Mad!!

[Angelwings36]

So I have a family who brings two children to me on a full time basis (Dcg1 age two and Dcg2 age 12 months currently). This family enrolled with me in September of this year so has only been with me for 3 months so far and they have put their notice in so after January 14th they will no longer be with me. When dcm came for the interview she had told me that the reason that she needed childcare was because she did waxing and pedicures from home and it was too difficult to do with the children at home. Within the first month that the children attended my daycare I found out that dcm had Monday’s off of work and dcd had either Mondays, Wednesdays off of work or Tuesday, Thursday off of work. The children were brought to me everyday from Monday - Friday for my entire open hours even though dcm didn’t open for the day until 10:00am and one of the two parents were typically at home and able to care for the children. Dcm’s business is in the basement so someone could have easily cared for the children upstair. I found out later on that dcm decided to enroll her children into daycare because she was suffering from postpartum depression and this was her reason for having the children with me as much as she could.

So anyways last week dcg(age 2) was out sick for 3 days of those 3 days I had dcg(age 1) for two of those days. Of the 3 days that dcg(age 2) was out sick mom had one day off, dad had the other day off and grandma watched her on the third day. Dcm did verbally complain to me that it was unfortunate to have dcg(age 2) at home when all she had was diarrhea. I exclude for diarrhea and I had 3 other children who had it close to the same time period as well and 2 of those families the children had been diagnosed with a viral infection.

Fast forward to today...I closed. We got 20cm of snow, my husband is home sick, my son is home because the bus didn’t run, I only got 5 hours of sleep last night because I had a difficult time falling asleep and I also do not feel well (may be pregnancy related) and all families except for this family were either out sick or couldn’t make it because of the snow. So I figured since it was a Monday and dcm was home anyways that I would just totally close and take care of myself, my family and my home today. I texted dcm and told her that my house was sick and I would not be opening today. Dcm responded with, “Ok It ****s paying for daycare when I’m not using it.”

The comment made me so upset. Not only was dcm home but she knew that I didn’t take children when they were sick or when I was sick. I don’t even want to continue to care for her children after her comment...what would you do?

[blandino]

I would respond with something like "I am sorry you feel that way. However it was made clear in my policies, that I will not care for children who are sick nor will I operate when I am sick. You were informed of this policy before you enrolled, and if you disagreed with it, you should have chosen to not enroll your children."

I wouldn't mention that she is off today, because as frustrating as it is (and trust me I get how mad that can make you), if they are paying for full time - then technically they have a right to be there. Even if it is very sad to put kids in daycare when parents aren't workingz

[Blackcat31]

Personally, I would blow it off. The family is leaving anyways and really when it comes right down to it, who cares? I mean you have policies and she agreed to them. She pays regardless. Let her have her opinion as she has that right, but since it isn't going to change anything, I guess I would leave it be.

She wasn't asking to be reimbursed and she wasn't refusing to pay. She simply made a statement. I would let it slide and do a little happy dance that she is on her way out.....

I am betting you most parents feel the exact same way as she does. The only difference is they didn't say it "outloud" and she did. Since it isn;t going to change anything, I would leave it alone.

Hope your household is feeling better soon!

[cheerfuldom]

I would leave it alone. you cant let every comment or parent tantrum bother you. besides, they are leaving in a few weeks anyway and she did pay for the day so thats all i would care about.

[e.j.]

If it were me, I'd also leave it alone for the same reasons Blackcat and Cheerfuldom both mentioned. Having had my child in day care, I do understand not wanting to pay for a service you aren't receiving. As a provider, I also understand needing to protect your income so you can remain in business. She agreed to your policies; she needs to follow them. Since she is leaving in the near future, I wouldn't even go there with her.