Very Frustrated, What To Do

[AmyKidsCo]

I think you're doing the right thing. If they want you to hold a spot they need to pay for it, otherwise you can't guarantee there will be a spot in the fall. They could always not pay and take the chance that you don't fill the spots.

Personally if I could fill the spots I wouldn't take them back - once burned twice shy. I'd be afraid they'd jump ship for no good reason again.

[Crystal]

Personally, I would not offer them a spot at all. If a parent shows their true colors, insinuating that another program is better than mine simply because it is a prestigious school that charges a fortune, then they can stay there. They were not loyal to you, so why be loyal to them? What happens when the next "best thing" comes along and they leave you high and dry? In addition to all that, they are trying to dictate your policy because THEY made bad choices. No thanks.

[daycare]

Personally, I would not offer them a spot at all. If a parent shows their true colors, insinuating that another program is better than mine simply because it is a prestigious school that charges a fortune, then they can stay there. They were not loyal to you, so why be loyal to them? What happens when the next "best thing" comes along and they leave you high and dry? In addition to all that, they are trying to dictate your policy because THEY made bad choices. No thanks.

very true that is exactly what happen!!!

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

Personally, I would not offer them a spot at all. If a parent shows their true colors, insinuating that another program is better than mine simply because it is a prestigious school that charges a fortune, then they can stay there. They were not loyal to you, so why be loyal to them? What happens when the next "best thing" comes along and they leave you high and dry? In addition to all that, they are trying to dictate your policy because THEY made bad choices. No thanks.

This is exactly how I feel.
I would MUCH rather take on a new family that I haven't had before.

[jenn]

I think you offered them 2 very nice options. Sounds like you handled it well.

I probably wouldn't be so nice. I would offer to put them on your waiting list and then try to fill up without them. If they left you this time, they might leave again if something else comes along.

[Unregistered]

Personally, I think what you offered was more than fair. I would have been tempted to tell them their rates were going up if they came back too, especially after knowing how much they were willing to pay for the fancy school which they thought had more to offer than you could.

DING DING DING

I would not let them yo-yo me around like that. I'd tell them "These are my terms. If you are not in agreement, while I'd love to take the kids back, I can't guarantee the spots won't be filled before you sign up again"

[MyAngels]

Personally, I would not offer them a spot at all. If a parent shows their true colors, insinuating that another program is better than mine simply because it is a prestigious school that charges a fortune, then they can stay there. They were not loyal to you, so why be loyal to them? What happens when the next "best thing" comes along and they leave you high and dry? In addition to all that, they are trying to dictate your policy because THEY made bad choices. No thanks.

I Told You So Factor notwithstanding, I would have too much respect for myself and my program to allow these people to come back for any reason.

[kathiemarie]

I also want to point out they kids might LOVE the program by the end of the summer and the parents might want to leave them there. You were correct in asking for them to pay a holding fee.

[daycare]

I did tell them to give the kids sometime. But I think it was more the parents realizing that they were getting the same academics and longer hours with me. Now they are getting the same program (idk if its that similar) and less hours for a much much larger bill

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

I did tell them to give the kids sometime. But I think it was more the parents realizing that they were getting the same academics and longer hours with me. Now they are getting the same program (idk if its that similar) and less hours for a much much larger bill

I'll tell you what I tell my dramatic teenager ALL the time when he makes a hasty decision and ends up regretting it .... "That's a personal problem." You gave them two options, now let them problem solve on their own. Their big girls and boys who made the decision they did. Let them wear their big girl panties (or big boy briefs) and own it.

[daycaremum]

This is just like lunch time.

You gave options. You did your job.

Now, they have the choice to accept your options or move along.

Seems simple enough to me.

This is also a good time to simply stand your ground and not allow them to drag you into negotiating anything.

Present your options and let them make the choices.

STOP stressing over this. It isn't YOUR problem.

It belongs to them.

If they do re-enroll via one of your options...great!

If not, then continue advertising/interviewing for new clients. Preferably ones who don't always have to argue everything.

I agree with all of this. Didn't you also say that you had new clients for September already??? So if they don't like either option you gave them, too bad, you have your spots filled regardless.

[snowball]

I wouldn't take them back at all.

I do have one question though. Why are they willing to honor the preschools policies (paying for the summer) but not yours (paying half the rate)? I would call the people on your waiting list and just be done with these clients.

[daycare]

I wouldn't take them back at all.

I do have one question though. Why are they willing to honor the preschools policies (paying for the summer) but not yours (paying half the rate)? I would call the people on your waiting list and just be done with these clients.

dcm and I got into today.. She called me and said well we want to pay for his future months of care 1/2 up front. Then said btw can you still be open until 6pm/ I said I am so sorry, but I close at 530, just like his new school.

DCM tries to negotiate with me a bit, I tell her well I am really sorry, but I am not open to negotiate any of my policies. She tells me I am being unfair and then I just lost my words....

I dont recall word for word what I told her but basically I told her that I didnt feel I was out of line to request a holding fee. THEY are the ones who decided to leave and therefore gave up his spot. I didn't ask for you to do this and if I am going to hold his spot, there is NO way that I can make-up the income that I will lose when he is gone. I told her that she is only thinking about herslef and not about my position that I am in. She got very anger and hung up.

Then the DCD calls. He says sorry about DCM, but then also tries to negotiate my fees requested. I told him sorry no can do. So he says well what if I pay you for all the months he will attend come fall until we move??? HUH your moving?

He tells me that the real reason they want to come back is because they have to pay for the DCK schooling a quarter at a time and they will be moving come december. So I said well I am sorry, I can't hold you a spot for free and then it will only be for such a short time. He didnt argue like mom did, but asked me to rethink it and call him on monday..... I was so angry I wanted off the phone and said sure...

NO way they are coming back

[juliebug]

Yep call them monday the spot is taken sorry and i wish u luck in your daycare search. end story!

Ugh sorry you had such a bad time with all this!!

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

Holy moly. Yes, goodbye short-term, rude daycare family.