Disappointed and a little ticked off

[Kaddidle Care]

It sounds like the Mom just jumped at the opportunity to receive free daycare (who wouldn't?) from Grandma and the child will be there until Grandma finds a job.

The inflexible thing.. I don't know why she even said that unless it was just pride.

Don't be surprised if they ring you on a Friday that they need care on Monday.

[jojosmommy]

I think you saved yourself from this happening all the time. Seems to me there are those who get it and explain their sched and stick to it and those who are always schedule difficult if you KWIM.

[saved4always]

I have a two week trial period in my contract during which I or parents can term immediately, so no notice. This policy has benefited me in the past so I don't mind. I'm more ticked off that I spent so much time getting her setup and settled in but I supposed that's the nature of this business some times.

Out of curiosity is this something you all would accommodate normally? An hour early drop off with fewer than 12 hours notice? I'm all for being flexible, I don't even do contracted hours but this seems like a bit much especially for the third day of care.

I always had the parents' specific contracted hours listed on thier contract with their rate. If a parent asked for an early drop off or late pick up, I totally felt fine saying "no" if it did not work for me. I did accomodate if it was truly okay with me, but, if not, I would feel free to say "no". Also, when I did agree to take a child outside my usual hours, I would make it sound like it was a really big deal...so they didn't ask me unless it was really necessary. Sounds to me like they got Grandma to watch for free. Not many parents will pass up a free sitter.

[busymomof2]

Proud of you for standing your ground and saying no. I get my parents trying to pull this on me all the time. I may do 15 minutes or so early but an hour...no way.happyface

[Blackcat31]

I had a new DCG start last week. I like the parents love the girl and seemed like a great fit. At interview they said they'd drop off at 8. No mention of early drop offs or need for flexibility. DCM calls last night asking to drop off an hour early. I said no and I was pretty proud of myself. Normally I would roll over and say sure no matter how I really felt. Well I'm two months pregnant and morning are rough right now so I stood my ground. She was very nice said ok. This morning she shows up and tells me tomorrow will be DCG's last day :confused: She says they need more flexibility. She goes on to say that grandma will watch her for now but they will consider placing her with me again in the future as if they can just come and go as they please. I'm just totally shocked right now. I passed on three other calls over the past two weeks and pulled all of my ads. I told her that I could be more flexible in another month or so when I'm feeling better but now that she's gone I'm starting to get really mad about this.

Was flexibility and hours discussed during the interview at all? I am just wondering if the family was honest about their needs in the first place or if they didn't mention anything about needing flexibility because they didn't but then something unexpected came up ...kwim?

Seriously, is she pms'ing? You do not need those kind of people. They think they have the upper hand if you let them control the situation. You have a very good and polite reason for not being able to be flexible, I think it's sad that as a woman she can't understand that you are prego and can't be flexi. Good ridance! But yes, I would be pissed off too for turning away clients for people like that. Oh well lesson learned, at least you get two week pay...I hope.

That is kind of harsh.... What are "those kinds of people"? :confused: And as a woman, I am kind of insulted that you think using pregnancy as an excuse for anything is justifiable. I mean I understand that is why the OP doesn't want to accommodate the family's request for early drop off but I don't agree that just because she (DCM) is a woman, she should automatically understand. Lots of women work through pregnancy with no issues at all. Pregnancy isn't an automatic disability.

OP shouldn't have to use any excuse, if she doesn't want to accommodate early drop off, then don't. She doesn't HAVE to share the reason why.

Grandma has been watching her for a while but has to come out of retirement and start working again (which is sad), so her going back to gma is only temporary while she's looking for a job. Not sure what their plans is. They seemed really happy here, DCG has settled in very quickly, I'm really surprised they wouldn't even talk to me about it first.

That is the only reason I would be upset. I feel that I am VERY open with my daycare families and I expect them to come to me if there are any issues that are not working. If I can, I will gladly compromise so things work out for everyone and if I can't find a way to make it work for all, I will still be satisfied that we (both DCF and myself) did everything possible first before calling it quits.

I am sorry that you are losing a family (income) and am also glad you stood your ground and said no to a request you weren't willing to do. Sometimes saying no, is super hard. I hope you are able to find new client soon.