Parent VERY Behind On Payment

[nanglgrl]

Why don't you want to sound harsh?

You deserve to be paid.

I would not even let them back in the door without payment.

this exactly.

[Loveyoustinkyface]

Thanks for the replies, everyone

I guess my only reason for not wanting to sound "harsh" is because I don't really have a backbone(which I've noticed is NOT a good trait in this business)..

I am thinking of telling DCM something along the lines of "I hate to bring this up, but I need at least 2 weeks of pay by Friday or I will start the termination process on Monday." In my contract it states I will give a 2 week termination notice/they will give me a 2 week notice before leaving, so... that's why I have to give the 2 weeks. I have 2 families who constantly ask if I have a spot(and in theory I do, but with being 15w pregnant, having 2 kids, I like keeping it small), so I'll throw in someone else wants his spot if they don't pay.

I know your contract says you give a two week notice but you haven't been paid for three weeks then you could potentially be out of 5 weeks payment!

[VTMom]

I just wanted to chime in to let you know I know what you're feeling and your hesitation. I'm also owed quite a bit by one family and I too, don't want to sound harsh and want to be as flexible as possible. My outlook is "it'll all work itself out", but I'm finding this is not always the case. I have guilt asking for money I'm owed knowing that this family is struggling. DH is now nagging me constantly if I've been paid and the whole situation is stressing me out.

So here I am, short a lot of money, stressed, irritated with DH and feeling bad. And why? Because somebody isn't paying their obligations. Talking for myself, I need to see this situation as it truly is...I'm owed money and it's unfair to transfer their financial hardship to my family. Easier said than done.

Listen to the ladies on here. I'm watching this thread closely and realizing I'm going to have to put my big girl panties on and step up. This will be followed by a deep glass of wine at the end of the day!

Good luck.

[SunshineMama]

I can empathize with your feelings. As someone who allows one set of parents to sometimes pay a week late (friends of friends and i feel obligated to be nice), it can be hard to stick up for yourself. But, I have decided (for this one family), that a week is my limit. I have had to send text messages and tell the parents that I need the money for my family (which I do), and that I understand money is tight but it is tight for me too. I shouldnt have to tell them why I need the money, but it makes me feel like I am not being so harsh. I have always gotten paid when I do that, but it does take a lot of nerve and I hate having to ask for what is owed to me. I overcome that fear (even though it is a week late,) by telling myself that I HAVE to for my family and my own children. If the family ever went past my week thresh-hold, I would term, no matter how difficult, because at the end of the day, I work to make money, and am not a charity. As my dh said, What's the point of childcare if you arent going to get paid?

I am still a big softie, but when it comes to money, (or health), those are things that are non-negotiable.

Keep on this forum and it will help you develop a backbone. I am only having issues with my old families, because I have learned from my mistakes and am way more hard core with new families, but bad habits are hard to break with the originals.

[crazydaycarelady]

Tell her today that if she doesn't bring payment with her on Monday morning it will be: NO PAY, NO STAY!


It is possibe you'll never see them again. In the future never extend credit for this length of time. If they do pay up I woud tell them if they are late again they are done.

[Unregistered]

This happened to us after we had our 2 child. When we had one we paid monthly & my provider would tell me when we reached 14 days so it did not go over a crtain amount. For some reason she didnt once we had 2& it got to the point where we owed her 6 weeks.
She put a letter to us in the diaper bag with a date to pay by. I was mortified! I had no idea we got so far behind. Point being I was grateful she did not confront us face to face as I cried all night after reading the letter! I can not imagine how I would've reacted in person! From that point we paid weekly & never had a problem again & i found it much easier to keep up with!

[SquirrellyMama]

I agree with everyone that you need to get your money. In the future if you don't want to ask them verbally for payment maybe you can hand them a bill with a due date and late charges if late.

K

[alaskanmomma]

I cut ties with the daycare family on Wednesday..hate to leave them high and dry, but... no money, no care. I really don't expect my money owed, but.. another fun lesson learned *sigh*

So at this time, I am not watching any kids(and given our crappy downstairs neighbors, may be best until we move). Since we are planning a move, and starting from scratch, I will definitely start being more... tough. I swear parents are worse than the darn kids .

[Scout]

I am sorry you had to do that.