Would You Term? (It's Been 2 Years)

[Shell]

Hi,
I have had a family for two years now, and I struggle with whether or not I should keep them on, or term. There are some months when I am so done, and other months that I think I can continue to keep them on with some reminders about policies, and just staying on top of them.

Here are the cons: They break small rules, like where they can park, or bringing in toys from home- it's always something, every week. They blame every fever, diaper rash, runny nose, etc. on "allergies", and it's like pulling teeth trying to get them to take her in for a doctor's appointment. The most frustrating of all, is that dcg hardly ever takes naps! She is 2, btw, and has never been a good napper. Dcm hangs out, and makes drop offs difficult (though this has gotten better), and they are ft, whereas the other kids are pt. It's really hard for me to get a day off, since they always need care, and guilt me into staying open (I know, my fault).
Pros: Great family, pay on time (only forgot twice, and immediately paid once reminded), and live in the same town so our kids are close in age.

Would you keep them on, or would you decide that after 2 years, you are done with the reminders?

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

I just termed a family after 16 months because I couldn't stand to have the kids snuck in any longer under the excuse of "allergies" or "too much granola" or "blahblahblah" and I couldn't handle the drama that presented itself from them every single time I sent them back home or called for pick-up because they were sick.

The disrespect never improved despite the policies never changing. It was as if they had heard the rule for the first time every single time and this happened several times each month. I don't regret my decision to term. I, too, really tried to make it work but in the end I couldn't. My sanity is worth far more than constantly correcting people who think they are above the rules.

[Play Care]

I would start looking for replacements now. I am actually doing that for my one DCD who decided not to read the contract when they started in October. Then term. There are clients who follow the rules and those are the ones I want to keep.

[Blackcat31]

Hi,
I have had a family for two years now, and I struggle with whether or not I should keep them on, or term. There are some months when I am so done, and other months that I think I can continue to keep them on with some reminders about policies, and just staying on top of them.

Here are the cons: They break small rules, like where they can park, or bringing in toys from home- it's always something, every week.

I have what I call the "Hotel California" rule for toys from home. They can check in but they can never leave.

Parents know this upfront and yes, I do (and have) kept toys brought in from home. I spend an extraordinary amount of money each year to make sure that I have enough toys for the kids to play with. I certainly don't need to referee or keep track of things from home too.

They blame every fever, diaper rash, runny nose, etc. on "allergies", and it's like pulling teeth trying to get them to take her in for a doctor's appointment.

I don't care what parents blame their child's symptoms on. I exclude for symptoms NOT illnesses.

If a child had a fever due to "allergies", they would be excluded from care until fever free (WITHOUT the aid of any OTC meds) for a full 24 hours.

If a child needed to see a Doctor for any reason and a parent was refusing to bring them or hesitating, I would not allow admittance to my program until they saw a doctor and returned with a note from that doctor stating what the diagnosis and treatment plan was for that illness.

I don't allow doctor's to give permission for the child to be readmitted to child care either, I deicide that based on the other information the doctor writes in his/her note.

The most frustrating of all, is that dcg hardly ever takes naps! She is 2, btw, and has never been a good napper.

I don't require my DCK's to sleep but I do require them to rest. I play audio books for them during rest time. I can't make them sleep but I can enforce the "resting". If the child has a hard time doing that, it's important for parents to help train their child to rest.

Dcm hangs out, and makes drop offs difficult (though this has gotten better), and they are ft, whereas the other kids are pt.

I'd set a time limit for how long mom can stay. If the child fusses due to her presence, then I would usher her out the door, tell her that you'll call if child doesn't settle in. If mom persists, I'd use NannyDe's "Buh-bye Outside" method of drop offs and pick ups. (you can find the article here. https://www.daycare.com/nannyde/the-...in-daycare.htm)

It's really hard for me to get a day off, since they always need care, and guilt me into staying open (I know, my fault).

You need to schedule your days off period. It isn't (or shouldn't be up to the daycare parents as to when or why you have a day off). It's YOUR business. If you need a day, take one.

Notify parents with enough time for them to plan back up and then practice saying "I'm sorry but I am closed that day" NO need to explain why or anything else. Their back up plans are their responsibility NOT yours.

Pros: Great family, pay on time (only forgot twice, and immediately paid once reminded), and live in the same town so our kids are close in age.

Would you keep them on, or would you decide that after 2 years, you are done with the reminders?

They can't be a great family if they are so disrespectful about following your policies. It's nice that they pay on time but that isn't above and beyond behavior....it's expected behavior and not something I would consider a pro...kwim?

I wouldn't term necessarily but I would work on getting them on track as far as following and respecting our policies and rules.

If you don't enforce them, they won't either.


Are these all things you address in your handbook?

Have you talked with the parents about any of this? What has their reactions/attitude been like?

[cheerfuldom]

I agree with Black Cat. I think you can still change all this immediately by following your own policies. If they dont like that, they can give notice, problem solved.

[Shell]

Thank you for the replies, ladies. You are right Blackcat, on so many of your points. Almost all of these issues are outlined in the handbook-it just gets frustrating having to reinforce everything. I am much stricter with the newer families, but have definitely let a lot slide with this family in the past, and have let our relationship get in the way of the business side!
I am going to keep them on in the meantime, but am keeping options open. Thanks again

[daycare]

Thank you for the replies, ladies. You are right Blackcat, on so many of your points. Almost all of these issues are outlined in the handbook-it just gets frustrating having to reinforce everything. I am much stricter with the newer families, but have definitely let a lot slide with this family in the past, and have let our relationship get in the way of the business side!
I am going to keep them on in the meantime, but am keeping options open. Thanks again

I recently had a family tell me that they don't like the business side of me. That they prefer me sweet and personal all the time. I said well don't take this personal, THIS IS A BUSINESS....


It does take time to push your emotions aside and conduct everything in a business like manor. It's harder for some than it is for others. I will say this, that the more you do it, the better you get at it and the less issues you will have......

Keep practicing your polices and put your foot down each and every time......
I hope that you are able to find light at the end of your tunnel on this situation...

[Shell]

[QUOTE=daycare;375932]I recently had a family tell me that they don't like the business side of me. That they prefer me sweet and personal all the time. I said well don't take this personal, THIS IS A BUSINESS....

[Shell]

[QUOTE=mrsmichelle;375937][QUOTE=daycare;375932]I recently had a family tell me that they don't like the business side of me. That they prefer me sweet and personal all the time. I said well don't take this personal, THIS IS A BUSINESS....

[Scout]

[QUOTE=Blackcat31;375826[B][/B]]I have what I call the "Hotel California" rule for toys from home. They can check in but they can never leave.


:: Sometimes, BC, you really do crack me up!!