Hours In Care & Lingering DCM

[wabbittrouble]

I have a flat rate - Open 7am to 5:30pm. I don't care how many or how few hours they are here, it's still the same rate for the week. However, the thing I would have a problem with is the parent wanting to stay and chitchat after a long day of caring for their children. You just need to grow a backbone and tell her flat out "Listen, I would love to have you stay and chat after hours but I'm just too tired from a full day of caring for the children. I have things to do and I really need to get my kids fed. I'll see you tomorrow". Then walk to the door and open it... Here is the backbone I use, I'll lend it to you. I've had a daycare for 20 years and I can tell you it's the only way.

{}
{}
{}
{}
{}
{}
{}
{}
{}

USE IT.

[nannyde]

Than so much for everyone's advice. This is so helpful. I think I need to write new contracts for the hours situation. The lingering DCM issue will likely take a conversation rather than hint dropping. I have tried going about it in my typical nonconfrontational way several times and it hasn't appeared to be clear enough. Today I had the child waiting by the door with me, all ready to go including having boots, coat, & hat on...the DCM still lingered for 15 minutes as I cooked dinner.

She gets it. She is a full grown adult. She knows when someone is being polite begrudgingly. She knows you want her money. She knows the gig is almost up but she is going to ride it out until you say the exact words... I need you guys to leave right when you arrive for pickup. Until you tell her that she is going to hang out every day.

She is staying because she doesn't want her care of her child to start. As long as she is under your roof she isn't alone with her kid.

She is staying because she wants time every day where she is forcing you to be her subordinate and employee.

She is staying because she is forcing you to give her attention. Not friend attention but employer attention and "my child" attention.

You not liking it is a tad uncomfortable but the payoff is worth it. The only way to get it stopped is to tell her no. If she doesn't respect your wishes then you have to start charging her a minute fee. A dollar a minute will do it.