Mom Doesn't Work, She 'Trains'....

[daycarediva]

Dcm doesn't work, wants FT care, to train for triathalons/marathons/ironman events.

I seriously thought it was a crank call at first. They are coming to interview tonight. Dcm has a 2yo boy, she doesn't work, but needs a 'free schedule' to train. She said on the phone she competes in atleast one event per month, and it often involves traveling.

Last I knew (I have done tough mudder, zombie 5k, dirty girl 5k, and a half marathon) you didn't get reimbursed for these things, and they cost quite a bit out of pocket, not including travel expenses.

I am reluctant to sign on a FT kid, 50 hours a week, with what is essentially a SAHM with 'better things to do'. Also, what happens when they realize they don't need FT care?

WWYD?

[Blackcat31]

Had a family just like this. They competed in lots of competitions and were paid WELL for placing high and/or winning.

They did train ALOT!

Of course, my family also competed in the Olympics but the other training they did was for competitions through out the rest of the year.

[LaLa1923]

Dcm doesn't work, wants FT care, to train for triathalons/marathons/ironman events.

I seriously thought it was a crank call at first. They are coming to interview tonight. Dcm has a 2yo boy, she doesn't work, but needs a 'free schedule' to train. She said on the phone she competes in atleast one event per month, and it often involves traveling.

Last I knew (I have done tough mudder, zombie 5k, dirty girl 5k, and a half marathon) you didn't get reimbursed for these things, and they cost quite a bit out of pocket, not including travel expenses.

I am reluctant to sign on a FT kid, 50 hours a week, with what is essentially a SAHM with 'better things to do'. Also, what happens when they realize they don't need FT care?

WWYD?

That does sound quite ridiculous. How did you come to 50 hrs? Are your rates based on contracted hours??


If I needed the money I would take them.

[daycarediva]

She is not olympic level, she is older (38) and we chatted for a while, we seem to be into the same things fitness-wise. She seemed very nice, I am more concerned with the long term stability of a client that doesn't essentially NEED daycare, if that makes sense. All of my clients are single parents are dual working families. Only one contracted for 4 days and only works 3 days and she just requested to remove that day since they don't 'need' it.

[daycarediva]

That does sound quite ridiculous. How did you come to 50 hrs? Are your rates based on contracted hours??


If I needed the money I would take them.

I do contracted hours, UP TO 10 hours a day. She instantly said 10. dcb would be here from 8-6 M-F.

I don't need the money, but it is the first call I have gotten that needs/wants FT care for my upcoming opening in late June. I have two on my waiting list interested, both are PT and the same schedule.

[Blackcat31]

She is not olympic level, she is older (38) and we chatted for a while, we seem to be into the same things fitness-wise. She seemed very nice, I am more concerned with the long term stability of a client that doesn't essentially NEED daycare, if that makes sense. All of my clients are single parents are dual working families. Only one contracted for 4 days and only works 3 days and she just requested to remove that day since they don't 'need' it.

Makes perfect sense, but in reality ANY family could be short term or long term....ya just never know.....things change in life so quickly that I wouldn't count on anyone being long or short term....just follow my policies and it's all good.

[JoseyJo]

We have one family with a mom who doesn't work. She is one of our best dcps! Pays on time, great xmas bonus (a month's pay, can you believe it!), doesn't ever complain, p/u and drop off always on time. DCG is a gem, follows directions, loves art and learning, quiet, polite and kind.

When she started she said it would be a temp placement 6 months to 1 year. But I think it will probably be more perm., they have the money and dcg loves it here, gained weight (she was a failure to thrive), and quickly caught up on some milestones, and has significantly better behavior at home since starting.

Go with your gut, if you think it will be a good fit then it may be worth it even if it isn't a long term placement.

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

I've had (and currently have) some interesting situations with what are stay-at-home-moms who do not stay at home with any or some of their children.
All have been reliable income for me. In fact, they've been more reliable and better at following my policies than my dual income clients. I've had working families come and go for various reasons, but the clients who are stay-at-home-moms have remained. 4/5 of the children who attend here that have stay-at-home-moms are extremely well behaved children for me. Only 1/5 gives me a run for my money.

[Willow]

That scenario would not fly for me, I wouldn't care how good the money and bonuses were or how reliable they were. I wouldn't even have agreed to interview them.

That said, it depends on your personal feelings OP. Everyone operates in a way that best suits them.

Do what's right for you

[AmyKidsCo]

I figure that if they want to pay for care and stay home that's their business. (I know not everyone agrees, but that's my philosophy - you're entitled to your own.)

You can't make your decision based on what a family might or might not do in the future - any of our parents could be fired tomorrow or decide to quit and stay at home, or whatever. All you can do is make a decision based on today.

[daycarediva]

I am going to interview and see how it goes. I never make a decision at interview (or tell them that, anyway).


Yes, BC and everyone else you are absolutely right that even my working families aren't actually 'reliable' income. I don't know why I didn't think of if like that- duh.

[Happy Hearts]

I don't care, either, about whether the parent/s are working or not. As long as they can be reached by phone and pay me on time, I'm ok with whatever they're doing.

I am not the parent police. Unless they're doing something illegal or child endangerment, who am I to say how they parent (or not parent) their kids?

[Cradle2crayons]

I don't care, either, about whether the parent/s are working or not. As long as they can be reached by phone and pay me on time, I'm ok with whatever they're doing.

I am not the parent police. Unless they're doing something illegal or child endangerment, who am I to say how they parent (or not parent) their kids?

[RosieMommy]

Dcm doesn't work, wants FT care, to train for triathalons/marathons/ironman events.

I seriously thought it was a crank call at first. They are coming to interview tonight. Dcm has a 2yo boy, she doesn't work, but needs a 'free schedule' to train. She said on the phone she competes in atleast one event per month, and it often involves traveling.

Last I knew (I have done tough mudder, zombie 5k, dirty girl 5k, and a half marathon) you didn't get reimbursed for these things, and they cost quite a bit out of pocket, not including travel expenses.

I am reluctant to sign on a FT kid, 50 hours a week, with what is essentially a SAHM with 'better things to do'. Also, what happens when they realize they don't need FT care?

WWYD?

Parent here but I have my own business so I will say this: sometimes you can't choose your clients. I'd make it a business decision.

[canadiancare]

I wouldn't have a problem with it. She is considering her exercise a career. If she has the financial flexibility to do so, then more power to her.

Regular hours, full-time child = full-time income.

If you like her and she is willing to follow your contract then I say go for it.

One of my moms doesn't work Fridays but she drops her child her at his normal time (doesn't deviate from routine) does her house work, takes a run, does the groceries and picks him up at his regular time. It doesn't affect me at all.