How Would You Handle This?

[MichellesKiddos]

I have a dcg3 who comes usually once every week, with the stipulation that I've received the day of care by Friday of the previous week. She was scheduled to come this morning at 8:30, and 9:00 rolls around and I don't get so much as a phone call or text to let me know what is going on. (btw, they live on my street, so I saw them drive by numerous times) Anyways, I figured she wasn't even coming after I waited on our activities for an hour. 10:20 comes, and she is walking in the door...acting as if nothing was wrong.

Needless to say, I was pretty ticked off and wasn't shy to let her know that I expected her here two hours earlier, and held off on our activities and such waiting. I told her that if they are going to be late, then they NEED to let me know! I asked what time she was coming to pick her up, her response was so vague I could have fit a bus through it!

Okay, so my question is what would you do in this kind of a situation? My initial thoughts are that I clearly cannot provide the kind of inconsistency/flexibility that they need and that I should terminate care today. Then I also have the thought that an immediate termination isn't totally necessary (although I'm still pretty mad about the blatant disrespect for me and my business), and just give them a two week notice...which they are only scheduled for one week of anyways. OR do I just get over it and move on...? What would you do in this kind of situation? Any suggestions would be great!

[Christian Mother]

I wait for about 15-30min and then I make the call to make sure everything is all right. That way I am not left hanging. I want to know right there and then so I can plan for the day. If I call and leave a vm and don't get a response then I text another 15min after the vm. If it still goes unnoticed but they show up 2 hrs later then I will stop my activity and ask if they had gotten my messages. If they said they did not or phone was broken I give a break the first time however I let them know that I will need a call or text if they will be late and that pick up time will still be the same regardless of whether there was a late drop off time. No exceptions otherwise I will charge a $5 late fee the min. their late at pick up. Some parents feel that if they drop late they can pick up late. I do not accommodate this is anyway and I let the parents know that.

[Blackcat31]

Personally, I wouldn't terminate immediately either but I would have a frank discussion about respect and following the rules.

I think parents have a tough time wearing our hats and realizing that we care for numerous families and not just theirs. It is hard to not think in terms of "it is just my child" as a prarent.

HOWEVER, I would have no issue telling this mom that if the child doesn not arrive within 30 minutes of her scheduled time that care will NOT be available to her that day and she will be considered a "No show" and billed for the day.

It is rude and it is disrespectful.

[countrymom]

you should have turned them away at the door and said that you filled her spot because you didn't think she was coming. I would discuss this with mom, if it continues then yes, i would term. I just would hate to sit there every day waiting and wondering if she was coming.

[cheerfuldom]

Do not let them drop off if they come later than the agreed upon time. Let them know that if they need that much flexibility, they will have to look elsewhere. you dont have to let their child come in just because a parent comes to the door. tighten up your policies, stick to them and either they can live with that or they cant.

[MamaBear]

Do not let them drop off if they come later than the agreed upon time. Let them know that if they need that much flexibility, they will have to look elsewhere. you dont have to let their child come in just because a parent comes to the door. tighten up your policies, stick to them and either they can live with that or they cant.

I agree... Tighten up the policies and make them give you a set schedule thats the same every week. If they can't stick to it, then I would just terminate. Thats super annoying to have a family show up randomly.

[wdmmom]

CONVENIENCE FEE!!

If a child is going to be out of attendance or late, I must receive a call 30 minutes before the designated drop off time.

Failure to notify me will result in a $10 convenience fee per occurance in addition to the regular rate.

[MichellesKiddos]

Guess I don't have to worry about THAT anymore...

She shows up...10 minutes late, mind you. I told her there was a $5 late fee..and she gets all huffy and then starts in. Stated she would NEVER talk to someone in the way that I did and I was rude and disrespectful to HER and on and on...I couldn't believe what I was hearing! I let her have it...and I NEVER stand up for myself to parents. When she stated that her husband wanted to come to my house today and "talk" to me about me being so rude to her and suggested that they find another daycare, it was the straw that broke the camels back. I gathered her things and told her that she needed to find another daycare..totally NOT what I really wanted to say but I refrained myself happyface Then as she is getting the dcg ready, she is STILL going on and on about how she is the easiest child to watch (NOT the case) and I'm just being so rude to her...blah blah blah, and I responded with a "Good luck to you". I was so upset though, that my hands were shaking and I could feel my face turning red and on fire (hate that!) Thank goodness I was holding the baby at the time so she couldn't see that!

[Blackcat31]

She shows up...10 minutes late, mind you. I told her there was a $5 late fee..and she gets all huffy and then starts in. Stated she would NEVER talk to someone in the way that I did and I was rude and disrespectful to HER and on and on...I couldn't believe what I was hearing! I let her have it...and I NEVER stand up for myself to parents. When she stated that her husband wanted to come to my house today and "talk" to me about me being so rude to her and suggested that they find another daycare, it was the straw that broke the camels back. I gathered her things and told her that she needed to find another daycare..totally NOT what I really wanted to say but I refrained myself happyface Then as she is getting the dcg ready, she is STILL going on and on about how she is the easiest child to watch (NOT the case) and I'm just being so rude to her...blah blah blah, and I responded with a "Good luck to you". I was so upset though, that my hands were shaking and I could feel my face turning red and on fire (hate that!) Thank goodness I was holding the baby at the time so she couldn't see that!

Wow! Well, she showed her true colors didn't she?

You, however, handled it like a professional! Way to go!!!

[wdmmom]

Good for you for standing up for yourself.

In the future, build something into your contract that states "Calling In" policy and any punishment if they don't.

If a parent wanted to drop off at any old time they wanted, they need to be charged a higher drop in care rate.

[CrayolaKids]

In the future, build something into your contract that states "Calling In" policy and any punishment if they don't.

(Reregistered with a different name now) This was on my agenda for tonight!! I just can't get over that she thought I was the one being rude and disrespectful...but she did NOTHING wrong. I'm glad, for their sake anyways, that she talked her husband out of coming down here...I could probably guarantee that would not have turned out pretty...especially since I have the kids here! That's not something I take lightly, to confront me in an angry manner in my own home AND when there are children present. Thankfully, the only kids here today was my own, her child and the baby...but still. I'm so proud of myself though, for maintaining my composure and not telling her what was really on my mind!happyfacehappyfacehappyface

[countrymom]

good for you, imagine if you didn't stand up for yourself, this would have gone on and on. Good luck to her, because I doubt too many people are willing to put up with her nonsense.