My Holidays Don’t Work For A DC Family

[Unregistered]

I had one mom ask me just the other day if I could switch my week in August to the next week instead of the one I told them...her family is about 12 hours away and they are having a family reunion....my first instinct was to refuse but I really didn't have any reason to so I said I would switch...since her kid is the one other full-time one I have (the others are all part-time ) I decided it wouldn't kill me... My dh is off all summer and we never go away so it wasn't such a big problem.

I can see how hard it is for you though...there must be teenagers or maybe even a stay at home mom who might like to make a little spending money for that week ...the parents have plenty of time to be looking and interviewing someone right now...

[Blackcat31]

Here's what I would have said:

"Hi Sally, I was thinking about our discussion about how your vacation doesn't coincide along with everyone else's here at daycare. As you are already well aware, I schedule the daycare's closing dates based on my husbands approved vacation. Once he is given his approved vacation time I then notify the other daycare families. They in turn choose to either request to take the same vacation time off or find alternate childcare for the time that the daycare is closed. This is the way that it has always worked. Here is a list of other daycare providers in this area that you can call that may be able to provide temporary back-up childcare."

Because this situation happens occasionally I call other daycare homes that are close to me and introduce myself and ask them whether or not they would be willing to offer temporary back-up childcare if they have the space, for the days that I am closed. Usually most are willing (who wants to say no to more money if you room right) so I already have a list ready to hand out when it's time for my vacations.

If you require that your vacation time be paid be prepared for the "But I can't afford to pay you and another daycare" talk. This is a completely different conversation.

diplomatic, understanding, respectful and yet still taking your vacation when YOU want to NOT when they want you too! Excellent reply MV!

[TBird]

My Vacation schedule is released during the first week in January of every year. The opening paragraph is as follows:

Below, I have mapped out my closing dates for the remainder of the year. Although I may not always know this much of the schedule in advance, I am committed to giving ample notice, so that your family has enough time to plan ahead. Similar to most other daycare businesses (and in all fairness to my family and personal life), it would be impossible for me to coordinate my closing dates, with all of my clients’ schedules. Although your back-up providers should already be in place, if anyone would like any referrals on back-up care, please feel free to see me at any time.

I have them sign & date it at the bottom. I keep the bottom portion & they keep the top. It's speak then or forever hold their peace.

[momofboys]

Because they already booked the time off from their work, and they cant switch it.

I tried to take the same days but hubby's work said no.

Too bad for them. Geez - they have 3 months to find a back-up, is it that impossible?

[DCMom]

Here's what I would have said:

"Hi Sally, I was thinking about our discussion about how your vacation doesn't coincide along with everyone else's here at daycare. As you are already well aware, I schedule the daycare's closing dates based on my husbands approved vacation. Once he is given his approved vacation time I then notify the other daycare families. They in turn choose to either request to take the same vacation time off or find alternate childcare for the time that the daycare is closed. This is the way that it has always worked. Here is a list of other daycare providers in this area that you can call that may be able to provide temporary back-up childcare."

Because this situation happens occasionally I call other daycare homes that are close to me and introduce myself and ask them whether or not they would be willing to offer temporary back-up childcare if they have the space, for the days that I am closed. Usually most are willing (who wants to say no to more money if you room right) so I already have a list ready to hand out when it's time for my vacations.

If you require that your vacation time be paid be prepared for the "But I can't afford to pay you and another daycare" talk. This is a completely different conversation.

Perfect answer!

I give my dcp's a tentative list of holidays/vacation days/closed days that I plan to be closed for the entire year with their contract renewal in January. I also note on the bottom that 'BACK-UP CARE IS THE PARENTS RESPONSIBILITY I also note on the parent board two weeks before the date is coming up.

That way there is no confusion as to when you will be closed and they will have to find back up care.

[Ariana]

Because they already booked the time off from their work, and they cant switch it.

I tried to take the same days but hubby's work said no.

Exactly! My point being that they can't switch and neither can you. Unfortunately that is someting you have to deal with when your kids are in home daycare. Many parents choose centre care for this very reason. No time off and no vacation days off. Always a supply to fill in.

[littlemissmuffet]

I would NEVER even consider coinciding my vacation times with any of my dayacre families - even if I knew the majority of families were taking the same week off ... I already compromise enough to make my daycare families happy - that is just asking way too much.

And a parent having the audacity to tell me that MY vacation time doesn't work for them??? :: Too bad, so sad.

My families know upon enrollment that I take 2 vacation weeks off with pay each year (give schedule out in January) - I recommend they either use their own vacation time or ensure they have alternative care options. I did my job - NOW DO YOURS, PARENTS!

Some parents can be more immature and needy than their children!

[mrsp'slilpeeps]

Thanks ladies for the backbone help!!!!

I finalized my holidays with my hubby, printed them up and handed them out to all the parents.

all except the family in question said, awesome now we can plan around you and you deserve your holidays because I am always there for them.

I told them all that it is final and I can not change the days.

[Ariana]

Thanks ladies for the backbone help!!!!

I finalized my holidays with my hubby, printed them up and handed them out to all the parents.

all except the family in question said, awesome now we can plan around you and you deserve your holidays because I am always there for them.

I told them all that it is final and I can not change the days.

You go girl

[christinaskids]

Im sorry- but are you flippin kidding me? That is extremely rude for them to get mad because you won't switch your vacation days. And I think its ridiculous that you would even begin to feel bad about it or try to accomidate them. Sure if there is no other reason to switch a week off, then I'd do it but if I tried and it wasn't happening, I wouldn't let them get mad at ME about it.