Your Number One Most Annoying Thing In Business?

[Soccermom]

Parents bringing their kids to me when they are off or picking up 3 hours after they finish work.

Makes me angry. You gave birth to them so take care of them. I am here to provide care for your child while you make a living not raise your child for you!

[Laurel]

The old "I forgot my checkbook" excuse.

I wish we could say two!!!!

Laurel

[WImom]

Having a hard time filling spots. I hate the up and down financially in this business. A close 2nd would be parents not following my policies.

[melilley]

The parent who thinks her kids have everything under the sun and if I mention one little thing it gets all blown out of proportion and it's because they "have" something that they don't have.

I have a parent who thinks her kids have everything from autism to allergies etc.. without ANY medical documentation, which I've asked for (with the exception of an intolerance). Like a form of Munchausen by Proxy Syndrome. She doesn't make them sick, but says they have everything. Poor kids.

[My3cents]

diapers/diaper changing. ANYTHING diaper related.

That is the ONLY part of the day that I cannot "fake" enjoyment or even willingness of any kind.

I am so used to that, doesn't even bother me- puke on the other hand. NO THANKS!!!

[MarinaVanessa]

Having to chase my money.

[My3cents]

The old "I forgot my checkbook" excuse.

I wish we could say two!!!!

Laurel

someone a while back posted asking the parents to leave a blank check for times like these- good idea. I think if it was happening often I would do this or ask to be paid one week ahead.

[CedarCreek]

Same as some others-

Kiddos who come when their parents have the day off or get off early. I understand every once in a while but EVERY day off? Come on parents, your kids need you.

[Unregistered]

Maybe for the being paid on time problem you could have a folder that goes home with kiddos on Thursday night, ( if your pay day is Fri.) , and have some info about what is happening next week, ( field trips, lunch menu, crafts you are planning) and have a " parents homework" sheet. You could include in that page : Bring old t- shirt for messy craft on Monday, next week we are covering the letter M, have Johnny bring a small item that tarts with M . Tuition for next week is due Friday, please enclose a check with Johnny`s folder tomorrow. I don't know how it will work, but mom or dad may write the check out that evening and bring it with the folder the next day. One can hope...

[spud912]

diapers/diaper changing. ANYTHING diaper related.

That is the ONLY part of the day that I cannot "fake" enjoyment or even willingness of any kind.

:::: I think that's me too! Ugh....the poopy diapers kill me! One of the main reasons I think I'm just not cut out for babies and why I much prefer (potty-trained) preschoolers.

[Laurel]

someone a while back posted asking the parents to leave a blank check for times like these- good idea. I think if it was happening often I would do this or ask to be paid one week ahead.

I love those ideas. Right now I don't have that problem but have had it in the past. I'll keep that in mind for the future.

You've gotta wonder how they would feel if their boss said "Oops, do you mind if I pay you tomorrow? I forgot the check book."

Laurel

[Unregistered]

I use childcarepay and pull out my tablet if parents forget to pay. "Here, do it now!"

BUT before that I told parents they could leave 1 check with me OR leave it in their glove box. That way their was NO excuse. You might not be smart enough to remember but, I am smart enough to make it obvious I will get paid!

[countrymom]

I think what bothers me the most, is how little parents want to spend time with kids.

this weekend, I had one family call another family to ask if thier kids could play together because mom was out and dad didn't know what to do with them
another family picks up after 5pm and puts them to bed at 730pm, acually I have 2 families like this.
I think this is the biggest eye opener ever, and yet here I sit to be home with my kids so I can be with them.

[jenn]

Tie between

-parents following policies, I enforce them and don't have trouble standing up to them, but it just gets old.

and

-looking to fill spots. I don't have a huge turnover, but it can be hard to fill a spot unless I am willing to take a newborn.

[scarletto'hara]

Parents just not being truthful .... "I forgot my checkbook", "child never acts that way at home", "child wasn't sick at all last night", "I didn't give them any medicine", "child is completely potty trained" ... NOT, etc. etc. IMO it gets worse year after year.