Terming Question

[MNMum]

Would love a few suggestions this afternoon.

I recently had a family tell me they were planning on having a family member watch the kids for the summer. She gave me 4ish weeks notice. Then asked if they could stay 2 weeks longer. I, like a dummy, gave her an answer right away. That was a couple of days ago. I've decided that we should stick with her original plan.

The long story: My husband will be gone for 6 weeks for training, her original end date is 1 week into this, the new end date would be 3 weeks in. I've decided my sanity is worth the money I will be losing by sticking with her original date. I've had issues with this family in the past. The kids are over the top high energy. The toddler is aggressive. They've come a long way, but I don't feel like putting in the extra energy towards their behavior, knowing they will only be here temporarily.

I would like to give a termination letter today. I know, short and sweet. But if she asks why I've reconsidered, what should I say?

[cheerfuldom]

Just say that the schedule is not the right fit for your plans for the summer. You don't have to give any details or any specific reasons, just that you need to stick by the original date she first gave. Make sure they are up to date on payments before giving a term letter and be prepared for her to leave immediately.

[MNMum]

Next question: Dad usually does pick up. Would you call mom or send her an email? She was the one I've had the conversation about end dates.

[Blackcat31]

Tell her you filled her vacated spaces and so you won't be able to accomodate her request for additional time.

I am sorry but this is a business and if she can't understand that your "new" paying clients are worth more to you than clients who are leaving and will no longer be a source of income to you, then too bad I guess. You gotta do what you gotta do and really you shouldn't have to have any loyalties to her if she is leaving...kwim?

[MNMum]

I just told dad at pick up today. He seemed completely out of the loop, so I asked him if he wanted me to call mom, but he said he would get the message to her. It's still 3 weeks out, so I'll just give mom the written notice on Monday.

Why is it that I always feel like the bad guy when I don't agree to "favors". I know this was the right decision. If they didn't plan on leaving I would have hired help while my husband is away for training, but it just doesn't make sense to do that when they plan to leave anyway. I've prbably now put them in a dilemna, as the college girl that is watching them for the summer decided she wanted to take a little trip. But that's not my problem, right?!

[DaisyMamma]

Tell her you filled her vacated spaces and so you won't be able to accomodate her request for additional time.

I am sorry but this is a business and if she can't understand that your "new" paying clients are worth more to you than clients who are leaving and will no longer be a source of income to you, then too bad I guess. You gotta do what you gotta do and really you shouldn't have to have any loyalties to her if she is leaving...kwim?

EXACTLY. and If I were you, I wouldn't be surprised if her spot was already "filled" at the end of the summer.