Ugh Somebody Smack Me lol

[wahmof3]

Small vent & advice needed

So I have a DCF that I have cared for since the end of August and that has skated on thin ice since. I have sought advice for this family several several times. The main two things that have really bothered me are:

1- late payments
2- late pick ups

I have discussed this with them many times and finally charged a late pick up and it still isn't working.

They have been decent about paying me at drop off, so I was hoping that I finally got through to them.

So fast forward to today. The weather puts us on a 2 hour delay. I care for mainly teachers kids and usually follow the school schedule. So if the school delays, then so do I. I do have the option that if someone needs to drop off at normal time all I ask is a text by 7am so I can get ready. This family always asks if they can bring their child. I have always said yes. The last time we had a delay, I said yes to letting the child come early only to find out DCD was heading to the local YMCA. Please keep in mind that when we delay I have to load what kids are here into my car to get my kids to school. So this really rubbed me the wrong way.

Today: 2 hr delay.

DCM (texts)- we will be there in a couple hours, I will text you when we are on our way.

Me- ok thanks. I have to go to the school this afternoon for my DD party is it possible someone could pick-up by 1p? (Please before I get flamed, when we met they specifically told me their schedules are very flexible any time I need early pick up. I was also totally expecting a school closing today).

DCM- I am going to town (about an hour away) today, I will just keep her home bc I won't be back by 1.

ME- Ok, could you please drop off your fee on your way and I also have a gift for ******.

DCM- I am not going now. I was going christmas shopping and I cant take *****. I will be over this afternoon to pay you.

Well I am closed now and have not heard from DCM. Technically, her fee is late and I am not sure how to handle it. Also per my policy I do not care for kids so a DCP can shop, go to the ymca, etc. My services are for work or school only.

Do I text her and say if I don't get your fee by this evening it will be considered late?

Do I tell her haven't seen you and I have closed and now the fee is late?

What would you do?

Thanks I am closed all of next week and I really need to money now and I am very frustrated and just want to be done with this family!!!!

[SilverSabre25]

Does your contract have a specific time for payments? Like, mine says "due by 6 PM on Monday for the upcoming week" so after 6 PM it's officially late. If you have a specific time and you're past that time, then definitely text her and let her know that it's late and she owes a late fee too

[Blackcat31]

Here is your cyber smack: LOL!!

I would text her and ask what time she plans on being there. I would also tell her that if it isn't paid by a specific time it is late and they will owe the fee in addition to a late fee for EVERY.SINGLE. day you are closed over the holidays since you don't open up just to be paid.

I would also make sure you let her know that you aren't happy about watching her child while they do something other than work. (I would write up a letter maybe over the holidays to all parents) letting them know this.

I would also seriously consider doing the 3x's your out late fee policy.
First late fee = your normal late fee
Second late fee = double your normal late fee
Third late fee = termination.

Usually works every time to curb those late payments. You shouldn't have to chase your pay check. I would start requiring payments to be made by a certain time. My payments are all due NO LATER than Friday at 4:00. Those parents that get done working after 4:00 pay me at drop off.

Hope you are able to get things worked out....tough to go into vacation angry with a disrespectful parent.

[wahmof3]

Does your contract have a specific time for payments? Like, mine says "due by 6 PM on Monday for the upcoming week" so after 6 PM it's officially late. If you have a specific time and you're past that time, then definitely text her and let her know that it's late and she owes a late fee too

My contract states fee is due at drop off on the last day of care for the week.

I have discussed this with them many times. The reason for it being my DH takes the checks to work with him in the afternoon and deposits them into our bank.

I think the specific time is great and I will be adding it to my contracts.

[wahmof3]

OMG!!

So I text this DCM and asked when she planned on stopping by with payment bc I didn't want to miss her.

Her response: I am in ______ I can stick it in your door if you are not home. I should be back in the next couple of hours.

Me- To avoid late fees I need payment by 7p tonight.

DCM- It will take me that long to get back, I guess I will just pay a late fee. Its been crazy with no sitter............. and trying to get my shopping done.


I am ticked. I asked her to drop it off b4 she went "shopping" and she said she wasn't/ Ok so she changed her mind- SHE STILL SHOULD HAVE DROPPED IT OFF. I honestly think she had no intention of paying me today.

I am so ready to be done with this family.

[Scout]

That ****s!! You do hsve the choice t obe done with them though. You ca term them as it is your own business!! Do nt get pushed around!! I can cheer you on but, i am a major pushover!::

[providerandmomof4]

OMG!!

So I text this DCM and asked when she planned on stopping by with payment bc I didn't want to miss her.

Her response: I am in ______ I can stick it in your door if you are not home. I should be back in the next couple of hours.

Me- To avoid late fees I need payment by 7p tonight.

DCM- It will take me that long to get back, I guess I will just pay a late fee. Its been crazy with no sitter............. and trying to get my shopping done.


I am ticked. I asked her to drop it off b4 she went "shopping" and she said she wasn't/ Ok so she changed her mind- SHE STILL SHOULD HAVE DROPPED IT OFF. I honestly think she had no intention of paying me today.

I am so ready to be done with this family.

I can't believe that she had to get in that little dig about not having a sitter while she shopped! I have been in your situation before where I had to wonder every week if I would get paid and when. I talked with them numerous times and every time the dcd acted irritated. I finally decided that they where not(for whatever reason) going to pay me on time. So I could accept that and keep them in care, or give them their term notice. I kept them for a little longer until dcg entered pre-k and then I was sooo glad to be rid of dcd.

I still have issues once in a while. I have no problem calling them and telling them that payment is due and when will they be bringing it. If I have to do this, they know that I'm not happy.

[wahmof3]

update

Sorry its been a week since I updated, been on vacation

So I text DCM back and said if you bring cash tonight on your way home from shopping, I will waive the late fee.

We were starting vacation and we would not have had a chance to get to my bank, so at this point cash benefited me more

She said ok. I told her I would leave an envelope in my door along with DCK christmas gift. I wasn't going to wait around for her- even if I was home.

So shortly after 8p, I get a text from DCM- the bank would only let me get $130 out instead of $125. Not sure why she text me that bc she can get CHANGE. duh. Not my problem.

Shortly after 9p, your front screen door is locked so I left the cash under your front door mat! Omg- my door was not locked!!! So I went out to get it and its windy and snowy- so the money started blowing away and was wet.

Omg- I am so SMH over this. I keep telling myself well at least I got paid. LOL