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This is probably the most vented about, most common and WORST issue about child care.
The one thing about providers in this situation that really bothers me though is a good majority of them pass the blame by saying "I am too kind" or "I am a real pushover" or "I am just too nice" etc etc, which to me insinuates that those us who do strictly enforce payments and usually have no issues with payments AREN'T nice or kind at all.
(Sorry Sunshine, NOT directed to you only or personally since ALL provider vents/complaints about payments contain some version of those words)
I am just as kind and nice as the next person but I do NOT have issues with payments from my families.
Why? Because I have a strict, firm policy in place and I stick to it. It isn't difficult or complex, just enforced.
The parents and I spell out EXACT pay dates BEFORE any care is ever given. The parents know the dates, the amounts due, the late fees if not paid and the consequences of more than one late payment.
Once this is set up between the parents and myself, we BOTH follow it.
I do hear a few stories and a few excuses as to why they can't pay or maybe short on pay and I empathize with them and feel badly for them but that is where it stops.
Just because I feel badly or can totally understand where they are coming from, NONE of their issues are mine though and I won't borrow or accept anyone else's issues. Payment is due when payment is due.
If parents want to tell me their money troubles, I have no problem putting on my listening ears and hearing their vents and problems. I feel badly and I feel like I want to help them out just like anyone else would feel.
The difference is though I listen but I don't act.
Just like a tattling daycare child. They are telling me something but there is no obligation to act on my part.
The problems escalate 99.9% of the time because the provider feels like she is being forced to do something by the venting parent. Why?
It is just as easy to say "Gosh Sally, sounds like you are having trouble making ends meet. I sure wish I could help you but I too count on my income."
If the parent had the nerve to simply say they were going to pay late, I would say "Oh, I understand. But don't forget that when you do drop off your check, include the $10 per day late fee and remember there will also be no services until your balance is paid in full." this is usually where the provider makes the second mistake. They let the late payment slide but then continue to provide services. :confused:
The second time a parent is late, the late fee doubles. Still no services until paid in full.
The third late fee and I charge triple the original late fee and I term them. At this point you aren't losing a client, you are losing a family you are working for for free basically and that is ok, because I would rather not have them as clients since they aren't paying anyways and look for a family who will pay.
I also only give them 5 days to make the late payment (or payment arrangements) before I consider them withdrawn and will fill their space. NO SERVICES are ever provided if ANY money is due.
Bottom line is you CAN be nice and kind and still enforce your policies. Again, like everything else it is all in the communication you use and the words you use to say it.
"Boy Sally, I sure wish I could help you out but according to our payment contract, a late fee will automatically be added to your bill and Johnny won't be able to come until the billis paid. I sure hope you find a way to get through this. Have a good weekend. Bye"
That might sound cheesy, or mean even to some, but seriously no one is going to collect your fees for you and until you start enforcing your policies, the parents are never going to follow them.
You are the leader in this situation so stop standing there and wondering what to do and take the lead! happyface
What is the worst thing that could happen? They might leave?
Well they aren't paying you now and you are working for free so why would them leaving be a bad thing? 
Sorry for the novel but when providers vent about payment issues....I feel like a provider dealing with a non-paying client........I truly feel bad for them but I can't do anything about it.
ONLY YOU can do it.
The one thing about providers in this situation that really bothers me though is a good majority of them pass the blame by saying "I am too kind" or "I am a real pushover" or "I am just too nice" etc etc, which to me insinuates that those us who do strictly enforce payments and usually have no issues with payments AREN'T nice or kind at all.
(Sorry Sunshine, NOT directed to you only or personally since ALL provider vents/complaints about payments contain some version of those words)I am just as kind and nice as the next person but I do NOT have issues with payments from my families.
Why? Because I have a strict, firm policy in place and I stick to it. It isn't difficult or complex, just enforced.
The parents and I spell out EXACT pay dates BEFORE any care is ever given. The parents know the dates, the amounts due, the late fees if not paid and the consequences of more than one late payment.
Once this is set up between the parents and myself, we BOTH follow it.
I do hear a few stories and a few excuses as to why they can't pay or maybe short on pay and I empathize with them and feel badly for them but that is where it stops.
Just because I feel badly or can totally understand where they are coming from, NONE of their issues are mine though and I won't borrow or accept anyone else's issues. Payment is due when payment is due.
If parents want to tell me their money troubles, I have no problem putting on my listening ears and hearing their vents and problems. I feel badly and I feel like I want to help them out just like anyone else would feel.
The difference is though I listen but I don't act.
Just like a tattling daycare child. They are telling me something but there is no obligation to act on my part.
The problems escalate 99.9% of the time because the provider feels like she is being forced to do something by the venting parent. Why?
It is just as easy to say "Gosh Sally, sounds like you are having trouble making ends meet. I sure wish I could help you but I too count on my income."
If the parent had the nerve to simply say they were going to pay late, I would say "Oh, I understand. But don't forget that when you do drop off your check, include the $10 per day late fee and remember there will also be no services until your balance is paid in full." this is usually where the provider makes the second mistake. They let the late payment slide but then continue to provide services. :confused:
The second time a parent is late, the late fee doubles. Still no services until paid in full.
The third late fee and I charge triple the original late fee and I term them. At this point you aren't losing a client, you are losing a family you are working for for free basically and that is ok, because I would rather not have them as clients since they aren't paying anyways and look for a family who will pay.
I also only give them 5 days to make the late payment (or payment arrangements) before I consider them withdrawn and will fill their space. NO SERVICES are ever provided if ANY money is due.
Bottom line is you CAN be nice and kind and still enforce your policies. Again, like everything else it is all in the communication you use and the words you use to say it.
"Boy Sally, I sure wish I could help you out but according to our payment contract, a late fee will automatically be added to your bill and Johnny won't be able to come until the billis paid. I sure hope you find a way to get through this. Have a good weekend. Bye"
That might sound cheesy, or mean even to some, but seriously no one is going to collect your fees for you and until you start enforcing your policies, the parents are never going to follow them.
You are the leader in this situation so stop standing there and wondering what to do and take the lead! happyface
What is the worst thing that could happen? They might leave?
Well they aren't paying you now and you are working for free so why would them leaving be a bad thing? Sorry for the novel but when providers vent about payment issues....I feel like a provider dealing with a non-paying client........I truly feel bad for them but I can't do anything about it.
ONLY YOU can do it.
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