I Am Livid....At Myself!

[melilley]

I don't think you were wrong for answering the phone. Next time though after "I'm just getting out of bed..." follow that with "so I'm sorry but there is no way I will be ready to take him for atleast another 45 minutes."

I see why she called...if she knew her co-worker was sick but didn't know her boss decided she (DCM) had to cover until this morning, I can see how it was short notice for her too...

Does DCM have a DH that cold have dropped off later?

I WOULD talk to DCM but only about how sometimes early drop off can be managed and sometimes not. I would also let her know that if you do have to say no, it is non-negotiable.

Also for this morning, she needs to pay an early drop off fee.

I try to be flexible when I can but I don't feel bad when it's not possible.

Being flexible and compromising now and then when it isn't a huge deal is a fantastic way to build a good working relationship with parents.

If I am flexible when it's not a big deal, then I NEVER feel bad when I need to close early or take a day off. kwim?

Don't beat yourself up...if you look at it from a different angle, you just did DCM favor...now when you need to close early or take a day off, she owes you.

So true! I really don't mind being flexible sometimes, I've just been too flexible with one family (not the one in this post) and I've been kicking myself at not talking to them so I think this morning, I think I just overreacted about the dcm in this post. I did say yes after all...

[SignMeUp]

My favorites (before I went to contracted hours with $ connected to each additional bit of time) were the parents who brought their child an hour or more early and said, "Well, she/he woke up!"
As if that were MY child and not theirs :confused::confused::confused::confused:

Haven't had that in quite a few years, though I do have people who start calling an hour before I'm open to see if they can come early.

And now I charge a $5 fee on top of the regular $ connected to each bit of time, for people who want to bring their child before anyone is scheduled to be here. Even if that is every day -- if your child MUST come before anyone else, then you MUST pay me a living wage for doing that

[My3cents]

I wouldn't talk to her about it. It's kind of on you for saying yes. I agree that it can be so difficult to separate business from friendships and the desire to people please, but it does get easier. Next time, don't answer. If she makes a habit of asking for earlier drop offs, THEN address it with her.

I think its hard when we are small home daycares- because we are here. Clients know this, verses a Center.

If I was up and awake I would answer the phone and just say no if I didn't want to take them early and was not ready. but....I agree with the person that said if its a good client sometimes bending a little to help a person in true need is ok. If its a habit then No. If it makes you feel used then No. I don't think I would talk with her at pick up either about it because you made the choice to say yes. but next time just be ready. You can always say to a client at any time, I am not sure let me give that some thought and call you back if you feel put on the spot- even if it is a pressing need of the clients.

[My3cents]

I don't think you were wrong for answering the phone. Next time though after "I'm just getting out of bed..." follow that with "so I'm sorry but there is no way I will be ready to take him for atleast another 45 minutes."

I see why she called...if she knew her co-worker was sick but didn't know her boss decided she (DCM) had to cover until this morning, I can see how it was short notice for her too...

Does DCM have a DH that cold have dropped off later?

I WOULD talk to DCM but only about how sometimes early drop off can be managed and sometimes not. I would also let her know that if you do have to say no, it is non-negotiable.

Also for this morning, she needs to pay an early drop off fee.

I try to be flexible when I can but I don't feel bad when it's not possible.

Being flexible and compromising now and then when it isn't a huge deal is a fantastic way to build a good working relationship with parents.

If I am flexible when it's not a big deal, then I NEVER feel bad when I need to close early or take a day off. kwim?

Don't beat yourself up...if you look at it from a different angle, you just did DCM favor...now when you need to close early or take a day off, she owes you.

lovethislovethis this all the way!

[itlw8]

so will you have a bill ready for her at pick up ??? $1 a minute before opening and a charge for the hour between 7 and 8

[melilley]

so will you have a bill ready for her at pick up ??? $1 a minute before opening and a charge for the hour between 7 and 8

I should, but probably won't. I should just have not answered or said I wasn't ready.
I don't think she understands contracted care. She even said I forgot you don't open until 7, like she can bring him as long as it's 7. She works in a small dc center so they probably have open hours.?

[melilley]

Well I'm over it now. I think I was just crabby this morning and needed to vent..

Plus dcm just came to pick up, 4 hours early.

[TwinKristi]

Well I'm over it now. I think I was just crabby this morning and needed to vent..

Plus dcm just came to pick up, 4 hours early.

[taylorw1210]

I agree with BC. Being flexible when it's not an issue will create a good working relationship.

Look at it this way: at least she called and gave you a heads up. I had a dcm of my 9 year old school ager drop off the child at 7:05 this morning on my front porch and made her ring the doorbell and knock repeatedly! I was just getting up and the banging and ringing was insane! As soon as I opened the door, dcm pulled out of the driveway and sped off.

Chicken.

What!? What is their normal drop off time??

Well I'm over it now. I think I was just crabby this morning and needed to vent..

Plus dcm just came to pick up, 4 hours early.

[earlystart]

Just wanted to give you an idea of perhaps adding something in your handbook/contract about early drop-off policies and the hours you're available to take phone calls, that might help in the future.

For example, my handbook says: "You may contact me by phone during the hours that my business is open, Monday-Friday, 7:30 am - 5:30 pm, or after hours if necessary until 7:30 pm. You may contact me by phone on the weekends if necessary between the hours of 10:00 am - 6:00 pm. You may email any time."

[melilley]

Just wanted to give you an idea of perhaps adding something in your handbook/contract about early drop-off policies and the hours you're available to take phone calls, that might help in the future.

For example, my handbook says: "You may contact me by phone during the hours that my business is open, Monday-Friday, 7:30 am - 5:30 pm, or after hours if necessary until 7:30 pm. You may contact me by phone on the weekends if necessary between the hours of 10:00 am - 6:00 pm. You may email any time."

Embarrassingly enough, I have something in my handbook about early drop offs. Oh well, live and learn.