Termination Notice - Angry Vent!!

[Angelwings36]

I had posted just yesterday about dcd's exes sister banging on my front door at 2:20pm (nap time) when I have a sign on the front door to use the side door for daycare....

I get a call at 12:00pm today from dcd. I knew I shouldn't have answer it as my contract clearly states emails only after business hours no phone calls or text messages but I didn't check the number before I picked up. Dcd tells me that his exes sister's daughter goes to a daycare just down from me and the daycare has offered to match the rate I am charging him here and take both of his kids (dcb 4 and dcg 5). He then proceeds to say although he knows that my contract states written notice for termination is only to be given on a friday that since it's only saturday can he give termination now instead of waiting until next friday! Of course I said no termination must be given as per contract. In which he continues to say two more times, yes I know but...

There is no but! First off I have been working for this family for the past 4 years, second dcd has never complained about having an issue with me or my contract so I was not expecting this call at all! Third I'm so upset because I know it was dcd's exes sister that convinced him to make the move although he said it was nothing personal! On top of this it is a double space I have to fill!

Dcd's mom drops the kids off in the mornings and I have a huge feeling she is going to say something about me not allowing notice on the Saturday on Monday when she comes.

I am just so upset right now!

On the bright side of things I was charging him $950/month for the dual family daycare space. I can fill that space with two seperate children at my regular rate of $650/month/child and make an extra $350/month on his space. If only I didn't have to go through the interview process to bring this all to pass.

[Blackcat31]

I'm sorry you are upset about this and it does **** when you lose a family.

From the DCD's perspective though he probably sees it as a bonus that his kids can attend a child care where their cousin already attends, plus if she (the ex's sister) ever picks up the kids, it is much more convenient since her child is already there. I know it is hard but you cannot take it personal.

This father isn't unhappy with your care or he would have said so. He is just doing what is best for his family at the moment. You really can't fault him for that. I know that you only accept withdraw notices on Friday's and I respect that you made him stick to your policy but I wouldn't hold it against him that he asked for an exception....the worst that could happen is that you say no and you did, so you can't really be angry that he asked.

In the future, if I were you, I would think about requiring two weeks notice PER child so it gives you a bit more time to fill spaces when a family of more than one leaves.

I would take the opportunity to tell this family that you appreciate their honesty and not trying to leave without telling you why. I would keep the relationship positive and perhaps even ask them if they would give you a reference. The more families that leave on a positive note, the better for your business over all.

I know it is hard and I know you are angry but bottom line is families will ALWAYS do what is best for them no matter how long they have been with you and you should do the same. It doesn't have to be a bad thing at all. Just depends on how you view it. I have BTDT and once even had a family return.

I would say to the dad that you understand that he needs to do what he needs to do for his family and that is ok and thank him for following your policy and giving notice this coming Friday as you need to do what is best for your family as well and stick by your policies at all times.

I personally, would also tell him that I would love to be a back-up provider if he ever needs it and since you already know and love the kids it would be fun to see them now and then. Who knows, the grass may not be so green on the other side and he may want to return.

If you take them back as drop in or regulars is up to you, but I try really hard to make sure every family that leaves (either by choice or not) leaves on a good note.

You never know how that kind of professionalism can help you in the future.

[countrymom]

that ****s, but like you said, on the other hand you can make more money. I can see him calling you back, sometimes have family around isn't the best thing kwim. I also don't do anything on the weekend, I only run from monday to friday so thats when I term too. Too bad for dad, he should have thought about what position your going to be in.

[PitterPatter]

I'm sorry you are upset about this and it does **** when you lose a family.

From the DCD's perspective though he probably sees it as a bonus that his kids can attend a child care where their cousin already attends, plus if she (the ex's sister) ever picks up the kids, it is much more convenient since her child is already there. I know it is hard but you cannot take it personal.

This father isn't unhappy with your care or he would have said so. He is just doing what is best for his family at the moment. You really can't fault him for that. I know that you only accept withdraw notices on Friday's and I respect that you made him stick to your policy but I wouldn't hold it against him that he asked for an exception....the worst that could happen is that you say no and you did, so you can't really be angry that he asked.

In the future, if I were you, I would think about requiring two weeks notice PER child so it gives you a bit more time to fill spaces when a family of more than one leaves.

I would take the opportunity to tell this family that you appreciate their honesty and not trying to leave without telling you why. I would keep the relationship positive and perhaps even ask them if they would give you a reference. The more families that leave on a positive note, the better for your business over all.

I know it is hard and I know you are angry but bottom line is families will ALWAYS do what is best for them no matter how long they have been with you and you should do the same. It doesn't have to be a bad thing at all. Just depends on how you view it. I have BTDT and once even had a family return.

I would say to the dad that you understand that he needs to do what he needs to do for his family and that is ok and thank him for following your policy and giving notice this coming Friday as you need to do what is best for your family as well and stick by your policies at all times.

I personally, would also tell him that I would love to be a back-up provider if he ever needs it and since you already know and love the kids it would be fun to see them now and then. Who knows, the grass may not be so green on the other side and he may want to return.

If you take them back as drop in or regulars is up to you, but I try really hard to make sure every family that leaves (either by choice or not) leaves on a good note.

You never know how that kind of professionalism can help you in the future.

Blackcat said it perfect!!

May I just add that I hope HOPE they stick to the agreement and bring the kids for the last 2 weeks. Mine never do. Since you won't be accepting the notice until Friday will that now actually give you almost 3 weeks or am I mistaken?

I never heard of the Friday only notice until I came here. I have always just asked for 2 weeks paid up front submitted in writing. In this case though it may have helped you get an extra week. I HOPE!!

Good luck getting the spots filled I hope you get a couple great families!

[saved4always]

I'm sorry you are upset about this and it does **** when you lose a family.

From the DCD's perspective though he probably sees it as a bonus that his kids can attend a child care where their cousin already attends, plus if she (the ex's sister) ever picks up the kids, it is much more convenient since her child is already there. I know it is hard but you cannot take it personal.

This father isn't unhappy with your care or he would have said so. He is just doing what is best for his family at the moment. You really can't fault him for that. I know that you only accept withdraw notices on Friday's and I respect that you made him stick to your policy but I wouldn't hold it against him that he asked for an exception....the worst that could happen is that you say no and you did, so you can't really be angry that he asked.

In the future, if I were you, I would think about requiring two weeks notice PER child so it gives you a bit more time to fill spaces when a family of more than one leaves.

I would take the opportunity to tell this family that you appreciate their honesty and not trying to leave without telling you why. I would keep the relationship positive and perhaps even ask them if they would give you a reference. The more families that leave on a positive note, the better for your business over all.

I know it is hard and I know you are angry but bottom line is families will ALWAYS do what is best for them no matter how long they have been with you and you should do the same. It doesn't have to be a bad thing at all. Just depends on how you view it. I have BTDT and once even had a family return.

I would say to the dad that you understand that he needs to do what he needs to do for his family and that is ok and thank him for following your policy and giving notice this coming Friday as you need to do what is best for your family as well and stick by your policies at all times.

I personally, would also tell him that I would love to be a back-up provider if he ever needs it and since you already know and love the kids it would be fun to see them now and then. Who knows, the grass may not be so green on the other side and he may want to return.

If you take them back as drop in or regulars is up to you, but I try really hard to make sure every family that leaves (either by choice or not) leaves on a good note.

You never know how that kind of professionalism can help you in the future.

I totally agree! I had a family who was with me for 3 years. During the third year, the mother called me to tell me that she was moving the kids for the following school year. She was very happy with the care her children received and her kids loved me but her best friend's daycare provider offered to watch her children for substantially less than she was paying me (I think it was like $200 less a month or something like that) and also would watch them later each day so she could do errands and work out. I could not meet the other provider's price without eventually feeling bad about it and I was not willing to watch children later because it would affect my family life so I couldn't really counter-offer. I was really hurt at first (I cried cuz I had the older child since she was like 3 months old) but I knew she was doing what was best for her family financially and for her personally. I could not fault her for that...that is what I do, too, in taking and/or keeping clients. We parted on excellent terms and she has since given me awesome references and has referred people to me who were looking for child care. It is way worth it to stay on good terms with parents when at all possible.

[Crazy8]

I agree 110% with BlackCat's post!! I know its hard not to take it personally but how many times I've read on here that WE have to do what's best for our business and our families - I know all my dcf's have that same responsibility to their own families and I've often told families "don't worry about me" in their decision making.

I've never heard of the notice only on Fridays thing - I am afraid it looks like a way of just squeezing an extra week's pay out of them. I would have just taken their notice and let them finish up on the 17th. I am assuming you are requiring them to stay or pay till the 24th???

It ****s to have to fill 2 spots - unfortunately its the drawback to having siblings. Its the main reason I give when parents ask about sibling discounts - they are more of a liability to me - why the heck would I discount them??

[Lucy]

The center is willing to match what you were charging. Call them and say, "I wanted to warn you that I have a feeling he's going to try and say that he paid me less than he really did. I just want you to know that he was paying $1300 for his 2 kids." LOL

[LittleD]

The center is willing to match what you were charging. Call them and say, "I wanted to warn you that I have a feeling he's going to try and say that he paid me less than he really did. I just want you to know that he was paying $1300 for his 2 kids." LOL

haha good one!

[Angelwings36]

Thank you for all of your responses. I am going to stick to my contractual termination notice. I feel a lot better now after reading all your comments...thanks so much! I really liked the comment about how I need to think about my family in the same way that he needs to think about his, that I am going to use for sure! I guess we will see how tomorrow goes.