DCM Mad Because I Was Lenient?!

[EchoMom]

So I see why the veteran providers come across so strict, it's true, it doesn't pay to be nice! So I've now handed out my second ever fee. This time for a late payment fee. Payment is due at drop off time of first contracted day of care...

DCM keeps forgetting to bring me check at drop off, keeps bringing check at pick up... Okay fine, no biggie, not much difference between pick up or drop off time so didn't mind...

Other day she tells me she forgot her purse somewhere else so would I like the check late tonight in my mailbox, or the next morning in the mailbox. (BOTH are late really, like how she gave me two options both of which I didn't like but I was quick enough on my feet to catch it!) Anyway, I said tonight in the mailbox. Said it like three times tonight tonight tonight.

Sure enough, I check the mailbox at 10:35pm before going to bed, no check. Check in the morning and got a text from her at 7am saying check in the mailbox. I told her that night NOT the next day. So, I gave her a note with a late payment fee of $10.

She got mad at me and texted me saying "I'm confused is this the only fee I owe you, because it's happened before and you didn't charge me. If I'd known you were going to charge me I would have gone and got my purse."

UGH!!!! UGH!!! GRRR!!! First of all, you DID know I'd charge you when you signed the contract and we went over it! Second, if you had the ability to go get your purse and pay me, you should have, it's rude to not pay me, I shouldn't have to beg and wait for my own paycheck! Third, she even said herself she's been late before.

Oh don't worry DCM, there won't be any further confusion, I'll be sure not to let you slide anymore, I'll charge you everytime from now on.

.... I HATE this part of the job, WHY do they have to force my hand I don't WANT to be mean, I don't WANT drama, and I don't WANT people mad at me!!!!

[allieannarbor]

People are exhausting and ridiculous. I am just getting into this but already find myself in baffling situations...

Like once parent's read my handbook I get questions about my policies...my policies that are not presented as optional in any way, "So tuition is due at the first of the month.... is there wiggle room, can I pay on the 15th?...."

UHHH NO. It is due on 1st hence the late fee charges listed in the handbook for it not being turned in on time. And wiggle room?! The 15th is very far from a wiggle.

People seem confused that this is not a social service, it is a business.

I had a long day..... sorry for venting!

In response to your crazy story, stay strong and stay firm! I think it is reasonable to point out that you did initially provide her with a grace period but when it was clearly turning into habitually tardiness you had to follow through of fees. Not that you will or should say this, but it would be within your right to say, "You are correct my mistake, here is the total of retroactive fees that you owe" and give her a statement of the previous late charges you overlooked.

[DCMama]

This lady really has an attitude and is ungrateful! wow!!!! can't believe she got the nerve to text you that!!!! That is beyond rude! seriously, she should be thankful that she didn't get charge the last few times, and for her to bring that up is just plain rude. There is a nicer way to put this to you like "I'm sorry I was late, I didn't remember that you ever given me a late fee for that I am thankful but at the same time I wish I known earlier so I would try harder to pay you. I'm sorry I'm too stupid to think of that." Okay just kidding about the stupid part but still you get my point... jk hah

[daycarediva]

I have a pt family, it is in my contract that the days are SET, nooooo switching days at all, ever, for ANY reason. Mom asks me 1x a month if she can switch. This morning it was "I know you don't switch days but can we switch next week...?" ::

[DaisyMamma]

That's really rude. Of course she should've gotten her purse, it was her mistake, not yours.
I hope this is what you said "Oh don't worry DCM, there won't be any further confusion, I'll be sure not to let you slide anymore, I'll charge you everytime from now on." because I sure would have.

[cheerfuldom]

Just dont let it slide anymore. Now you know....you wiggle just a tiny bit and give them something "special", like payment at the end of the day instead of the beginning, and then they assume you arent going to enforce any other rule. I know its frustrating but I can see a tiny bit from her perspective....she sees you seem flexible and then is confused/mad when you decide to draw the line. Stick to your contract in the future!

[momofsix]

So I see why the veteran providers come across so strict, it's true, it doesn't pay to be nice! So I've now handed out my second ever fee. This time for a late payment fee. Payment is due at drop off time of first contracted day of care...

DCM keeps forgetting to bring me check at drop off, keeps bringing check at pick up... Okay fine, no biggie, not much difference between pick up or drop off time so didn't mind...

Other day she tells me she forgot her purse somewhere else so would I like the check late tonight in my mailbox, or the next morning in the mailbox. (BOTH are late really, like how she gave me two options both of which I didn't like but I was quick enough on my feet to catch it!) Anyway, I said tonight in the mailbox. Said it like three times tonight tonight tonight.

Sure enough, I check the mailbox at 10:35pm before going to bed, no check. Check in the morning and got a text from her at 7am saying check in the mailbox. I told her that night NOT the next day. So, I gave her a note with a late payment fee of $10.

She got mad at me and texted me saying "I'm confused is this the only fee I owe you, because it's happened before and you didn't charge me. If I'd known you were going to charge me I would have gone and got my purse."

UGH!!!! UGH!!! GRRR!!! First of all, you DID know I'd charge you when you signed the contract and we went over it! Second, if you had the ability to go get your purse and pay me, you should have, it's rude to not pay me, I shouldn't have to beg and wait for my own paycheck! Third, she even said herself she's been late before.

Oh don't worry DCM, there won't be any further confusion, I'll be sure not to let you slide anymore, I'll charge you everytime from now on.

.... I HATE this part of the job, WHY do they have to force my hand I don't WANT to be mean, I don't WANT drama, and I don't WANT people mad at me!!!!

So sorry, that's just so rude of her.
I've seen on here where providers that show "grace" for a fee still show the charge on paper so that the parent knows that they deserved the fee, but are being given a break for that one time. If you still want to be "nice" tp a family in the future, that might be a good thing to try.

[MyAngels]

"Gosh, you know, you are right dcm, thanks for pointing out that you are consistently late! You can add the $50 for the last five times you were late to next week's check."

I might not actually say it, but I'd be tempted ::.

[wahmof3]

This sounds like a family I had- where in Ohio are you located???? LOL

Seriously they ended up leaving bc they kept showing up early WITHOUT a phone call. I stood my ground and simply told him this can't continue happening and boy oh boy did I stir the pot. (problem could have easily been solved with a phone call or text, very very simple solution).

They complained over everything!!! And they made mention that I always have to remind the DCM to pay me...... like I was being a jerk. I said its in our contract that fee is due at drop off on the last day your child is in attendance.

And the response was: we don't like your contract thats why we are leaving. Ok then why did u sign it?????

Like you payment was never made on time & several times I had to look for it in my mailbox. NEVER EVER charged a late fee & should have EVERY time! So good for you for charging the fee!!!!!!!

[EchoMom]

This sounds like a family I had- where in Ohio are you located???? LOL

Seriously they ended up leaving bc they kept showing up early WITHOUT a phone call. I stood my ground and simply told him this can't continue happening and boy oh boy did I stir the pot. (problem could have easily been solved with a phone call or text, very very simple solution).

They complained over everything!!! And they made mention that I always have to remind the DCM to pay me...... like I was being a jerk. I said its in our contract that fee is due at drop off on the last day your child is in attendance.

And the response was: we don't like your contract thats why we are leaving. Ok then why did u sign it?????

Like you payment was never made on time & several times I had to look for it in my mailbox. NEVER EVER charged a late fee & should have EVERY time! So good for you for charging the fee!!!!!!!

I'm in Worthington (Columbus), OH. PLEASE tell me it's not the same people! LOL!

[daycare]

like you, I play it by ear if I will give late fee or not. depends on the history of the family. BUT no matter what, I will give them a little note that says, you were late this time, I am waving the fee, but next time there will be one....

Well something to that degree. This way we are on the same page and no surprises......

[wahmof3]

I'm in Worthington (Columbus), OH. PLEASE tell me it's not the same people! LOL!

No LOL I am close to you but in a different county North of Columbus::