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That was supposed to say contracts. I have an interview this afternoon for a 3 yr old girl and I'm really hoping it works out because I could really use the income. Last night I printed off the papers I need and went through my handbook again. My husband is older than I am and is the farmer type who seems to think a handshake is all you need to do business. He thinks my handbook is too long (5 pages) and thinks I shouldn't have one. Same with having a contract. I've tried to explain to him that I'm only trying to protect us and stop troubles with daycare parents before they start by explaining in black and white what my policies are. He also thinks my price is too high. I live in a small city of 10,000 and there are so many home day cares its unbelievable. I live on a small 2 block street and there are 3 besides me. I don't have a set open to close time I go by the families contracted times. But am always closed by 5 or 5:30 pm as we value our family time. I charge $110 a week and that is actually on the lower side of what a lot of day cares charge. I also like to have them pay in advance and my husband constantly complains that he would never pay someone to watch our children before they watch them. I'm just trying to not have to ask, beg or get ripped off from what is owed to me. Does anyone have any advice on how to get a spouse to understand what is needed to run a home business now and not be thinking of how people used to pay?
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Have him read some of the threads/posts on here, I'm sure he'll see why you are doing things the way you are.
Honestly, my handbook is like 12 or more long and I still add to it here and there. It would be nice to just be able to do a handshake, but unfortunately with the way people are nowadays, it just doesn't do. -
Well bottom line, operating without a contract is just foolish. Period. If someone decided to not to pay you, you have no recourse. Maybe explain to him that it works this way because it protects both you and the other family. Handshake deals don't really work in the business world anymore. And as far as what you charge, it's just based on what people around you charge. The industry typically sets the fees for themselves. If everyone in your town charges $95/wk and you charge $110/wk no one will come to you unless all the other people are full. But if you charge $110/wk and everyone else charges $135/wk than you're short changing yourself and the others in your area may get mad that you're "low-balling" to beat the competition. Its a fine line you have to walk. My dh always wants to add his 2 cents, but its not his business, its mine!
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Have you considered just letting him know that this is your business and although you two are partners in life, you'd really like the opportunity to do things your way.
If things don't work you can always consider his advice but until then he needs to respect you enough to let you be your own boss.
Men are always black and white and don't sweat the details but in all honesty, it's those tiny little details that get us (providers) in tight spots.
I respect my husband's opinion but unless he is the one who is actually doing this job each and every day, I make sure he understands that this is MY business to run.
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I agree with him somewhat but mostly agree with Blackcat. It is your business and he is welcome to give suggestions but the final decision is yours.
My contract is two pages and I have no handbook. I have the very few most important things in the contract and anything else is my way or the highway. Think of them as guidelines. If they don't follow your most important guidelines they can leave. Of course, I have to be careful about terming (I never have in 18 years) because I do want a good reputation BUT if I want something I don't want to have to be bound by something I wrote in a contract.
Just tell him that almost everyone pays before services have been rendered in the home child care business. I didn't until the day that I got burned and it WILL happen sooner or later.
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