Not getting Paid...WWYD?

[SunshineMama]

I have had dcb for several years. He is the sweetest little angel, and I love him like he was family. His parents are the opposite: lazy, irresponsible, liars, who really dont deserve to have this amazing little boy. Parents were never married and are no longer together.

DCM changed dcb to be in my daughters class at school so I could transport, which I agreed to do. 3 weeks ago, dcm quit her job, and told me she was starting a new job the week after. Then she told me she starts the new job 9/13, and last week, she told me she was starting it today. Needless to say, who knows if this job really exists.

I have not gotten paid in 3 weeks. I keep getting promised a payment, and nothing. DCM has been in and out of the hospital over the past 3 weeks, and kept thanking me for my understanding, and promised payment...this has been going on for 2 weeks. DCD pays every other week and just has not...I dont know what his problem is.

The only reason I have kept DCB during this time, is because I care for him, and I am willing to endure this for him at the present moment...however, I have several ads out and am going to replace him as soon as I get another family. I feel terrible because he deserves better, and I am the only consistent role model in his life. I also dont want there to be any social implications for dd, since they enrolled him in her class.

WWYD? Keep him until another family comes even though I am not getting paid because he is an angel? It breaks my heart that I will have to let him go, but my family needs the money and he is taking up a space. Any other suggestions?

[Blackcat31]

I think you already know what you need to do.

Either keep him (for free) due to your love and attachment or deny the family services until you are paid. I honestly see no other way around this situation.

Unfortunately, we are often forced to make the hard decisions because we do become attached to our DCK's but like you said, you have financial obligations too and love and/or attachment doesn't get them paid so.....

((((hugs)))) for being willing to stick it out this long... but I think I would personally stop now (until I payment is made).

[MotherNature]

I would flat out tell them that you know they're having financial issues, but you have bills to pay as well. They need to pay you (at least something! if you're willing to make a payment plan w/ a late fee) & give them a week. If at the end of the week, no $, term them. You may not see them again, which ****s for the kid, but you shouldn't be working for free.

[butterfly]

Tell his parents you need payment or you'll be force to give his spot to another client. I have a big heart like you and it often gets me in trouble. :hug: But you need to be honest with the parents that they are in danger of losing their spot for him.

[Leigh]

I have had dcb for several years. He is the sweetest little angel, and I love him like he was family. His parents are the opposite: lazy, irresponsible, liars, who really dont deserve to have this amazing little boy. Parents were never married and are no longer together.

DCM changed dcb to be in my daughters class at school so I could transport, which I agreed to do. 3 weeks ago, dcm quit her job, and told me she was starting a new job the week after. Then she told me she starts the new job 9/13, and last week, she told me she was starting it today. Needless to say, who knows if this job really exists.

I have not gotten paid in 3 weeks. I keep getting promised a payment, and nothing. DCM has been in and out of the hospital over the past 3 weeks, and kept thanking me for my understanding, and promised payment...this has been going on for 2 weeks. DCD pays every other week and just has not...I dont know what his problem is.

The only reason I have kept DCB during this time, is because I care for him, and I am willing to endure this for him at the present moment...however, I have several ads out and am going to replace him as soon as I get another family. I feel terrible because he deserves better, and I am the only consistent role model in his life. I also dont want there to be any social implications for dd, since they enrolled him in her class.

WWYD? Keep him until another family comes even though I am not getting paid because he is an angel? It breaks my heart that I will have to let him go, but my family needs the money and he is taking up a space. Any other suggestions?

WHY was Mom still dropping this child at your home when she had a job lined up and hadn't started yet (NOT WORKING)? It may be understandable if she was actually AT WORK, but she is just taking advantage of you by dumping kid on you while she relaxes and enjoys her vacation and is NOT paying you.

Either you have to accept that you are feeding and sheltering this child for free, or you need to call DCM now and tell her that her child isn't coming back until you get your back pay and at least a week in advance.

[TheGoodLife]

I agree with the PP. I would inform the DCPs that you are advertising to fill the spot, unless $x is paid by Friday. Then stick to it. They will continue to beg for free I you allow it. If you get a new family ready to start, enro! You have to look out off your own family and business first! :hug:

[NeedaVaca]

The farther behind in paying they get the less chance there is of them actually paying you, they will probably feel so far behind they might pull him anyway so they won't have to catch up...just flat out tell her you have been understanding for the past 3 weeks but enough is enough. It's actually costing you money to keep him because you are feeding him, etc...

[cheerfuldom]

I would give mom an ultimatum TODAY. DCB does not return until she is able to make a full payment (or a particular amount as partial payment if you really want to drag this out a little longer)

3 weeks of free care, you are crazy. I would never even allow more than 24 hours late payment. I hope you are adding late fees too.

[coolconfidentme]

She knows you will...., that's why she does it.

[SunshineMama]

I talked to DCM this evening. She said that shes still having issues with HR from her new job, so she doesnt know when she will start could be 4 weeks until she gets a paycheck

She said DCD didnt pay me because he thought I was charging too much. I was charging 150/week for full time care, and I dropped it to 125 (which she agreed to) bc dcd is going to school 2-3 days per week. I am transporting him those days and providing after school care, and they expected me to be available to them for 5 days per week, so I charged them for all 5. I felt this was fair bc I charge 175-200 per week for everyone else.

She is going to write down a schedule for me of what they need, (their schedules are always changing), and I will look at it and decide if I want to deal with it. My instincts say NO. My heart says stick it out. Today I picked up my daughter from school and dcbs dad picked him up today, and dcb ran up to me first to tell me about his day, while the librarian cornered the dad to tell him about a lost library book.

I have secured an interview tomorrow. I will take the new dcb. I can take the new kid and still keep current dcb, but im wondering if I should just be done with it. DCM's new schedule will require a 6:30 drop off, and the earliest now is 7:15. Trying to decide if its worth it...

[Familycare71]

I talked to DCM this evening. She said that shes still having issues with HR from her new job, so she doesnt know when she will start could be 4 weeks until she gets a paycheck

She said DCD didnt pay me because he thought I was charging too much. I was charging 150/week for full time care, and I dropped it to 125 (which she agreed to) bc dcd is going to school 2-3 days per week. I am transporting him those days and providing after school care, and they expected me to be available to them for 5 days per week, so I charged them for all 5. I felt this was fair bc I charge 175-200 per week for everyone else.

She is going to write down a schedule for me of what they need, (their schedules are always changing), and I will look at it and decide if I want to deal with it. My instincts say NO. My heart says stick it out. Today I picked up my daughter from school and dcbs dad picked him up today, and dcb ran up to me first to tell me about his day, while the librarian cornered the dad to tell him about a lost library book.

I have secured an interview tomorrow. I will take the new dcb. I can take the new kid and still keep current dcb, but im wondering if I should just be done with it. DCM's new schedule will require a 6:30 drop off, and the earliest now is 7:15. Trying to decide if its worth it...

In my experience - be done now... It will happen eventually and why put yourself through all that. Apparently dad thinks paying is optional!? :confused:
I have a dcg who I don't have anymore and had here on and off her first three years. Mom was a teen mom and it just never got better- even with grandma trying to help.
I worked for free for them way more than I should have. It didnt teach mom anything- it just enabled her...
:hug: so hard when we care so much!

[NeedaVaca]

Oh my goodness! So, they knew your rate and signed up and then dad decides you are charging too much so he let's you watch the DCK for free and decides he's just not going to pay you??? Please take the new DCB! If this is their attitude I can only imagine what's going to be next...

[Unregistered]

Why is DCB at your house if Mom isn't working?!

[momofboys]

Why is DCB at your house if Mom isn't working?!

^^^^ Also, even if dad thinks your rate is too high doesn't mean he shouldn't have to pay it! Heck, the gas station's rates are too high but I don't drive off without paying! Sorry you have to deal with this. I would tell the DCM you can no longer provide care without payment for what they have missed - you can no longer work for FREE!:hug: to you!

[Crazy8]

Terminate NOW. If I worked just because I love these kids I would be out on the streets. You work for money, you need to stand up for yourself and STOP being their doormat because they don't see you as anything more than that. DCD didn't pay you because he thinks you charge too much???? That would be an instant termination in my book.