Advice Needed...Need A Single Vacation Day Off, Brand New Daycare

[bluemoose_mom]

Taking a date night really isn't possible. We just moved to a new community four months ago, so we don't have anyone to watch DD. Our nearest babysitters (Grandparents) are 4 hours away.

When I had our interview with this family, they mentioned several times that Grandma (secretary for school) gets off work after school lets out and can come get DCG if I ever need to do something. I think I might see if DCG's grandma can pick her up early on Friday, and we would leave right after that. Wish me luck, we have some scheduling things to work out on our end before I mention it to DCP.

Thanks everyone for your opinions!

[jenn]

Yikes! That's a tough one. I think I would just talk honestly to the family. "I have the opportunity to get away with my husband on (date). This is a rare occasion for us, however I don't want to create a problem for you." They may be more than happy to take off that day or have someone else that can provide care that day. If it's going to be a problem for them, or if they act mad about it, I would stay home.

[GretasLittleFriends]

I guess if it were me, I'd talk to parent/s about it. Tell them if they need you, you are willing to stay. My father, years ago, taught me to ask for what I want. Worst thing she/they can do is say "no". Well, ok, the worst thing would be for them to think you're unreliable and terminate, possibly giving you a bad reputation. Of course, if they leave, you won't have to work that day and can go anyway... Though this may not be the right way to look at it.

Though I am a business, I am fairly open with my parents. I have found that in doing so, it makes them feel more comfortable and be open with me as well. We are all people (not robots) after all. We live in a rural area, and people are very laid back here.

[bluemoose_mom]

I find that people are rather laid back here as well. We're rather rural too (we actually live very close to you Gretaslittlefriends--North Dakota).

I'll probably ask something like this, "I was wondering if (name of Dad)'s mom can watch DCG Friday, the 25th of May after she gets off work? My husbands company is having a company trip, and this is the first time wives have been included in 4 years and would like to go. If this isn't possible, I will stay home so you don't have to find alternate care."

That way if it's a problem, then they know I'm willing to stay home. I didn't put anything about closing early in my contract, and can't decide if I want to change their fee for that day. I only do full time care and fees, but I don't get a paid vacation. What do you guys think? I'm leaning towards taking off a half a day's fee for them.