What Should I Do?

[Ariana]

I used to take care of a little girl but now that she's in school full-time I take her during PD days, school breaks and summer. March break is next week and the mom is taking her sweet time letting me know the schedule. She's telling me the grandparents might be taking her one or two days "but it's something that will likely happen at the last minute". I don't do 'drop ins' so I have nothing in my contract about this stuff. I do this as a favor to her since I take care of her other daughter full-time.

I'm wondering if I should just charge her for the full-week or should I just play it by ear? WWYD? I care for her FOR FREE on PD days so I already do alot for this family. My worry is that if I charge her like a 'drop in' for this break it'll be an expectaton for the other breaks and during the summer....

Thanks!

[MrsB]

If it were me charge for the whole week. Or give them a partime (minimum of 3 days) rate and tell them I need to know exactly what days she will be here.

[wdmmom]

I would charge her whatever you charge for a full time spot regardless of attendance. She can come 1 or 5 days...the rate remains the same.

[countrymom]

why are you not charging her for pd days, I do. I would tell mom that you need her schedual or her spot will be given away and you can't gaurentee that there will be a spot open.

[Ariana]

I don't charge for PD days simply because I like the kid and my own daughter loves having her here. I know that if I charged the mom would just get grandma to take her. I really don't mind doing it. when she's here it's like having a special visitor! haha The other kids love it!

I'm going to send mom an e-mail tonight detailing how much she owes for the whole week. I know she won't object I just wanted to know if I was being fair.

Thanks all

[Blackcat31]

I don't charge for PD days simply because I like the kid and my own daughter loves having her here. I know that if I charged the mom would just get grandma to take her. I really don't mind doing it. when she's here it's like having a special visitor! haha The other kids love it!

I'm going to send mom an e-mail tonight detailing how much she owes for the whole week. I know she won't object I just wanted to know if I was being fair.

Hun, you are giving away services for free ....I'd say that is more than fair.

[Ariana]

Hun, you are giving away services for free ....I'd say that is more than fair.

I know right!! I do charge her $7 more per day for her kids though I'm not a total saint ::

[Mom&Provider]

I have offered free care before too, just half day, to one p/t family because we would end up having a holiday party or something on a day he didn't come and I felt badly, but no more! This family has shown me no respect at all anymore and I offer nothing for free to them...period! I've learned the hard way not to start something like that, it's nice, but for who!? You're very nice for offering to do it, but I think I would consider charging in future, even at a reduced rate if it makes you feel better, but you should get something from it...it's your business after all!

I think you need to contact DCM and tell them you need to know by X what is happening over March Break and if they aren't sure, you will need to charge them the p/t min of 3 days (or whatever you min is) and go from there.

It's obvious it's bothering you DCM is doing this and I find over time it starts to change how I feel about a family, case in point above, and that's not good for business either.

[Ariana]

I think you're right. She came in this morning after receiving the e-mail and says "So I told DH to get on his parents about taking the girls over the break.....or do I have t pay for the full week even if she's not here?" and I said "I'm really not sure what to do because you have given me no notice and it's annoying for me to have to continually remind you to let me know. She told me she "understood" and would let me know today. I am sooo frustrated at myself for not saying right then and there that she needs to pay the full week because of lack of notice. This is where not having a 'policy' about drop ins gets me.

I agree with you Mom&Provider it IS changing how I feel about this family...among many many other things they've done.