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[cherryhill]

My hours used to be 7:00am to 5:30pm and I changed them to 7:30am to 5:30pm. due to my son starting High School and some days I have to drive him. I usually make it back by 7:20. If we leave a little later I will make it back home a few minutes before opening. I gave this family two months notice of this change and the dad came today at 7:22. this is not the first time he also came at 7:20 on Monday. He will stand at my door and knock and ring the doorbell repeatable until 7:30. Should I just answer if I am there? My husband is home getting ready for work and he ignores it, but I wonder why someone would keep knocking and ringing the door bell. Is he trying to wake up anyone sleeping?

I change my hours specifically for this family to 7:am to find out the dad just wanted to get rid of the daughter so he would not have to deal with her in the mornings she is not a good sleeper, he would come at 6:50am when I opened at 7:00am. I would answer like a dummy....I feel bad making them wait when I am home, but feel like they should come when I open.

[sahm2three]

I would tell him very bluntly, that you open at 7:30. And that you don't open your door before that. OR, put a sign up on your door that says the door will not open until business starts at 7:30! That's what I would do. Good luck! People don't understand what those few precious moments of prep time mean until they do what we do!

[missnikki]

I would post a note that says "So and So daycare, operating hours 7:30-5:30" and leave the light off at the porch. Ignore it until then, and then let him in. Say something like, "My clock says it's 7:30 on the dot, is yours fast?" and, "You'll know I'm open for business when this light is on. Please wait until then." If he has anything else to say, just remind him that your liability insurance only covers you for the hours you are open, and you cannot have children until 7:30.

[kendallina]

It's in my handbook that parents are welcome to wait in the car until the door opens at 8:30 (that's when I open [preschool]). I also write in there that I am busy prepping for the day until I open, so please respect that time. Haven't had problems yet (although I'm sure it'll happen one day). I like PP's idea of turning the light on when it's time.

You may also have to say it directly to this parent. The incessant doorbell ringing would drive me nuts!

[Crystal]

hang a "closed" sign on the door. Take it down at 7:30.

[Preschool/daycare teacher]

hang a "closed" sign on the door. Take it down at 7:30.

Good idea, Crystal! That would be non-confrontational, too! And maybe a good reminder that you are a business (and businesses don't open until their posted opening times, as everyone knows).
If the sign doesn't get the message across, remind him of your hours and say, "I take the sign down when I am open." In other words, "Don't bother knocking until the sign is taken down"! some parents... that is plain rude to knock and ring the bell so long that early at someone's home.

[missnikki]

I just had the most hilarious thought, one of those never really do it, but it would be funny types-

Have your husband open the door in his underwear and say "She's not ready yet."

Seriously though, closed sign, that's good!

[grandmom]

I finally installed digital timers of the lights outside. Then when the season changed, I told that early family that the lights came on at 6:27 so that would give them 3 minutes to get to my door. Sure enough, 6:20 they're here. I just left the door locked, so I wouldn't hear them check the door. Good time for a bathroom break. Then at 6:27 I came downstairs.

[cherryhill]

Thanks Ladies

I reminded the mom I am not home due to taking my son to high School and my husband is there and does not feel the need to open the door because he can not watch your daughter. She said she would talk to her husband. Today he was not early but I did tell my husband next time he comes early to answer the door and tell him I am not home and do not open until 7:30.

Believe me there will be a next time. This guys seems like he can't wait to get rid of his kids.