My first term....

[EchoMom]

Oh I feel like I'm going to throw up... I just sent my first termination email. It's for the 5 year old boy I've posted about previously that just doesn't fit with my daycare of one and two year olds... I've tried to make it work because I care about him and it was a favor to my in laws, but it just is a terrible business decision to keep him.

I had 2 interviews for 2 year olds tonight. Both went very well. The 2nd one signed up on the spot and her daughter will be starting Monday! The 1st one will be coming back on Monday for a short visit for me to meet the 2 year old boy and make sure he's a good fit with the group.

This is the email I sent:

Dear DCM,
I regretfully must tell you that I can no longer continue our child care arrangement. DCK is well behaved, polite, and kind hearted. However, I do not have the resources to satisfy his maturing needs long term. No payment will be due on Monday as this will be regarded as your final week of care, for which your inital deposit will be applied. DCK's last day of care will be November 9th.
Sincerely,
Me

How was it? Feels SOOOOOOOO harsh and uncaring.... Seems harsh to only give them one week to find someone else, but that's what the contract states and I need them out because I've got his replacement already lined up.

Ugh.... This is absolutely the right move, I've been lamenting it for months. It needs to happen, but I've never termed before and I'm holding my breath bracing for the backlash I anticipate...

[EchoMom]

Well, I got a response email from DCM and she's mad (expected). What do you do when they email you back mad? Do you respond?

[wahmof3]

Stand your ground, you did the right thing.

You are putting the child's needs before yours and she should respect you for that.

Could you give her the number of your local child care referral service?

Your letter sounded great!

[Soccermom]

I would give her a few numbers to call (local DPS) and stand your ground. She may not even bring DCB in on Monday if she is really angry but that is okay.
This is your business and your happiness is important.
**Hugs** Terming is so hard.

[cheerfuldom]

Do not get into a discussion with her or anything like that. You did the right thing and made a decision based on her son's NEEDS and hopefully she will calm and be able to see that down the road. But she also needs to know that the decision is final and not negotiable. Dont forget, just because a parent is inconvenienced and upset, does not mean you did anything wrong!

[EchoMom]

Whew thanks, so glad I have this group to come to! I did spend the last hour and a half composing a very professional, kind, but firm response. I take email writing very seriously! :P Oh I just hate this, how do I let it not ruin my weekend now?

Oh I know, well, I enjoy the quiet time with my DS and I focus on the fact that I already filled his spot by a sweet 2 year old little girl that is a perfect fit and the family signed up on the spot! Yay!

[countrymom]

i'm just curious, didn't the mom notice that her son was bored with the little kids. Didn't she ask what he did all day.

[EchoMom]

No she did not notice because I worked my butt off to keep him from not being bored. But that's the point, I can't keep it up, it is not sustainable long term and it takes away from the other group of 2 year olds. He did crafts just like everyone else, he took daily walks, he went to school for a few hours in the PM.

But she should have noticed because I HAD conversations with her both in person and through email explaining the situation. She's just mad right now and having a fit.