Pushing My Buttons!!

[littlemissmuffet]

I charge $10/lost receipt

[Meeko]

I have had problems in the past with people wanting two or even three copies of receipts.

This year I put a note on the door saying they get ONE receipt only.

[Unregistered]

I would:

-start charging for "extra" copies of paperwork/receipts/etc. I would do like $5 per page too, so that they won't WANT to lose it.

-Tell the parents that supplies must be provided by them and that you will not use another child's property for theirs

-Give them a community handbook with other places to find clothes and let them know that for the price of cigarettes, Goodwill has options where they can get several items for their child.

-when they start talking "woe is me" put your hand up and tell them you have to get your kids ready to do...(make something up). If they continue to try to talk to you about their tales of despair, tell them you cannot listen to it; say "I'm really sorry you are going through a hard time...however I cannot really get involved unless it involves a change with the baby" and leave it at that.

-When they say they can't pay (ALWAYS take payments IN ADVANCE but if you ever slip...) tell them that you understand and that you will take the child after they get caught up and on their feet again.

-When they blame the state, be very clear that it's up to them, not the state, to ensure that you are paid. (Don't let them talk about their food stamps or things that have nothing to do with you)

-Do NOT be their friend!

-CHARGE them for additional hours and do what a pp said. Them "Can you watch Johnny tomorrow?" YOU: You know, call me later so that I can check my schedule and see if that will work for us. Remember: You are not an on-call babysitter and you don't have to be available on the days you are not normally scheduled. What if YOU had an appointment? Would you cancel it for them? No you shouldn't have to. People need to have more respect for you and you need to let them KNOW that you are not going to be a pushover.

***For the child in the street: Put a sign on the door: NO cell phones in use when d/o or p/u kids. This is a LAW in my state on any school or daycare anyway, so why should your home be different? It's for the safety of the children. I believe the school one says:

NO CELL PHONES IN USE ON SCHOOL PROPERTY INCLUDING IN THE BUILDING.

They will actually ask you for your phone too and if you violate the rule more than 2x, they will fine you. You have the right to tell them that if they continue to ignore the kid while they are on the phone, you will have to terminate immediately and call CPS as they are putting their child in immediate danger through this form of neglect. I also have a sign for cigarettes (Also illegal for them to smoke or even throw their cigarette butts on my property).

- Have a sign that says: You MUST walk IN HAND with your child TO MY DOOR. Parents are responsible for any accidents on this property due to negligence. Have this also in your handbook and make parents acknowledge THEIR responsibility (Both signed and initial) if their child gets hurt once you close the door, but they are still on your lawn or driveway or whatever. If you have every base covered, most people won't mess w/ you but you have to stick to your guns.


(Side note: this neighbor wanted to see my dog. My property. My dog bites. He could get hurt. He chose to put his hand through the fence on my property and "experiment" I told him prior that I would not pay for any damages that could occur if he should get bitten even though he's on my property. I let him know that he is CHOOSING to put his hand in my dog's mouth AFTER being warned...therefore he'd pay everything. My dog didn't end up biting him, but I wouldn't have paid a dime. If I tell you something and you ignore me? YOUR fault! That said, I would absolutely try to stop said child from running in the street if I could, but that doesn't mean you can't make it abundantly clear that this mom should actually get the stick out of her behind and take care of her child properly!

[Heidi]

I agree with no cellphone on the premises. Put a big sign on the front door, and explain it to the rest of your families...no names of course. "We've had a problem with ANOTHER family",... If she ignores it, just tap her on the shoulder and point!

Co-pay in advance, from now on. THe next time they hand you their $5, tell them you would like their next co-pay as well, and that they should plan on this from now on. "Gosh, I know it's been tough to stay caught up; this way, YOU won't have to worry about falling behind"

Copies $5
No diapers? Well, you can run and get some, or you can pay $5 for the day (in advance), and I will provide them today.

You need me to keep the kids until when? Sure, but since the state doesnt cover that time, the fee will be $-, IN ADVANCE.

I think it's time for a sit down, period. "I just adore having Bobby, but I have been rather frustrated with a few things, and I'd like to make sure we are on the same page. My job is to take awesome ....... I insist that you respect that. I would really like to move past all this and just focus on Bobby".