Backbone

[Kym2098]

I've had to make a couple tough decisions this week.. One being deciding to close Fridays and the other not excepting a Dcb an extra day a week.
With the holidays approaching I asked everyone to let me know if they would not be coming in addition to the days I'm closed.
A mom stated she would not be coming the 12th, 26, and 27. I sent an additional email reminding parents that payment is still required for days they miss, as my contract states care is based on schedule and not attendance.
The mom emails me and asks so I would still have to pay for those days??!!
I told her yes.
Being so new to the daycare scene I don't want to risk much...
I like this mom and her infant daughter! If she came back and threatened to leave would you waive the 2 days after Xmas since she gave plenty of notice?
She's a single mom and I feel guilty but I know we've all been in this position..
I also don't want to be "easy" and lose out on $$$
I don't charge for days when I am closed.
Thanks for reading!

[MyAngels]

If your contract says that those days are paid then I would charge her. I doubt she would threaten to leave over it, but if she did I'd call her on it. I would never allow a parent to dictate how I run my business by threatening to leave every time they don't like something.

[Mom&Provider]

If they are regular business days and she is choosing to take them, but you are not closed, then yes, I would charge her - especially if it is in your contract.

I offer F/T families 5 (1 week) days per year vacation/sick for which they do not have to pay. I also have my own vacation which I do not ask them to pay for or my emergency days. IF a parent uses their 5 days up, they need to pay for anything additional they take.

The problem with having your contract say something and going and doing something else is opening up the door to other parents and for this to happen again! I understand that you feel badly charging her, but do you think she feels badly not paying you or asking to have them for free??

[Kym2098]

Thanks ladies! I know I have to be strong and resist being easy!
The advice on here is priceless!

[lovemykidstoo]

Like the other ladies, I would charge her. I'm like you, I don't charge when I take a day off for vacation or sick. I do charge when they don't come for their own reason, but yet I'm still open.