Rude Grandparent?

[wdmmom]

Fast forward to this morning... dcd drops off the baby on a day he wasn't scheduled to be here. Not only that but also arrived during my non-drop off time and let himself in before I got back from the bus stop. I mean are they trying to get terminated or are they really this inconsiderate? I reminded them that any schedule changes HAVE to be communicated then stuck a rule reminder sheet in their diaper bag. I think on the next rule break I'm terming. Should I give them two weeks or just say end of week because I'm positive they'll rule break again. Something tells me they just don't think rules apply to them. I don't want to deal with their inconsideration for my business or home anymore.

Well...

Originally I was going to suggest that maybe granny's schedule changed and she now feels guilty for not watching the child and that he/she has to come to you. (At least that's what it sounds like to me.) Many grandparents get mad when dcm/dcd don't "allow" or suggest that they watch the child. I'm wondering if that's not what's going on here.

I would simply tell dcm/dcd that unless circumstances arise preventing them from picking up, you are no longer comfortable having granny come.

Considering the latest post...

I wouldn't even bring up the grandma situation. I would draw up termination papers and hand them to them Friday. Just make sure you do it AFTER you get paid!

[Blackcat31]

Oh for sure but I just don't really know how to handle this type of behavior because I've never been faced with it before.

It's amazing how much stuff some parents will try to squeeze past you!

Just when you think you ahve heard/seen/done it all another family will come along and "surprise" the heck out of you.

As you grow your business, you will find your handbook of rules/policies grwing as each new "surprise" comes along.

A good rule of thumb is to always rememeber that you aren't being paid to not hurt parent's feelings. You will AWAYS find yourself having to look out for YOU because rarely do parents put anyone's needs ahead of their own, so neither should you.

[Starburst]

Oh, hex no!

I would have termed him on the spot:

1. He is not respecting your schedule and your policy
2. He is breaking and entering to a private residence; which is illegal (this is still your home and you have a right to privacy and security)
3. They obviously are taking advantage of your services- if he drops off the kid on his day off
4. The whole family has been showing disrespect towards you and your business

[SuperNinjaMommy]

Yah, I'm going to put them on probation. Does anyone have any good probationary notices they can give me as an example. I've NEVER had to deal with this kind of disrespect from a parent so I have nothing other than a list of rules.

[Lorna]

Wow that is terrible. I thought the parent I was dealing with was bad. I would just terminate them.

[wdmmom]

Yah, I'm going to put them on probation. Does anyone have any good probationary notices they can give me as an example. I've NEVER had to deal with this kind of disrespect from a parent so I have nothing other than a list of rules.

I did it to a family many years ago.

I printed out another copy of my handbook and highlighted every section they violated.

I simply wrote something along these lines:

Dear DCF,

Within the past few months, there have been countless violations in policies while your child has attended daycare. (Please see parent handbook attached.) The highlighted sections are all policies you have not adhered to.

We have had numerous discussions regarding my rules and that they must be followed. At this time, I have no other choice but to place you on a 30 day probationary period. If during this time my policies are not followed, your contract will be terminated without further warning.

Please re-read and review my policies again and if you have questions, please feel free to ask.

Yours truly,
DCP

[SuperNinjaMommy]

Dear DCF,

Within the past few months, there have been countless violations in policies while your child has attended daycare. (Please see parent handbook attached.) The highlighted sections are all policies you have not adhered to.

We have had numerous discussions regarding my rules and that they must be followed. At this time, I have no other choice but to place you on a 30 day probationary period. If during this time my policies are not followed, your contract will be terminated without further warning.

Please re-read and review my policies again and if you have questions, please feel free to ask.

Yours truly,
DCP

I love this, thank you so much!

[SuperNinjaMommy]

I gave them a highlighted rule sheet in the bag today. I also did not give out any kind of any wording when the grandma picked up. I hated it because I'm a friendly and talkative person but apparently everything I say is being twisted. She came in with "man this is an awful big coat, your dad must have thought it was cold outside"... It's 25 and snowing. I felt like she was just fishing for something to tattle about.

[crazydaycarelady]

I agree with Cedar Creek, keep your responses short and no extra details what-so-ever.

[SuperNinjaMommy]

Boom! Put the rules reminder in their bag last night and this morning dad drops off during the non-drop off time. I only let him in because I had made a deal with another parent a week ago to let her drop off during that time because she lives an hour away and has court (and she asked if it was ok and she never does it). The sheet was gone this morning so they clearly got it. Should I text termination? How can I do it in the nicest way possible?

[Zoe]

If they have been pushing the rules then they might claim that they never got a text and keep coming. I'd call and actually speak to someone and say, I sent you home a notification of probation and that if you broke any more rules I'd end care. Today a rule was broken. Childcare services will end at pick up today.

[momofboys]

I would have called him on it, "John, you realize this is a non-drop-off time? I will not be able to accept your child for 15 min". I think they don't obey b/c u allow them to get away with it. The grandma thing is nuts, i had a situation like that, it was like having to please 3 parents, ughhh -

[momofboys]

If they have been pushing the rules then they might claim that they never got a text and keep coming. I'd call and actually speak to someone and say, I sent you home a notification of probation and that if you broke any more rules I'd end care. Today a rule was broken. Childcare services will end at pick up today.

good luck!!!

[NeedaVaca]

I would type up the term letter and hand it to them at pick up. They have to know this is coming...I'm sitting here shaking my head,I can't believe the very next day they would do this, obviously they don't think rules apply to them. Are you doing immediate termination or giving 2 weeks? I would have a hard time with 2 weeks if they plan on breaking rules every day!

[TheGoodLife]

Wow, people can be so rude! I hate confrontation, so if you can manage to wait until Friday, I'd suggest doing it then. You should verify that the parents got the probation sheet, though- Gma could have taken it out after she picked him up. It's awkward, but I would try making sure to say something directly ("I have a rule form in his bag for your family to review at home. Please let me know if you have any questions") or a call/text if DCP do not pick up that day. Good luck!!! :hug: