Feel Really Bad About Holiday Pay This Year

[lovemykidstoo]

I normally get paid for the major holidays of the year such as New Years Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. In the past couple of years I haven't charged for the 4th of July because I take that whole week off. I guess I should charge for it. I'm taking the days off between Christmas and New Years. All of my families have had their kids sick for the past 2 weeks. Every family has averaged 3 days off for their child. They have paid me their normal rates. I just feel bad about charging them for Christmas Day and New Years day. Especially since I'm off all of the others day as vacation (unpaid). Anyone have any thoughts on what they woudl do in my particular situation or any type of reminder email i could send out to remind them of my vacation?

[cheerfuldom]

Stick with your plan and just send out a reminder.

Dont feel guilty about kids getting sick....it happens, you didnt do anything wrong nor do you owe the parents anything to make up for sick days. If you already planned paid holidays with unpaid vacation sandwiched in between, then send out the reminder, refer to previous discussions/reminder/contract and thats that.

[MyAngels]

Parents,

This is just a reminder that the daycare will be closed December 24th through December 28th. Per our contract payment for the paid holidays of Christmas Eve and Christmas day will be due by __________________.

Thank you.

That's what I'd send in this case.

Enjoy your time off .

[grandmom]

Not charging this year is a slippery slope to not charging every year.

Don't do it.

[lovemykidstoo]

Took the advice, sent out emails last night and everyone acknowledged them and said thanks for the reminder. Thanks!

[cheerfuldom]

Took the advice, sent out emails last night and everyone acknowledged them and said thanks for the reminder. Thanks!

good for you! I think a lot of times we providers stress out over things that the parents are not even thinking of. Then we change our plans to accommodate parents and it ends up biting us back down the road. you did the right thing and all is well. great update!

[Blackcat31]

The minute you start making exceptions to your policies that only says to parents that guilt is a powerful tool and could be used to sidestep any of your policies at a later date.

It isn't really your fault any of the kids are sick and it is what it is. Kids are sick at this age and this time of the year. Nothing you can do about it. It isn't like these families have to do pay daycare costs over the holidays forever so stick to your rules and if your feeling guilty vent to your DH while sharing a bittle of wine and let it be.

Guilt does NOT require action.