One More Month...Should I Let Things Go?

[Registered- logged out]

I have had a family for almost 3 years now that has been disrespectful, inconsiderate, and treat me like their employee. It's not constant that they do these things, most of the time they are pretty good. About a year ago, I got real firm with a new contract because I was tired of them thinking they run the show.

Anyway, I have seriously almost termed them more times than I can count, but things would get better. Then, they would break some small policy (like where to park, no toys from home, etc.) and I would get angry again. But I would always think: can I get them to change by being stricter, and I could, so they stuck around.

Finally, Dcm gave notice because they are moving across the country (woo hoo). I have one month with them, and you guessed it, dcm is back into the cycle of being compliant/non-compliant.

For example, on my baby ds' birthday, Dcm brings dcg in with a birthday crown for her kid (just can't be outdone by anyone else), has showed up 10-15 mins early a few times this week, dcg is an absolute mess this week due to all the changes, and dcm is back to lingering at drop off.

I have kind of let things slide because I know the end is in sight, but should I???

[NoMoreJuice!]

Nope!

Nope, I'd go the opposite way: I'd be stricter than ever before, because you have nothing to lose! We all let some things slide for the sake of the business relationship (you want to stay on good terms so you don't lose money...we all get that), but when that relationship is ending anyway, no need to be nice!

Let her have it!

[Heidi]

NO!

Why would she bring HER daughter to daycare wearing a birthday crown on someone else's birthday?

Do you need to money that badly? I'd probably call her out. I did that once years ago. Mom was all sweet for a long time, at the interview, she told me as a single mom, she needed a dcp who was a "partner in raising her son". Then, a year later, a new boyfriend decided he wasn't ready for Kindy (he was) and needed "preschool", so she gave me 2 weeks notice. When I argued it, she said "well, S* says...." I said, "well you know what, M*, all I know is you didn't renew your contract yet, so I am not obligated to full-fill the two weeks. You just plain don't need to come back!"

I was just so mad (and I have a loooooong fuse). She'd been in the hospital with some major medical stuff for several weeks. I'd kept him extra hours (for free), and even overnight.

I was really sad about losing him, but just felt like mom was using me.

[Heidi]

I am not particularly confrontational, but imagining the whole birthday crown thing, I'd have taken it away, and handed it to mom. "DCB, today is not YOUR birthday, so, we are giving this to mom, and she can take it back to the car."

A 3 or 4 year old (and her mother) should understand that they are NOT the queen!

[butterfly]

Odd man out here...

If I hadn't termed in the 3 years that I wanted to term, I'd just ride it out and finish out the remaining month. However, you better believe I'd be celebrating the day they close my door for the last time. happyface

[NeedaVaca]

If you don't really want to term at the very least I would say to DCM: I realize you are leaving in a month but for the remaining time left I still expect you to follow all of my policies! You may not drop off early or linger at pick ups. Thanks!

and about the Birthday crown...what??

[Crazy8]

I wouldn't term early but I would be super strict for their remaining time. The crown would have got handed back to mom saying "you know my toys from home rule". Showing up early they would have stood outside to a locked door. The lingering is always my issue, because I don't want to be rude, but in this case I would do a quick "bye bye mom" and turn and go about your morning. She can stand there staring all she wants.

Be tough. You can do it!

[Leigh]

I am not particularly confrontational, but imagining the whole birthday crown thing, I'd have taken it away, and handed it to mom. "DCB, today is not YOUR birthday, so, we are giving this to mom, and she can take it back to the car."

A 3 or 4 year old (and her mother) should understand that they are NOT the queen!

[Unregistered]

She arrived to a locked door today and I didn't say anything to her! I will be firmer for the last month. I was so angry about the crown-how inconsiderate! I appreciate all of you sharing your stories -I learn so much on here everyday!

[cheerfuldom]

I would keep her but be strict. None of these issues are that big of a deal. For the lingering, I would just be upfront and say "Lauren, I need you to leave now. I will see Brandon tomorrow, thanks" and then stand by the open door and give them a look that says get out! The early drop offs wouldnt bother me but it bothers you so just say so "Lauren, I realize we only have one more month together but I need you to follow the rules just like every other family here. Brandon isn't supposed to be dropped off till 730 am so please dont come to the door at 715. thank you"

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

I wouldn't term early but I would be super strict for their remaining time. The crown would have got handed back to mom saying "you know my toys from home rule". Showing up early they would have stood outside to a locked door. The lingering is always my issue, because I don't want to be rude, but in this case I would do a quick "bye bye mom" and turn and go about your morning. She can stand there staring all she wants.

Be tough. You can do it!

happyface Exactly.

[melilley]

I am not particularly confrontational, but imagining the whole birthday crown thing, I'd have taken it away, and handed it to mom. "DCB, today is not YOUR birthday, so, we are giving this to mom, and she can take it back to the car."

A 3 or 4 year old (and her mother) should understand that they are NOT the queen!