. I do take plenty of paid time off, though.

Also, it is very common for parents who claimed on Monday they were not coming Friday to change their minds and inform me Thursday at pick-up.

Yes, that's what I was thinking, too. I do plan on staying open. It is just so rare that I get a paid day off! I love when that happens ::

[CountryRoads]

One day this week I will only have one child. This rarely happens. And of course, it's the one child whose mom doesn't work. She is aware of her child being the only one here that day. Her response? "Oh, at least you'll have some 1 on 1 time!"

Was really hoping she would decide to just keep him home that day. If I was in her position, I would absolutely keep my child home. But, we all know that's not how it works.

WHYYY???

And now he's going to be late tomorrow. So, he will be here for one hour, then lunch, then nap, then snack, then he will leave about an hour after that.

So pointless.

But...I plan on having a laid back "free play day" so maybe I can get some housework done before the weekend. So there's that happyface

[TaylorTots]

How annoying. Sorry.

"DCM, give me your car, I said please."

This made me laugh out loud ::::

[TaylorTots]

Let me guess....she also uses the most daycare hours/days than the other families?

I'd do Ac114 said and don't ask. Change your policy to state you charge on your off days and let the cards fall where they may. If DCM feels her kids would get better attention at a facility, let her go find out. You can replace her but you can not replace your mental and emotional well being.

The best way to survive this business is to ALWAYS do what YOU need to do in order to be happy. If you are not happy, it's a horrible job to have.

Take care of YOU first and foremost.

This. You discussed her opinions. Now, send out a notice. Effective X date, holidays will be charged at 50% normal fees. Have a spot for them to sign to agree and state that if not returned signed by X date, a 2 week termination notice will be given.

The majority of your parents approved and you didn't owe them the courtesy of asking. Now put it into action! happyface

[Ms.Kay]

Lazy parents.....again

2 yr old dropped off ..20 min later we're at the park....and his diaper is so soaked it falls off......20 min after drop off??????? Really????? Not even worth saying anything to parents....falls on deaf ears......

[springv]

We haven't had any problems or disagreements in 4 months or longer since two employees quit because of people bad mouthing and causing problems plus we've had a new policy set in place to hopefully calm everyone down and get everyone working together, But within the last 2 weeks we've had problems start because of a new employee plus we've got two employees on leave. The new employee tries to start problems because she brings her children and we feel like she's not trusting us with them. Today she claimed that I picked up her baby because she was fussy and i thought it was cute which was a lie. She came into the classroom and acted like a jerk towards the teacher and woke another infant up because she was upset that I had woke her baby up. The same teacher that was in the room went on a break so I went and relieved her and the babies were asleep, so I was watching them and her baby got fussy so I picked her up and she fell back asleep on me and slept until the teacher came back.

[Jupadia]

Looks like kids here will be getting a school strike next week. It's going to **** having my own 2 all day. The 6 year old just got out of my hair after summer break a month ago. The 3 year old just got use to drop off at Kindergarten each day and only getting the hang of things.

My in laws are away for the next 3 weeks, most of the time in the summer my lovely MIL would take my boys, leaving me with an easy day and my kids a break from being at home.
I will make a little extra a have a current opening that one of the kids brother is going to come (he use to attend as well)