Parent Asks "What Am I Paying You For"

[rosieteddy]

Maybe I am wrong on this,but my written policy is Dr or other appointments should be made before 10:30 am or after 330 pm.I do not allow children to leave and come back between 11:00-3:30pm. Actually if they leave early they are discouraged from dropping back off. I feel that it is to disruptive to our day. Infants fall asleep in the car throwing off thier and my schedule. Monday a long term client (7 yrs) informe me that she would be picking up her 1 yr o;d at 10:45 am for a 11:00 appointment for shots no less.She wanted to bring her back in the middle for lunch. I did not agree I did let her take the 5 yr old for school screening last month.He did come back and rest,I told her then it was a one time deal,that other parents would want the same .I sent a note that afternoon telling her I would not be able to accomodate her. I explane as per my policy she could not come back that day.She was livid she said she was really angry about the letter. I explained that I understood her anger but felt the policy would be followed.Her reply was :What am I paying you for: Mind you I have had her children overnught (for free_) when this baby came early. Not to mention I never send home for fever just let them pick up at regular time. No care for next day. She dies have the day off to take the oldest to the Denist so no work missed. Just dissapointed I guess.

[crazydaycarelady]

I don't place any of those kind of restrictions on the parents. Maybe that was the only appointment time available to take her? Maybe that is what time works best with her work? or dcm needs to use a lunch hour?

I think we have to be flexible, we have schedules that we try to keep but the parents don't answer to themselves, usually they have bosses and schedules also. It is hard for them to miss work as is let alone try and do it during certain times.

[Play Care]

Do not waiver, she is not your boss. I know someone else might have a more pithy comeback but I'm flat out today Just know you are in the right. I allow ONE drop off and pick up per day. No exceptions.

[SquirrellyMama]

I don't place any of those kind of restrictions on the parents. Maybe that was the only appointment time available to take her? Maybe that is what time works best with her work? or dcm needs to use a lunch hour?

I think we have to be flexible, we have schedules that we try to keep but the parents don't answer to themselves, usually they have bosses and schedules also. It is hard for them to miss work as is let alone try and do it during certain times.

OP said dcm has the day off so it isn't because of her boss.

OP- I would be ticked and tell dcm off if she said that too me. Maybe you could remind her of the free overnight care. Hopefully she feels bad and apologizes.

Kelly

[cara041083]

I agree with what you told her. I have the same policy in place. It messes up nap and lunch for everyone here. Especially if they sleep in the same room. Good for you for holding your ground.

[TwinKristi]

Has this always been your policy? Is it in your contract?

If yes, then really she has nothing to complain about. You did allow her to do this before which sets you up for this behavior in the future.

If no, I can see her being a little peeved. I allow for pickup and dropoff if its within a reasonable amount of time and isn't disruptive to our schedule. It's not in my contract though so a parent would probably be irritated if I said no too. I may discourage it, but I don't really have it in writing.

[mrsnj]

I'm with Crazy. The only thing I do not do is allow drop off during the middle of naps. And if they miss lunch, they have to eat before coming. Otherwise,I try my best to be flexible.

BUT your rules are clearly stated. I wouldn't back down now unless you are willing to change the rules all around. If not, stand firm. She knew the rules.

[NightOwl]

WHAT DOES SHE PAY YOU FOR?
Care and love
Healthy meals
Enriching activities
Social interaction
Close supervision
Developmentally appropriate toys
UNDISTURBED nap times (from other children coming in at inappropriate times)


What she does NOT pay you for:
You tolerating her attitude problem
Special treatment for her children

Set her straight. If this is in your policies, then she is blatantly defying your policies (wanting special treatment) and being disrespectful of you in your own home. If it's the only appointment available, which I doubt (she could always go another day), she should've made arrangements with dh or gma to keep the child after the appointment. YOU ARE NOT HER EMPLOYEE. You are running a business that has rules. She needs to respect that or move on to someone who is willing to bend to her every whim.

[craftymissbeth]

I don't allow any drop-offs after 9 and I only allow one drop-off/pick-up per day. I discourage pick-ups during nap time, but won't attempt to keep a parent from doing it. I don't need to explain to my clients WHY those are my policies unless I feel particularly nice. I feel like when I try to explain why a policy is in place they simply try to find reasons why my reasons won't apply to them. no thanks!

OP - just stick to your guns if you feel that this is a battle worth fighting.

[AmyKidsCo]

The beauty of being business owner is the right to set your own rules and policies. If those are your policies then the parents need to follow them - if they don't like your policies they're free to find care elsewhere.

[MarinaVanessa]

Although I agree with being flexible I don't believe in being flexible with everything. OP had already been flexible with the older child and then DCM expected her to be fine with with doing it with the younger one. OP was flexible once, expected it twice, flipped out when told no.

I don't allow drop offs or pick ups during nap either and for shots I exclude for 48 hours. I suggest to my clients that they schedule appts on Friday afternoons so they don't miss work/daycare.

[midaycare]

I'm with Crazy. The only thing I do not do is allow drop off during the middle of naps. And if they miss lunch, they have to eat before coming. Otherwise,I try my best to be flexible.

BUT your rules are clearly stated. I wouldn't back down now unless you are willing to change the rules all around. If not, stand firm. She knew the rules.

I'm about as flexible as they come. Probably because I remember having my DS in daycare and I was always so stressed out about ticking off our daycare provider. So I'm really flexible when it comes to appts and drop offs. Even lateness. I remember having to be 15 minutes late here or there. No one comes early though, oh heck no ::

But your policies, your business, your rules!

[Blackcat31]

Although I agree with being flexible I don't believe in being flexible with everything. OP had already been flexible with the older child and then DCM expected her to be fine with with doing it with the younger one. OP was flexible once, expected it twice, flipped out when told no.

I don't allow drop offs or pick ups during nap either and for shots I exclude for 48 hours. I suggest to my clients that they schedule appts on Friday afternoons so they don't miss work/daycare.

This was also something OP said she forewarned DCM about... the previous allowance of picking up and dropping back off...she was told then that it was a one time exception.

I would be livid about the attitude.

[KidGrind]

You’re paying me to provide a safe, nurturing place for your children to attend while you’re at work based upon the policies in our contract.

There are plenty of childcare centers that allow multiple drop-offs. You will have to call them to inquire if they offer free overnight care in your time of need. Anymore questions?

[SilverSabre25]

I would have looked her in the eye and said simply "You, and all the other parents, are paying me to take good care of the children, to provide them enriching play experiences, nourishing food, an adequate time to get the rest they need without interruptions. Sometimes, the needs of the many really do outweigh the needs of the few or the one...and this is one of those times."