I Grew A Backbone... Now Feel Horrible

[Unregistered]

I'm registered user just logged out.

I have a family in my care that are really great people but once in a while don't pay on time. As they are my only family I've reminded them many times that payment is due on Monday mornings at drop off. Well, I gave them a reminder 2 times last week about payment being today at drop off.... so one parent drops off this morning and what do you know.. no payment and was informed that it will be made tonight. Last month I had to send out an email reminding them about payment being due, as they've been paying monthly for the past 5 months. So, I wrote up a letter for them and sent them 2 copies (one for them to sign and my records and the other for them to keep). I'm hoping I don't lose them as a family... I tried to keep the letter professional so here's the letter... was I to mean?????

Dear Family
It has come to my attention that payments are repeatedly coming in late. We have had problems with payments since September 2012. Then payment now for March/April months payments are being made at pick ups. Per my contract payment has to be made on Monday Mornings at drop off. I have been very generous about payments being made late but it’s taking a financial burden on my business and family.
Per contract payments must be made by Monday Morning at drop off. If you don’t have payment at drop off you will be turned away at the door until payment is received. If you are unable to make a payment on time please feel free to contact me and make arrangements prior to Monday morning.

Thank You for understanding,
Provider

I now feel VERY horrible that I gave it to them but maybe it get payment on time?? I know that it seems petty they have been paying at drop off but I need to make payments on time.

[MrsSteinel'sHouse]

sometimes that is what it takes.. I am having an issue with one family as well. Last week I didn't get a check until Wed. (they moved couldn't find checkbook. This week, conviently he will not be here until Wednesday.. hhmmm

[Unregistered]

You were very nice and professional in your letter.

I know it's hard not to feel bad about being assertive, but you NEED to be able to stand up for yourself. I'm sure you like this family and that they are great, but you are not volunteering your time taking care of their child/children. They are being very rude by not paying you on time repeatedly. I am sure if their boss was frequently late paying them, they'd be upset.

Don't beat yourself up about doing the right thing!

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

Don't feel bad in the least. When you sign up for a service you agree to abide by their terms and pay them their fees on time or else you risk losing that service.

[Loveyoustinkyface]

I don't think you're being too harsh! Your letter sounded great. Stop feeling bad and pat yourself on the shoulder. Now tomorrow is another story, hopefully you still have your backbone!

[makap]

Do not feel bad! :-) You are providing a service which should be paid for............ON TIME!

I think what you wrote sounded just fine.

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

I don't think you're being too harsh! Your letter sounded great. Stop feeling bad and pat yourself on the shoulder. Now tomorrow is another story, hopefully you still have your backbone!

Smile tomorrow when they come to you with a sob story/attitude and say, "I understand, but you agreed to abide by the policies and I'd appreciate you doing so! "

[mom2many]

This is your paycheck! Don't feel bad! I have been lenient and patient with parents in the past, but sometimes they need to be reminded that this is your income!!!! You were very nice about it and I hope they will get the point and start paying you on time now!

[sarahhardy2711]

I'm in the same situation, my only family pays late. I'm pretty new to this and there already paying late on the 3rd week. I sent a text today when payment wasn't received at drop off. The grandmom whom I deal with said "DCM will do her best to me more consistent with her payments and she'll try to have money for you tomorrow" WTH people are nuts. Your letter is perfect, do you have a late fee for late payments?

[Unregistered]

I'm in the same situation, my only family pays late. I'm pretty new to this and there already paying late on the 3rd week. I sent a text today when payment wasn't received at drop off. The grandmom whom I deal with said "DCM will do her best to me more consistent with her payments and she'll try to have money for you tomorrow" WTH people are nuts. Your letter is perfect, do you have a late fee for late payments?

Yes, in my contract it states that there is a $5 late fee per day. I need to change it to $5 late fee after Monday Mornings Drop Off. I've had my family for almost 3 yrs and this just started 7 months ago but with other payment issues, then some months it's 100% fine and some months it's late normally only by one day or paid that night.

I hope your family starts paying on time tomorrow

[jenn]

Your letter sounds very professional and not rude at all. I'm sure if their workplaces were forgetting to pay them or paying them late, they would notice and say something. Don't feel bad!

[AmyKidsCo]

Your letter sounds very professional and not rude at all. I'm sure if their workplaces were forgetting to pay them or paying them late, they would notice and say something. Don't feel bad!

I was just about to post the same thing... ::

I've BTDT and know it's not easy, but I also know that they wouldn't accept it if their paychecks were late. My policies say something like "just as you expect to be receive your paycheck on time..." I don't remember the exact wording, but that's the basic idea.