Just Dropped Off

[Guest]

Dcp just off their son. Who was not suppose to be here today. They just started yesterday. They have the spot m-f because her schedule changes every 6 weeks. I talked to her last night that the next day would be Monday. Even talked to this morning, not a word then dad drops off. I was in shock this morning. I was like he's coming today. This is the only day I that I have enough to go some where and we were Planning to go into town.

How would you handle this? I want to have idea when to expect them. Is that wrong?

[Country Kids]

I would have said he is not scheduled today and I have plans already scheduled for the day. Where you actually closed for the day?

Put up a large notice in your sign in area that any changes in scheduling need a 24-48 hour notice. I'm actually going to go with a 48 hour notice because if I need to bring someone in because of appts. or something I need to know how many to plan for.

[Blackcat31]

I would not necessarily have excepted him into care unless dad had a really good reason for being off schedule....like he just got called to work and had little or no notice.

If him being there messes up your day then that really ****s.

Forst thing I would do is call the mom and ask why she said one thing and did another. I would take this opportunity to make sure they understand the importance of a schedule and sticking to it since you made plans that don't include dcb.

You really can't do much until you find out why he was dropped off and if they are home, I would tell them sorry, but he can't stay as you have already made plans for the day according to the mom's words that dcb won't be there.

Call mom. Ask lots of questions!

[athomemommy]

So I just called and they are just doing some shoppin. I explained that it was unexpected and that we had plans.

The bad thing is that we have become friends since I first said he could come and his actual start date as they just live down the street. Guess I am learning as. I go

[Willow]

Some food for thought....would you treat your friends the way they just did??

If these people were really friends they would respect that you are a business owner and daycare provider, not a babysitter they can just drop their child off with at the drop of a hat and without notice to run an errand they very well could have done WITH him.

That's called using someone, and it is definitely not the sign of a good friendship.

I would not have let them in the door if they just showed up at my home like that. Whether you had something else scheduled for that off time or not is moot, he wasn't scheduled. If they showed up at 3 in the morning would you just take him then too? This is no different.

I had one of my parents pull something similar yesterday. I sympathize with you, it puts us in such an awkward position and can really strain the relationship both business and personal

[texascare]

So I just called and they are just doing some shoppin. I explained that it was unexpected and that we had plans.

The bad thing is that we have become friends since I first said he could come and his actual start date as they just live down the street. Guess I am learning as. I go

I have learned to keep it professional and not to become "friends" with them. There is a difference in friends and friendly. I have learned not to keep neighborhood kids. If anything goes wrong you will see these families for a long time and it can mae it very difficult for the both of you. Just my two cents worth....

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

All of my kids (13) are from the neighborhood. In the past, I have had to term one that lives about 4 houses down and I have had another attempt to manipulate me and get free care who lives about 5 houses down. Not awkward at all. Shame on them for being disrespectful and inconsiderate. I refuse to feel awkward when I see neighborhood people who took advantage of me out in public/at neighborhood events/etc. They should feel awkward for being so rude.

I don't think these parents are really your friends. I have a couple of families that are friends in my daycare, and they would never do something like that. They are constantly making sure that they are following my Parent Handbook. Even moreso than my clients that are not my personal friends.