What Would You Do???

[JJPlaycare]

I have a family who has threatened to leave 3 times in the last 2 years because I won't take their children 15-30 mins early or late each day. She says is all they are asking for is 15-30 mins. and cant seem to understand why I am not willing to do this. I have 3 children and a family of my own. I do childcare for 12 children 10 hours a day. She texted me lastnight when I told her no they couldnt come early and said well then I guess we need to start looking for someone else. All in a text message. I didn't reply, I am not having that type of discussion through text messaging. This am she drops off all pouty, doesn't look at me or say a word to me. I try to kill her with kindness and say see ya later, have a nice day, just as I do every morning she turned around and shut the door and didn't say a word. I have bent over backwards for this family, but I give a little and they take a mile and I am just sick and tired of it and have begun to put my foot down and this is how they treat me. Tired of it.... What would you do, take her idle threats? Wait for a notice? or give her one and don't allow her to have the worthiness of giving me one?

[Zoe]

I would be honest with her and call her on her threats. Just say "hey dcm, are you giving me notice? Because I need it in writing for two weeks with two weeks pay and that will give me enough time to fill dck's spot." If she gets all wishy washy on you and backtracks, tell her that you do not appreciate her threats and you will NOT be changing your policies for her. Any more talk about it will result in an immediate termination notice from you. That's what I would say. I don't like being threatened.

[Sunshine44]

I'd have a term paper waiting if you can afford it. Show them they can't do that to people. Tell her you assumed that was her notice.

[nannyde]

I would take them early and let them be late as long as it was scheduled in advance and paid in advance at a dollar a minute per child.

If they are asking you to do it for free then there is your problem. Attach money to it and they will only use it when they really need it.

Whenever something is for free it just doesn't have any value. When she says "She says is all they are asking for is 15-30 mins. and cant seem to understand why I am not willing to do this." she's saying it's no big deal. It shouldn't be a big deal to you. BELIEVE HER PLEASE.

The big deal is that it's free or very low in price. Set the price high and then you will automatically show her how valuable it is. She just needs to learn that the time itself is valuable and how valuable it really is.

[MrsB]

First of all I'd like to say yay for you for having a backbone!

Second, if she has a need, you can't meet. It is well within her right to find care elsewhere that does meet her needs. I would try not to take it personal. Although it is hard sometimes.

The only thing I would do differently is say to her. "These are my available hours and I am not willing to budge on them. I understand if that doesnt meet your needs and you need to find someone else." Let the rest be her problem.

[CheekyChick]

I would have a talk with her and tell her that you're sorry you can't accomodate her needs and that you completely understand that she will need to find a new provider that opens a bit earlier.

[JenNJ]

I would start interviewing for a new family and tell her that if she is giving notice, you need it in writing. Otherwise she needs to stop threatening you.

[LittleD]

30 mins a day= 4.5 hrs/week= (approx) 18 hrs mth= 216 hrs per year (approx)

YES, it is a big deal! And chances are they say 15-30 mins, and maybe some days it will be 10 mins early/late, but chances are it's more likely to be 20-25 mins, cuz lets face it, 20 mins is closer to 15, but if they want to drop off pick up 30 mins, it's already been requested so she can do it.

I can get a lot done in 15 mins, and twice as much in 30. Why do they need all this extra time?

I'm assuming she wants this included in her regular price?

Like Nan says, put a price on what those extra 30 mins a day is worth to you then double or triple it. It's almost a half a shift extra per week for you.

[lilcupcakes09]

I agree! I would stand my ground, that extra half hour each day adds up, and we have our own families. The fact that she is threatening you would really tick me off, if you have another family to replace her, I would do so.....if not, keep them, but don't let her "run your business", YOU are the owner of your business and it's your rules. Considering she had done it over the last two years, she is probably just blowing smoke to get you to give in, BUT DON'T!!! Good Luck

[Breezy]

Ask her if she would mind working for 15 minutes off the clock everyday before her scheduled work time

[Soupyszoo]

I would either put a high price on early drop off and late pickup so you could make some extra money. OOOOOR I would start advertising to fill their spot, fill it and term them. I don't like drama. Definitely don't do it for free. And don't take threats.

[bunnyslippers]

I would evaluate how you feel. If you wouldn't mind doing it if she paid you, then I would allow it and charge her $1 per minute. If it is just something you do not have the time or energy for, then hold oyur ground and don't do it. Explain that it is just not something you have time for, and let her know that if she would like to give her two week notice then she should do that.

Sometimes those 15 minutes extra a day can make you want to scream - figure out what is best for you and don't let the pattern continue.

[daycare]

not sure if you read my other post about coming early or staying late..

If you take it upon yourself to show up early, sorry, the door wont be open.


If you show up late, I will charge you $1.00 per min each min your late


If you ask me to open early I may do it, but it will cost you $10.00 per child, even if it is 10min early or 1 hour max. I cannot and will not guarantee you that I can even if you ask

If you ask me to stay later you can, but it will cost you $10.00 up to one hour max.

Ever since I started this, no one asks..

[DBug]

Manipulative threats like that really get my back up

I'd say "So how's your search for new care going?" or "I just heard that so-and-so has an opening at her daycare. Here's her number." every once in awhile. Call her bluff, so to speak.

I haven't had mean-spirited threats like this before, but I have had parents doing the wistful looks and outright flattery when they wanted me to go back on changing my hours. I just said "We all have to do what's right for our own families, and if that means you have to look elsewhere, I'd be happy to help. Here's the website of a new center opening up close by."

[saved4always]

Totally agree with what others here have said.

If you are willing to do it if she pays more, let her know that you can do it but, like Nan said, it will cost her $1.00 a minute.

If this is not something you want to do for ANY amount of money, tell her that you cannot accomodate longer hours so she should either give her written notice or shut up (I guess you would need to use a little more diplomatic words, but you kwim ).