Last Minute Surgery Closed Daycare And Now This.....Need Advice For Closing

[jojosmommy]

Last week we were informed that my daughter (with pretty constant health issues) was going to have surgery. The surgeon we talked to wanted it scheduled ASAP so that she didnt need to suffer any longer, and so that we can deal with additional medical issues before the end of the year. We found out Friday October 26. I called all my families on Saturday October 27th and informed them that I would be closed Tuesday Nov 6. Short notice cancel but it still gave them a week and two weekends to find alternate care. Nobody made a stink.

Fast Fwd to today. The pre op doc we met with (who authorized the surgery on the 26th) has second thoughts and will no longer allow my DD to have surgery tomorrow. Her OPINION differs from everone else we have met with, every specialist we know, and every thread of my being.

I feel like I do not want my dcf thinking we had surgery tomorrow when we did not. I am an honest person and my families are awesome, they will undoubtly ask how she did, how it was, etc etc. I can not let them believe we had to go through this when we actually did not. Also, becuase of this whole thing we will undoubtly have MORE doc appointments upcoming, more subs here, more scheduling things.

How do I inform them that what was once is no longer. Without having to explain how irritated I am, how much she will be suffering.... I can't emotionally talk about it to 5 families over and over again.

BTW, they are all getting credits for tomorrow so the money has no issue. Not one has told me their back up plan. Here I am feeling guilty for having closed on short notice and now its all for nothing.

[sharlan]

I would send all the parents a text and tell them that due to unforseen circumstances, the surgery has been canceled and you will be open tomorrow, afterall.

[lovemykidstoo]

I would send them either a text or an email explaining what honestly happened. If they chose to take tomorrow off then I wouldn't charge them, but tell them that they are welcome to come as your daughter wont' be needing surgery. I'm sure they will understand. It really is out of your control.

[momofsix]

^^^This, unless you're feeling too emotional to be open tomorrow. I'm sure they already have backup plans so if you wanted you could still remain closed.
I'm so sorry you're having to go through this. Seeing our children in pain is SO hard, especially when there's nothing we can do to help.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your daughter right now.

[jojosmommy]

I feel like it will put people in a bad place about coming or not if I am suddenly open last minute. I would hate to hear that my provider was suddenly open again after making other arrangements and likely paying for other care.

I also feel like it is wishy washy to close like this and then be back open. I am so conflicted on what to do. I did call and try to move up appointments for tomorrow so that the day wasnt wasted but surprise surprise that didnt work. We can not get in for anything tomorrow. I hate to have someone put out by not having care and or have to reschedule their day/work week when I COULD take their kid but I hate offering them this last minute either. Feels so unprofessional.

[mema]

I would just send them a text letting them know that the surgery is cancelled. Depending on how I was feeling about the situation and how dd was feeling would depend if I would let them know if I was going to open or not. If I decided to open, I would just let them know that I was open, but if they stayed with their original back up plan, there would be no charge.

So sorry that she can't have surgery. Hopefully it will all get worked out and she can have it very soon. If you need anything or if I can help in anyway, let me know.

[lovemykidstoo]

I feel like it will put people in a bad place about coming or not if I am suddenly open last minute. I would hate to hear that my provider was suddenly open again after making other arrangements and likely paying for other care.

I also feel like it is wishy washy to close like this and then be back open. I am so conflicted on what to do. I did call and try to move up appointments for tomorrow so that the day wasnt wasted but surprise surprise that didnt work. We can not get in for anything tomorrow. I hate to have someone put out by not having care and or have to reschedule their day/work week when I COULD take their kid but I hate offering them this last minute either. Feels so unprofessional.

It is unavoidable and it is not unprofessional. You're being a wonderful parent. What other choice did you have? I am sure your parents would understand and if they don't (excuse me) but screw them. I really dont' think you'll have a problem though. This is nothing you could have planned on.

[mema]

I feel like it will put people in a bad place about coming or not if I am suddenly open last minute. I would hate to hear that my provider was suddenly open again after making other arrangements and likely paying for other care.

I also feel like it is wishy washy to close like this and then be back open. I am so conflicted on what to do. I did call and try to move up appointments for tomorrow so that the day wasnt wasted but surprise surprise that didnt work. We can not get in for anything tomorrow. I hate to have someone put out by not having care and or have to reschedule their day/work week when I COULD take their kid but I hate offering them this last minute either. Feels so unprofessional.

I'm sure they would understand if you just said that the doctors decided to call off the surgery for the time being. It's not like it was your choice. Your choice would be to have it done. ((hugs))

[canadiancare]

as long as you are prepared to be open and not penalise parents for making other arrangements and sticking to it then I would just be honest.

Unfortunately my daughter's surgery has been cancelled (or postponed?). I am able to open tomorrow after all, however if you choose to keep with your original plans you will not be charged for the missed day. Thank you for your understanding and support, it means so much to me.


If I was a parent who was maybe using a vacation day I might rethink and send my child. If I was a parent who was getting a grandparent to spend the day with my child I might just leave things as is.


Good luck with your little girl.

[cheerfuldom]

I think you are over thinking this and stressing yourself out for nothing. you are working with what you can but it is only one day. there is no reason for parents to be up in arms about one day.

[tenderhearts]

I would just let them know of the change and that you are now open. If they decide to use the current "backup" they found I wouldn't expect them to pay you then for the day.

[Mom&Provider]

I feel like it will put people in a bad place about coming or not if I am suddenly open last minute. I would hate to hear that my provider was suddenly open again after making other arrangements and likely paying for other care.

I also feel like it is wishy washy to close like this and then be back open. I am so conflicted on what to do. I did call and try to move up appointments for tomorrow so that the day wasnt wasted but surprise surprise that didnt work. We can not get in for anything tomorrow. I hate to have someone put out by not having care and or have to reschedule their day/work week when I COULD take their kid but I hate offering them this last minute either. Feels so unprofessional.

Don't feel like this is you being the problem. Yes, you told them you needed to close, you did! Yes, they likely found alternate care or took the the time from work themselves, but it was because you needed them too! This was not something you saw coming, can control or can change, so go with what you have and let them know asap - maybe even a phone call?!

I've been on both sides, my son went to a home DC before I became one, and to be honest I'd completely understand! These things happen...it's not your fault so don't feel like it is!