If You Only Had One Family Coming...Would You Tell Them That?

[SunflowerMama]

So long story short I was planning on being closed Monday for something but it got moved so I offered to be open until noon that day (had already planned something for the afternoon).

I have 7 dc families and all have decided to just keep the kids home that morning since most had planned on it anyway.

I only have one family planning to come that does have an older school age child that will be out of school that day for the holiday.

I was just wondering if you would mention to them oh btw it's just your 2 I'm watching that day or just let it go. I could really get some things done that day if I was closed.

They could definitely be the type to keep the kids home (especially with the older sib already out) if they knew they were the only ones but I don't want to guilt them into it.

What would you do?

[spud912]

I usually casually "mention" it to see their reaction. Sometimes they say "oh, really? I'll just keep them home then." If not, then I plan something completely different for the day so it doesn't seem like a regular day to me (like a field trip).

[Blackcat31]

If you offered to be open and provide care and they took you up on it, I would just stay open as planned. It isn't their fault that others decided to stay home.

I just think that since you offered already, you shouldn't go back on that.

Although, I totally hear you on how much stuff can get accomplished on off days.

Maybe this family is planning on getting a bunch of things done too....and since you are only open until noon, I would just go ahead and stay open.

[Ariana]

I usually casually "mention" it to see their reaction. Sometimes they say "oh, really? I'll just keep them home then." If not, then I plan something completely different for the day so it doesn't seem like a regular day to me (like a field trip).

I would do this too. Maybe casually mention that you might plan a trip somewhere since he'll be the only one and ask for their carseat? It still leaves the decision up to them and you have a plan to get out of the house if they decide to leave him with you.

[cheerfuldom]

Don't casually mention stuff. You offered services, they want it, end of story. I would only mention it if the kids are very different ages and the might be bored all day with no other kids attending. However, I wouldn't mention it if it was intended as a passive aggressive way to get the day off after all.

In the future, just take all the days off as outline in your contract. You need time off even if you don't have anything specific planned. Obviously you would have preferred the day off in this case so I guess I don't understand why you even offered to remain open

[JenNJ]

If you want the day off, tell the parent. "Hey DCM, Johnny will be the only child here on Monday. I could really use a day to organize and deep clean the playroom. Any way that Johnny can stay home with you on Monday?"

[wahmof3]

I don't think you should change it. I agree with others, in the future just take it off.

IME- if I have ever mentioned to a dcp that their kid is the only one I would have that day, dcp seem to like the idea of the 1 on 1 care. KWIM? So I have never benefited from mentioning it.

Good luck, I guess if you really want the day off, you could tell them you will reduce their fee if they can make other arrangements????? Just a suggestion. Money talks-

[wdmmom]

I wouldn't back out but at the same time, I would tell them that no one else will be in attendance. If they can make other arrangements, great. If not, you're still on the hook.

I watch a dcb part time afternoons only. I had no one come the Wednesday before Thanksgiving except for him. I called the family that morning to tell them that since no one else came, I took the liberty of making a much needed doctors appointment. I knew they weren't happy, but oh well.

[nannyde]

You may run into them actually being glad their child is the only one there. I have had parents who are thrilled when their kid is the only kid in the house. They like the idea of all the special one to one time the child will get with you specially when they are paying group rate and get nanny like care. I had a parent who went out in the middle of a full on blizzard when our entire COUNTY was completely shut down and she knew all the kids had cancelled, so that her kid could have one to one time with me. Yeah I'm that good

Then you can have the same parent who is off of work who wants to bring that same child to your house because if at home alone with them... the child would miss their "friends" at child care.

If you offer to allow them to just not pay and not come you can open up the idea that them paying full rate every week regardless of attendance is now on the table. I don't like money discussions so I make sure I stay true to the client paying full rate every week despite attendance even when it's not in my favor like a day when there is only one kid.

[daycare]

If im around on a holiday I require at least 3 families sign up for me to open. I make them sign up on a sheet everyone can see and give them 1 week to do so.

I never get 3 families to sign up.

[Lilbutterflie]

I understand the feeling of only watching one child and thinking of how much you could get done if you didn't have to watch them.

But I agree with others in that you were first closed, then reopened; I would not mention to the parents that their child will be the only one. You need to stick with your decision to reopen. Or next time this comes around, just stick to your decision to remain closed and enjoy your day!

Is it just me, or am I the only one that enjoys having just one child sometimes? I had an afternoon like this yesterday, and it was wonderful. I really enjoyed spending time with the child that was here; she never gets one to one time with me! We had a great time, and I felt so refreshed when the day was done, not downright exhausted like I usually do.

[melskids]

On certain holidays when I dont officially close, I ask around and get a little nosy ahead of time.

A few weeks ago, I started asking what everyones schedules were for this upcoming week. (School is closed for mid winter break)

Only one family would have needed me on Monday, since its President's Day. I know she always has good back up so I decided 2 weeks ago I was just going to close.

I'll have a FULL house the other 4 days to make up for it though.

[momma2girls]

Yeah, this is a tough one. I have them come even in a blizzard, ice storm, no power, etc. etc......

[momma2girls]

I only have one family this coming Mon. which they were supposed to be off. Due to school make up day, she is working now. I had 2 appts. scheduled that day for myself. It is lucky that my hubby has off that day as well.

[Springdaze]

I dont mind having one child, but I like being closed better! It really depends on whether my kids are home. if they are, closed is good