Feeling Bummed

[momofboys]

I know I do it to myself. I saw red flags but also dollar signs LOL. Enrolled a family (have been with me several months). All is mostly good but I have complained about a few issues on here although I won't get into it on here. Family went on maternity leave and was only supposed to be out @ 7-8 weeks. We are several weeks into leave now & no, I did not make them pay to hold a spot. So a few days ago I E-mail DCP to ask when I can expect them back and the dcm writes me back with a song and dance about how their finances ate not good (I interpret this to mean we can't afford to pay childcare for two kids!). So dcm tells me now DcD plans to take off 4 weeks when mom returns to work so now the kids won't be back until mid April!! I about fell off my chair.! I nicely wrote back that while I was fine with a typical leave I can't hold the spots through April. So she responds with 'can you hold them if we send DCC 1 day/week starting in mid March??? LOL!!! I nicely wrote back that I can't ensure a spot unless they come 3 days/week or pay for the equivalent. Am I wrong??? I don't know why dcp think it is OK for us to hold spots for free. The funny thing was dcm said they were doing this for financial reasons. Ihad written back that for financial reasons I can no longer hold for free. The kicker is I am still waiting to hear back from dcm. Meanwhile I see dcm's mom trolling on FB for a new sitter. Makes me sad that I tried to help them with 'free' for a while and all they see is my
inflexibility BC I can't hold spots for free for 12 weeks. Just needing to vent - on a good note I just started looking for a replacement for this family and have an interview set up. No advice, needed, just venting.

[cheerfuldom]

sometimes it does help just to vent. the parents arent going to see your side of it because they are not daycare providers and frankly, they are looking out for number one, just like you are. you arent doing anything wrong here and hopefully you will get a replacement in asap! i know you dont want advice but i did want to add that you should email DCM one more time and give her a deadline where they have to respond with their decision or forfeit the spot permanently. i would write them tonight and make them decide by Monday. I would never hold a spot for any length of time.

[momofboys]

Tks! Good idea. If I do that at least I will not feel like I am being held hostage waiting for their response. I am fairly certain the delay is BC they are seeking out care options, trying to see who may have openings for April. One parent teaches and they don't want to pay for summers so care could be hard to find. Will shoot an email off soon. Tks for listening to my whiny pity party