DCM In Car Accident; Wants Extended Hours. WWYD?

[safechner]

I am sorry to hear about what happened to the mother. I would charge her extra time or offer them to take the kids home that I would still charge them for your time. That is what I would. Problem solved!

[Meyou]

I have much sympathy for head injuries. I had one myself 6 years ago that took months to recover from. I walked away from a fender bender only to collapse at work 20 hours later unable to speak clearly or stand. They called 911. I LOOKED normal but I couldn't read (6 months), watch tv (4 months) or do simple activities like dress my children (close to 3 months). I wasn't allowed to be alone with them for 3 months. I was given a really, really hard time at work and by friends and family. I'm STILL not the same. I don't read as fast, I can't do the mental math I used to be able to and my short term memory is crap. I take lots of notes. I'm lucky I was a smart cookie before this happened or who knows what shape my brain would be in now.

That being said...I would try and work something out with Mom and Dad. I wouldn't be willing to do 8 weeks of 2 hours per day but I would offer something like 2 days per week (my choice) and Dad could figure out the rest. I wouldn't charge extra but I would be an end date on the extra days.

[Cat Herder]

Ok, that makes more sense. Head injuries are a different story that a bruise.

I still would have to tell Dad this is his time to shine, it is part of being a FATHER. This is a burden befitting family. At best I'd offer to be available one day a week, the rest is on them.

Granted if this was a single parent without relatives in-state, I'd probably work out something but would expect payment for it. Remember she will most likely be getting insurance money and disability. She most likely will not be going without income, neither should you.

[DBug]

I feel you OP -- it's too hard on your own family to say yes, and it sounds like you've decided to say no, which is great. If it helps you feel better, why not give the parents a list of names of teen babysitters in the area, and tell them you'd be more than willing to let a babysitter pick up (with their permission, of course) at the regular pick-up time?

I know I've had parents that have mentioned that they need someone to watch their little one on the weekend, as if to feel out whether I would do it for them. I do NOT work weekends, but because I'm terrible with saying no, I always have a list of names on hand to give them .

[AnneCordelia]

I feel you OP -- it's too hard on your own family to say yes, and it sounds like you've decided to say no, which is great. If it helps you feel better, why not give the parents a list of names of teen babysitters in the area, and tell them you'd be more than willing to let a babysitter pick up (with their permission, of course) at the regular pick-up time?

I know I've had parents that have mentioned that they need someone to watch their little one on the weekend, as if to feel out whether I would do it for them. I do NOT work weekends, but because I'm terrible with saying no, I always have a list of names on hand to give them .

That is a great idea! I'm going to start this too. I know there are a few teenagers on my street who are always looking for new babysitting clients.

To the OP; that's a tough situation! I know in my case it wouldn't be possible to take the DCKs to extracurriculars because my own 4 kids take up all the seats in my van. I'm sorry you have to decide this.

[mismatchedsocks]

Why should you use all your emergency back ups, let her use hers? She will just use your for convenience, and while I feel bad for mom. I would tell them that you really cant extend your hours. I am sure dad can work with his schedule, and if not someone can come get kids and take to mom for few hours?

I am in a different situation, close a little later then you, and would be willing to take to extra curriculars for extra money of course. Good luck!

[boysx5]

I would do it for one of my families if I knew it wasn't forever. I already close at six and my dh helps out getting my five sons to their sports its just part of having this type of job.

[SandeeAR]

This is after school ours right? Why not suggest they hire a high school senior, that can drive to pick up the kids and babysit them at home for the 2 hours?

[momma2girls]

This is a tough one. There is no way, I could work longer than my work hrs. I have so many things in the evening, with my own children. I am already late at things, because of parents being late for pick up, or they are right on time, but they talk, etc.. take forever to place on coats, etc.. I try to have every child, ready for parents, to pick up, but this isn't always possible.
I would definately say to them- is there a friend, Grandparent, etc. that could pick up. Otherwise definately go to their emergency back ups to pick child up.

[Blackcat31]

I agree with previous posters...the mother should have to call in favors from her own family and not ask the provider to go above and beyond. It is the family's issue so the family needs to figure it out.

OP~ If you do end up accommodating this family, I suggest making sure you attach an after hours fee or over time fee for these extended services.

[wdmmom]

Just for giggles and grins, I'd have my sister, a neighbor, family friend, whoever you can find to stake out her house.

I'd be willing to bet my weekly paycheck that she is out driving around while those kids are in your care!

How else is she getting to the doctor?!

This mom is milking it for what it's worth. Don't oblige to her requests. If their pick up time is 4pm, it is up to mom herself to pick the kids up or find someone who can. End of story.

[countrymom]

Just for giggles and grins, I'd have my sister, a neighbor, family friend, whoever you can find to stake out her house.

I'd be willing to bet my weekly paycheck that she is out driving around while those kids are in your care!

How else is she getting to the doctor?!

This mom is milking it for what it's worth. Don't oblige to her requests. If their pick up time is 4pm, it is up to mom herself to pick the kids up or find someone who can. End of story.

I agree with this. Who is driving her to her appointments, why can't family help out. I totally understand about having activities at night, I have 4 kids,and its crazy. Tonite 2 have gymnastics, 1 has karate and 1 had highschool open house, I had to call my mom in for help.

[Texasjeepgirl]

To the ORIGINAL POST:

I've been where you are.. and I've done what you are currently doing.
I WILL NOT do it again..
PERIOD..
I love my kids.. I LOVE my daycare families.. and I love my job...
But.. this is 'MY' DAYCARE BUSINESS..
I set 'my' hours.. I set 'my' fees..
and that's it...
I am very clear in my PARENT HANDBOOK that I have a family.. a home.. children (and now a grand daughter)...
I am very clear that my policies... hours.. and fees are very well THOUGHT OUT.. and are NOT NEGOTIABLE.

Although my daycare OPENS at 7 a.m..I climb out of bed each day at 5 a.m.. I am a LICENSED HOME DAYCARE .. I'm licensed for 12.. currently have 9 in care..but.. often times have a full 12 children enrolled..
I work alone. By the time 5 p.m. arrives.. I'm WORN OUT.. as all of us are...
I close at 5:30.. but I warn all new clients.. I am watching the clock.. and...if your child is still in my daycare at 5:28.. I am not very happy.. I begin to be concerned about whether you will be picking up late.. and if you are late.. you pay the late fee.. I also very clearly tell them.. I DO NOT WANT YOUR LATE FEE.. I want your children to be picked up.. signed out.. and gone.. BY 5:30...

Several weeks ago.. one of my absolute FAVORITE daycare clients sent me an email.. asking for 'help'..
She is the mother of 2... 3 year old boy that I've had in care since 14 months..and.. 6 month old girl..
The help she needed?
She wants to start working out.. at gym.. at her office. after work ..to loose weight...get in shape..
Says she knows I work a long day.. and HATES TO ASK.. but.. would I consider.. for a fee.. keeping her 2 kids 'a little bit later' several times per week... so that she doesn't have to impose on her family to get kids picked up. She goes on to tell me that money is tight.. but.. she'd be willing to pay 'something' for the inconvenience..

HONESTLY.. I sat at my desk.. staring at that email.. and I swear.. steam started pouring out of my ears.. I'm sure of it..
I 'may' have had a MINI STROKE...
I got so mad..
I had to very carefully word my reply email to her.. so as not to be RUDE...
Basically I just told her that I was sorry.. but there was just NO WAY I would be willing to do it..
I am completely frazzled and worn out at the end of EVERY DAYCARE DAY... even the one's that are smooth with no problems..
and I know myself..
After almost 20 years.. I am sure of one thing..
there is NOT ENOUGH MONEY to make it worth it .. There's just NOT..
At 5:16 and 1/2.. I really want all the kids to be gone..
Honestly.. let's call it 4:55 p.m. ..
I am 45 years old..
I have been doing this for 19 1/2 years.. and... the answer is just no.
No further explanation..
EXPLANATION SHOULD NOT BE REQUIRED.. simple.. clear.. NO NEGOTIATION.

~~~ NO ~~~

https://www.tammyschildcare.com

https://www.texasjeepgirl.shutterfly.com

[Blackcat31]

Holy moly TexasJeepGirl! I love color but the super duper large print is way too hard to read!

~ I am not trying to be rude...

FWIW, I agree 100% with what you said though....

[wdmmom]

To the ORIGINAL POST:

I've been where you are.. and I've done what you are currently doing.
I WILL NOT do it again..
PERIOD..
I love my kids.. I LOVE my daycare families.. and I love my job...
But.. this is 'MY' DAYCARE BUSINESS..
I set 'my' hours.. I set 'my' fees..
and that's it...
I am very clear in my PARENT HANDBOOK that I have a family.. a home.. children (and now a grand daughter)...
I am very clear that my policies... hours.. and fees are very well THOUGHT OUT.. and are NOT NEGOTIABLE.

Although my daycare OPENS at 7 a.m..I climb out of bed each day at 5 a.m.. I am a LICENSED HOME DAYCARE .. I'm licensed for 12.. currently have 9 in care..but.. often times have a full 12 children enrolled..
I work alone. By the time 5 p.m. arrives.. I'm WORN OUT.. as all of us are...
I close at 5:30.. but I warn all new clients.. I am watching the clock.. and...if your child is still in my daycare at 5:28.. I am not very happy.. I begin to be concerned about whether you will be picking up late.. and if you are late.. you pay the late fee.. I also very clearly tell them.. I DO NOT WANT YOUR LATE FEE.. I want your children to be picked up.. signed out.. and gone.. BY 5:30...

Several weeks ago.. one of my absolute FAVORITE daycare clients sent me an email.. asking for 'help'..
She is the mother of 2... 3 year old boy that I've had in care since 14 months..and.. 6 month old girl..
The help she needed?
She wants to start working out.. at gym.. at her office. after work ..to loose weight...get in shape..
Says she knows I work a long day.. and HATES TO ASK.. but.. would I consider.. for a fee.. keeping her 2 kids 'a little bit later' several times per week... so that she doesn't have to impose on her family to get kids picked up. She goes on to tell me that money is tight.. but.. she'd be willing to pay 'something' for the inconvenience..

HONESTLY.. I sat at my desk.. staring at that email.. and I swear.. steam started pouring out of my ears.. I'm sure of it..
I 'may' have had a MINI STROKE...
I got so mad..
I had to very carefully word my reply email to her.. so as not to be RUDE...
Basically I just told her that I was sorry.. but there was just NO WAY I would be willing to do it..
I am completely frazzled and worn out at the end of EVERY DAYCARE DAY... even the one's that are smooth with no problems..
and I know myself..
After almost 20 years.. I am sure of one thing..
there is NOT ENOUGH MONEY to make it worth it .. There's just NOT..
At 5:16 and 1/2.. I really want all the kids to be gone..
Honestly.. let's call it 4:55 p.m. ..
I am 45 years old..
I have been doing this for 19 1/2 years.. and... the answer is just no.
No further explanation..
EXPLANATION SHOULD NOT BE REQUIRED.. simple.. clear.. NO NEGOTIATION.

~~~ NO ~~~

https://www.tammyschildcare.com

https://www.texasjeepgirl.shutterfly.com

lovethis Absolutely loved your post! As with ANY provider...our days are long and at times difficult. I'm younger than most of you women and I'm in good physical shape and I refuse to work anymore than my 10.5 hour day. That's it. Come 5pm, I'm tapped out! I have 5 children of my own that I have to tend to between chorus concerts, hockey, cooking dinner, family game night, etc.

There's a fine line between a favor and a request. These parents want you to work an additional 1.5 to 2 hours per day! That's up to 10 additional hours per week. Might as well work 6 days a week if you are going to do that!

Take Jeeps advice. Let them down gently and DON'T GIVE IN!!!