Gov't Drama Affecting My DC Family -- What Would You Do...

[Maria2013]

I saw that too and thought of you. The first thing I did this morning was get online and send all of my Congressmen a message stating my displeasure about the way they are handling their jobs .

I equated it to real life. If my boss gave me a major assignment and a year to get the job done, but all I did was delay, stonewall and argue with my colleagues and end up causing major layoffs within my company, I'd get fired. I told them that I would campaign to get them fired, too, if they didn't shape up and do their jobs .

[MyAngels]

So I set up a meeting. I have 5 hours to come up with a plan. You guys.... I still don't know what I'm going to do!!!!

Maybe just make a list of ways it could be handled in the order that you're most comfortable with, and then take your cues from them. They may already have a plan that will work, other than just free . If their plan won't work you'll have several options to discuss as alternatives. Like a negotiation. Show Congress how it's supposed to work ::.

[Lucy]

Clock is ticking!!!!!!!!!!

Here's my preliminary plan. I have 3 hours to think on it and get it typed up. I'm sure it needs tweeking. That's where YOU come in!!

Pay full amount for this week.
Pay half for next week.
Pay $25 holding fee for weeks beyond that. (Probably should set a maximum, but I really don't see this shutdown lasting for weeks and weeks on end. Do you??)

If they decide to quit, I still need two weeks notice. The charge for those 2 weeks would be whatever would have fit into the plan above. So it could be only $50. OR -- should the two week notice be charged at their regular full rate? I just don't know!!

I will offer a deferred payment plan. I'd have a paper where we'd keep track of the charges (per the above plan), and they'd have one month after starting back to work to get it paid off. If they end up giving notice, whatever has accrued on their "account" will be due in full one week after the two weeks ends. (Sorry it's so confusing!)

Are there any other contingencies I haven't thought of? What do you think of the plan? What would you do differently?

I've never needed your help more than than I do now! lovethis

[Familycare71]

It's ok, Michael. I was just in the other room and too lazy to walk to the back of the house to look up my password!! LOL


I guarantee they won't go elsewhere. These people tell me often how glad they are that their kids are here, and that the kids love me and feel so at home with me. I'm not tooting my own horn, that's just the way they feel. One time I was joking about quitting, and Mom nearly cried. But my question to you regarding what you suggested is... when you say "give them a few days off", do you mean without pay? (I'm not disagreeing, just want to make sure I know what you mean) In other words, let's say this government thing lasts the rest of this week. They were here Monday, so would you give them 4 days (unattended) without charging them? Thanks for your help!

Everything should be in writing!

"min of two days to hold the spot" meaning charge them for 2 days per week until this blows over? (during which the kids could come the 2 days if they want, right?) I LOVE the idea about breaking down the payments. And I'm comfortable with this family that they would not do me wrong. I would still put it all in writing, though. You know... just in case!


As far as payments now, they are on a weekly rate, and pay on Friday for that week's care that has already taken place. (Yes, I know, I know! I have everyone else pay in advance, but these people went through schedule changes like crazy awhile back. Dad's work kept messing with his shifts. They went from full time for both kids, to part time for one and full for the other, to part time for both, back to full time for both, etc., etc., and I got tired of re-figuring everything each week, so I switched them to paying AFTER care takes place so that I could just charge them actual amount instead of doing complicated math. Don't scold me!!) Anyway.... they are always current, and always pay on time. No problems whatsoever.

Again, thanks so much for your suggestions, everyone!! I'm really struggling on what to do with this one, and NEED your input!!!

Yes- I mean that they pay you for two full days per week to hold the spot and they could attend those two days if they wanted.
I have a section in my contract that states for unemployment or disability After two weeks notice I will hold the spot for each child with a two day min for a max of two months. After the two months the contract needs to be re evaluated. I have used it a few times and it works- families appreciate it and I keep the kids.

[butterfly]

Here's my preliminary plan. I have 3 hours to think on it and get it typed up. I'm sure it needs tweeking. That's where YOU come in!!

Pay full amount for this week.
Pay half for next week.
Pay $25 holding fee for weeks beyond that. (Probably should set a maximum, but I really don't see this shutdown lasting for weeks and weeks on end. Do you??)

If they decide to quit, I still need two weeks notice. The charge for those 2 weeks would be whatever would have fit into the plan above. So it could be only $50. OR -- should the two week notice be charged at their regular full rate? I just don't know!!

I will offer a deferred payment plan. I'd have a paper where we'd keep track of the charges (per the above plan), and they'd have one month after starting back to work to get it paid off. If they end up giving notice, whatever has accrued on their "account" will be due in full one week after the two weeks ends. (Sorry it's so confusing!)

Are there any other contingencies I haven't thought of? What do you think of the plan? What would you do differently?

I've never needed your help more than than I do now! lovethis

I think your plan is more than fair. I'm not sure I'd offer defered payments at the rates you are offering though. They should be able to beg or borrow that amount of money from someone if you are a priority in their lives.

[Lucy]

Yes- I mean that they pay you for two full days per week to hold the spot and they could attend those two days if they wanted.
I have a section in my contract that states for unemployment or disability After two weeks notice I will hold the spot for each child with a two day min for a max of two months. After the two months the contract needs to be re evaluated. I have used it a few times and it works- families appreciate it and I keep the kids.

I kinda like your two day charge plan better than my measly $25. I might change it to that. Thanks. Or I might change it to $50. I don't know!!! I hate this!!!

I think your plan is more than fair. I'm not sure I'd offer defered payments at the rates you are offering though. They should be able to beg or borrow that amount of money from someone if you are a priority in their lives.

Yeah, you're probably right. I just feel like if I throw them a bone, it will soften the blow for them. I'm sure she's totally stressed over this, and I'd get the same money either way. It would just take longer. And again, I don't worry that they'll do me wrong. They are extremely trustworthy. But I do totally see your point. This is so hard!!!

[Familycare71]

Here's my preliminary plan. I have 3 hours to think on it and get it typed up. I'm sure it needs tweeking. That's where YOU come in!!

Pay full amount for this week.
Pay half for next week.
Pay $25 holding fee for weeks beyond that. (Probably should set a maximum, but I really don't see this shutdown lasting for weeks and weeks on end. Do you??)

If they decide to quit, I still need two weeks notice. The charge for those 2 weeks would be whatever would have fit into the plan above. So it could be only $50. OR -- should the two week notice be charged at their regular full rate? I just don't know!!

I will offer a deferred payment plan. I'd have a paper where we'd keep track of the charges (per the above plan), and they'd have one month after starting back to work to get it paid off. If they end up giving notice, whatever has accrued on their "account" will be due in full one week after the two weeks ends. (Sorry it's so confusing!)

Are there any other contingencies I haven't thought of? What do you think of the plan? What would you do differently?

I've never needed your help more than than I do now! lovethis

I think that is extremely generous
I would leave two week notice at whatever the payment would be (so maybe $50) BUT I would require full payment of any money due at the end of the two week notice- not the week after.
Just check in with yourself and be honest that YOU are ok with it - if yes then I think it's good.
I would have them initial am invoice every week (or sign) in addition to signing this plan.
I wouldn't put a time limit on it because you also have a two week period to change what your willing to do kwim?

[Lucy]

I think that is extremely generous
I would leave two week notice at whatever the payment would be (so maybe $50) BUT I would require full payment of any money due at the end of the two week notice- not the week after.
Just check in with yourself and be honest that YOU are ok with it - if yes then I think it's good.
I would have them initial am invoice every week (or sign) in addition to signing this plan.
I wouldn't put a time limit on it because you also have a two week period to change what your willing to do kwim?

Awesome... :hug:

[butterfly]

Why don't you start out by asking what the parent would like to do? They maybe ok with paying much more than you are proposing! If they say free daycare or something crazy than bring up your plan of what you are willing to do for them.

[Familycare71]

Awesome... :hug:

:hug: . Happy to help! It's why I love this forum!!

[Familycare71]

Just a thought... I am not sure what your rates are but what about offering them a choice...
Two days min with attendance included (they can send if they want two specific days) or no attendance/care at $25 or maybe whatever your daily fee is.

[Lucy]

Why don't you start out by asking what the parent would like to do? They maybe ok with paying much more than you are proposing! If they say free daycare or something crazy than bring up your plan of what you are willing to do for them.

Yes, I'm going to let the discussion start before I pull out my proposal. If they're saying something like "we know we still need to pay you, but will you consider some kind of payment plan?" then I'll totally go for that!! It's delaying the payments, but it would be FULL amount!! I will definitely feel them out before I spring my plan on them!

[spinnymarie]

I guarantee they won't go elsewhere. These people tell me often how glad they are that their kids are here, and that the kids love me and feel so at home with me. I'm not tooting my own horn, that's just the way they feel. One time I was joking about quitting, and Mom nearly cried. But my question to you regarding what you suggested is... when you say "give them a few days off", do you mean without pay? (I'm not disagreeing, just want to make sure I know what you mean) In other words, let's say this government thing lasts the rest of this week. They were here Monday, so would you give them 4 days (unattended) without charging them? Thanks for your help!

Yep, I meant let them stay home the next four days and not pay for it. With a follow-up mtg on Friday if still on furlough, to discuss what comes next.

Good luck with your decision! It's a tough one.

[spinnymarie]

Here's my preliminary plan. I have 3 hours to think on it and get it typed up. I'm sure it needs tweeking. That's where YOU come in!!

Pay full amount for this week.
Pay half for next week.
Pay $25 holding fee for weeks beyond that. (Probably should set a maximum, but I really don't see this shutdown lasting for weeks and weeks on end. Do you??)

If they decide to quit, I still need two weeks notice. The charge for those 2 weeks would be whatever would have fit into the plan above. So it could be only $50. OR -- should the two week notice be charged at their regular full rate? I just don't know!!

I will offer a deferred payment plan. I'd have a paper where we'd keep track of the charges (per the above plan), and they'd have one month after starting back to work to get it paid off. If they end up giving notice, whatever has accrued on their "account" will be due in full one week after the two weeks ends. (Sorry it's so confusing!)

Are there any other contingencies I haven't thought of? What do you think of the plan? What would you do differently?

I've never needed your help more than than I do now! lovethis

Ok sorry, read further now - this looks good, I agree that I'd ask for the full payment if they terminate, at the time of termination. Are you asking for any partial payments while they are deferred? Seems like they should at least pay $50 or $25 every week no matter what, and the rest could be deferred? Just because you wouldn't want them to somehow owe more than they could pay in a month? Just a thought

[My3cents]

I do not think this shutdown will last more then a few days.

Care to elaborate?

Sorry but its hard to not go into a political discussion when it is about this subject....so I vote to over ride and chat this one out.

Curious on your thoughts Michael