Should I Charge Late Fees???

[Little Star75]

So I have one parent that always pays at least one day late. Daycare tuition is due no later than Monday morning (drop off) yesterday dcb didn't come because she said he had a doctors appt, however she doesn't bother saying anything about tuition. This morning she brings dcb and check and to my surprise its short paid. I texted her within 10 min asking her the reason and mention that last week she was short $30. She tells me that because since dcb is not coming Fridays she was going to take the offer I had offered 2 weeks ago. I did offer her to pay less but she never said anything to me so I assumed dcb was going to be here M-F. I explained to her that whenever she makes a decision like that she must give me at least a 2 week notice (per our contract) her response was I'm sorry for the confusion so I told her we wold talk when she comes.

My question is... Do I charge her a late fee for not bringing the check yesterday? Or give her a notice for next time? This is her 4th time doing it too

The other question is.... Should I still make her pay the difference from this and last week since she didnt give me proper notice? When I offer her that deal she said she would let me know but never did :confused:

[CedarCreek]

Yes charge her the late fee. 4 times is ridiculous.

Do you have it in your policies that she must give you a two week notice before changes in schedule?

I would have been on her every day for a decision. Leaving it open ended like that gives her an upper hand.

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

Yes to a late fee and yes to paying the difference. Her contract with you was not amended to include less days and a lower rate meaning she shortchanged you.

[Blackcat31]

She is paying late because YOU are letting her.

You can't expect parents to follow your policies if you don't.

If you have a policy about 2 weeks notice for schedule changes and a set date that tuition is due, then stick to it.

I know it's hard but honestly, the reason parents do it is because we let them.

[Little Star75]

Thanks for all the responses, yes I have in my contract about late fees and yes it's in my contract that she must give a 2-week notice whenever she has any changes such as less days, terminating, etc.
I have talked to her many times about making a payment on time but she like the sweetest person with her tone you know what I mean so I will tell her today about the late fees and will also tell her that effective today I will start counting the 2 weeks meaning she still has to pay for the full rate until the 2 weeks are up. If she chooses not to bring him Fridays she must still pay.

Thanks

[Little Star75]

Update

So I talked to DCP and before I mention the late fee she started crying giving me her 2-week notice so there we are both crying she said she cannot any longer afford to pay daycare being a single parent. Since dad is not working he will be caring for the 7 month old baby. I was sad with her notice because I had him since he was 1 month old. So.... No I didn't charge her a late fee but did charge her the difference of this weeks tuition since proper notice wasn't given.