I Think I Was Rude To DCM - Convince Me I Wasn't

[crazydaycarelady]

Longtime dcfamily - dcm started working from home recently an has been consistently getting here right at closing or after. Today was a snow day but I still had all of my kids, most got picked up early. Long week, hubby got called out to work and is dealing with an avalanche. I just wanted to be off and watch the news to see about the avalanche.

Here comes dcm at 5:35 (she got stuck in the snow at home she says, which could have been predicted since it's a SNOW DAY.) She starts walking up the drive with her older child in tow. Why? It's already after closing. I met her at the door, handed her dcbaby and told her he was crabby and I was trying to watch the news, good-bye.

My son says I was kinda rude.

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

Maybe, but it was after hours and is the end of the week. Sorry, but we can't be perfect like rah-rah cheerleaders all of the time when parents are LATE. happyface

[crazydaycarelady]

See, I am feeling better already! It was the 3rd time this week this dcm has kept me past 5:30.

[daycare]

See, I am feeling better already! It was the 3rd time this week this dcm has kept me past 5:30.

have you mentioned to her that she has been late?

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

See, I am feeling better already! It was the 3rd time this week this dcm has kept me past 5:30.

What's the penalty for that? $1/minute?

[daycare]

I have found that when we dont talk to them about it, that it gets built up and then POW we burst...

If it were me I probably send an email saying

Hi Sue,

I want to apologize to you if our conversation this evening came across as being rude. I have meaning to talk to you about the last few days of late pickups and was caught off guard due to the fact that my husband is dealing with a serious avalanche at work right now and your lateness kept me from being able to check on my family.

Per our policies, there is a late fee of $1.00 per min for each min that you pick up late. I will waive the late fees this time, however, I will implement all late fees after today. If you need a change in schedule, please feel free to talk with me.

dcp

[crazydaycarelady]

I haven't charged them anything yet. They are a longtime family and have been relatively problem free. This issue is new and started with dcms new job working from home. She did apologize earlier in the week for being late.

[kitykids3]

She's coming from home and is late? I'd be talking to her because it looks like she's going to start assuming it's ok, esp if it's a new and frequent issue. Address it and then start charging if it keeps up. Otherwise I see many late days in the future for you.

[TwinKristi]

Yeah you gotta say something. I like daycare's letter! Don't charge for this week but explain you will starting Monday. Then do it and say you would be more than happy if she came on time and you never were paid a single late fee. But if she's going to be late she needs to pay!

[KidGrind]

You were blunt. If you had thrown the diaper bag at her that would’ve been rude.

I’ve started doing a monthly newsletter. I mention late pick-ups. Since the mention of late pick-ups, the DCPs have been coming around the bend as if Michael Myers is on their tails.

All I do is laugh. I shut my door at 5:00 PM with a Kool-Aid smile.

[e.j.]

She did apologize earlier in the week for being late.

...but was late again anyway? So she really wasn't all that sorry or she would have made sure it didn't happen again. I agree with Daycare and would send a follow-up text or email message stating that late fees will apply starting Monday - or enjoy your weekend and speak to her directly on Monday about the issue.

[Heidi]

When she apologized, did you slip and say "oh, don't worry about it" or something like that? We are always so nice....until we're not.

I would email or call her and just clarify as the PP said.

...Sorry if I was rude, I was worried about DH, and the late thing is getting excessive, especially on a Friday. You adore her child, and you've always enjoyed working with her, but now you have to scold her or charge her a late fee. You don't want to do that, so can she please make sure to get here by 5:30? Thanks so much...

[Play Care]

I haven't charged them anything yet. They are a longtime family and have been relatively problem free. This issue is new and started with dcms new job working from home. She did apologize earlier in the week for being late.

I missed this earlier but wanted to chime in as I am going through something similar. You need to say something NOW, as the longer it goes on, the more difficult it will be.
And really, so what she apologized, especially if she's still coming late? When I have my dck's say they are sorry I also make them show ammeneds. Words are not enough, you need action here also.

[Cradle2crayons]

You were blunt. If you had thrown the diaper bag at her that would’ve been rude.

I’ve started doing a monthly newsletter. I mention late pick-ups. Since the mention of late pick-ups, the DCPs have been coming around the bend as if Michael Myers is on their tails.

All I do is laugh. I shut my door at 5:00 PM with a Kool-Aid smile.

love the Kool aid smile actually I have one of the pitchers... I use it for tea or lemonaid

[Unregistered]

You said she had to walk over with older child, so that may have taken a little more time than she intended. Since things were so close, why do you need to fuss over a few mins here and there. Just change her pick up time and make it earlier. You chose to have your o w n business, these are the things that happen to a business owner. Go work for some pre school and you can get home on time without missing anything . And yes, even if you had a retail or food service business, people linger. You can't close your doors always at 6 or whenever on the dot.