So Frustrated...

[Meyou]

"I sympathize with your concerns and I understand my new policies might not work for every family. Let me know by xx date if you wish to give notice or sign a new contract under the new terms."

Agree with them and repeat your intent. Works every time for me.

ETA: I did this a few years ago with my families and although it was stressful at the time, it was the best decision I've ever made. I made a comfortable stressfree living now and I never talk about money with my families unless they want an extra day added to their schedule and that is only a reminder to tack on the extra payment. I had one family give me a horrible time and ultimately I had to term them within the year for policy violations. Worth it! Totally worth it!

[Play Care]

I am sorry that she is giving you a hard time. I would caution you NOT to feel the need to try to explain so she will see your side - she won't. Not only that, anything you say can and will be used against you for other rounds of more arguing and complaining. I know it's so hard, because I always feel like "if I just explain it the *right* way, they will see my side." I like to think it's because I'm an educated, open minded person who is willing to consider the other side now and then:: But the truth is *most* people don't care for the explanation. If it's inconvenient for them, they will never come around.
I would stick with the "The other policies did not work for me and my family. One of the benefits of being my own boss is being able to change things that don't work (I LOVE using this point, it's pretty eye opening to parents ). I will miss DCK but completely understand if you need to give your notice. Keep in mind, that I will need the signed contract in order to keep the spot for dck, otherwise I'll need to fill it with another family. Thanks!" Okay, maybe someone can suggest some nicer wording, but you get the gist.

[Laurel]

Oh, don't get me wrong. I would send my above note back in email. Well I don't do emails but if I did.

If they tried to argue in any way, I would just say "Sorry, the previous policies did not work and I am changing them." If they say something again, I would say "Sorry, the previous policies did not work and I am changing them." Rinse and Repeat. It is called the 'broken record technique'.....

They would not be arguing with me and I wouldn't allow them to try and wear me down. If they try, they can leave. Simple as that.

Just to be clear.

I would just start off with one kind and reasonable response and then do the above.

Laurel

[nannyde]

"I sympathize with your concerns and I understand my new policies might not work for every family. Let me know by xx date if you wish to give notice or sign a new contract under the new terms."

Agree with them and repeat your intent. Works every time for me.

ETA: I did this a few years ago with my families and although it was stressful at the time, it was the best decision I've ever made. I made a comfortable stressfree living now and I never talk about money with my families unless they want an extra day added to their schedule and that is only a reminder to tack on the extra payment. I had one family give me a horrible time and ultimately I had to term them within the year for policy violations. Worth it! Totally worth it!

This

I tell them at the interview that I never discuss money again unless they want a schedule change that will affect the money. They must give a months notice if it decreases my money and the schedule must be approved.

I go years in between discussing money. It is normal for early departure kids to have parents who move up in the profession and start needing a later work schedule but the cost is much higher so they only do that when they can make more for the change.

I don't offer free days for anything. They pay same rate 52 weeks a year. I don't allow late pick ups so I don't have to do late fees. They pay on Friday for the upcoming week in advance.

The less you have to talk about money the less stressful your work is.

[Kabob]

Maybe so!!!! A nudge or a kick?? Lol.

This made me laugh, thank you! ::

Laurel, thanks for the idea for the reply.

I ended up sending her a brief email saying I understand her concerns, however it is what it is (I said it more nicely than that but you get the meaning).

At least if I have to fill the spot, I have better policies in place now and I have a better eye for the "right fit." Not perfect. Just better. I'll get the hang of it...it's just frustrating when you think you thought out every potential issue that may come up and then something new comes up. Like, I never thought a dcm would send her kid to daycare the day after surgery without telling me up front about it. Or, I never thought a dcm would tell me to give her child prescribed meds because she "didn't like doing it." Really...it's not just new policies and rates I've developed...it's a new perspective on this whole business.

I feel like I was so stupid only 5 months ago when I first wrote these darn policies and rates.

[Cradle2crayons]

This made me laugh, thank you! ::

Laurel, thanks for the idea for the reply.

I ended up sending her a brief email saying I understand her concerns, however it is what it is (I said it more nicely than that but you get the meaning).

At least if I have to fill the spot, I have better policies in place now and I have a better eye for the "right fit." Not perfect. Just better. I'll get the hang of it...it's just frustrating when you think you thought out every potential issue that may come up and then something new comes up. Like, I never thought a dcm would send her kid to daycare the day after surgery without telling me up front about it. Or, I never thought a dcm would tell me to give her child prescribed meds because she "didn't like doing it." Really...it's not just new policies and rates I've developed...it's a new perspective on this whole business.

I feel like I was so stupid only 5 months ago when I first wrote these darn policies and rates.

Truth be told, policies are a work in progress. Every year I figure out more than one thing I need to tweak based on things that come up here and there.

This forum is an excellent place to get new ideas. Unfortunately, we can never know every potential issue. I swear these dcp get weirder every year

[Laurel]

This made me laugh, thank you! ::

Laurel, thanks for the idea for the reply.

I ended up sending her a brief email saying I understand her concerns, however it is what it is (I said it more nicely than that but you get the meaning).

At least if I have to fill the spot, I have better policies in place now and I have a better eye for the "right fit." Not perfect. Just better. I'll get the hang of it...it's just frustrating when you think you thought out every potential issue that may come up and then something new comes up. Like, I never thought a dcm would send her kid to daycare the day after surgery without telling me up front about it. Or, I never thought a dcm would tell me to give her child prescribed meds because she "didn't like doing it." Really...it's not just new policies and rates I've developed...it's a new perspective on this whole business.

I feel like I was so stupid only 5 months ago when I first wrote these darn policies and rates.

You're welcome.

It is sure a learning experience!

Laurel

[Heidi]

This

I tell them at the interview that I never discuss money again unless they want a schedule change that will affect the money. They must give a months notice if it decreases my money and the schedule must be approved.

I go years in between discussing money. It is normal for early departure kids to have parents who move up in the profession and start needing a later work schedule but the cost is much higher so they only do that when they can make more for the change.

I don't offer free days for anything. They pay same rate 52 weeks a year. I don't allow late pick ups so I don't have to do late fees. They pay on Friday for the upcoming week in advance.

The less you have to talk about money the less stressful your work is.

Nan-

How do you handle you own sick days, vacation, and personal days?