That moment DCP's realize you mean business.

[LadyK8]

Almost a month ago I sent parents my updated policies and rates. One set of parents responded and signed the contract. The other set never responded. Fast-forward to today, I asked myself "What would the Daycare Forum do?" I knew the answer would be to be assertive and let them know that if the contract isn't signed by the time given, termination is immediate.

I sent them a message this morning and guess who's been calling me non-stop? Too bad I've been too busy to answer. Going to call them back in a few hours to discuss it. I'm annoyed that I sent them multiple messages before and they were never answered, but as soon as I put my foot down you're all of a sudden getting my messages.

This has been a huge lesson for me as a newbie. I hope the phone call goes well, because I'm not too good at being vocally assertive.

[MsLisa]

Hope it works out!! happyface

That's one thing I've learned from these ladies...
In this line of business you can have the biggest heart but you also need the biggest balls. Lol.

[MarinaVanessa]

I hope the phone call goes well, because I'm not too good at being vocally assertive.

Can you try to text or email them instead? That way you have time to think about what you will say instead of being caught off guard? I know some providers don't like this method of communication, I like to have "proof".

In any case, good for you. I'd respond back and start with "Hi, I saw your missed calls. Been super busy. WHat's up?"

[LadyK8]

Can you try to text or email them instead? That way you have time to think about what you will say instead of being caught off guard? I know some providers don't like this method of communication, I like to have "proof".

In any case, good for you. I'd respond back and start with "Hi, I saw your missed calls. Been super busy. WHat's up?"

I already did the text and email thing and they did not respond. I did, however, call back with what you said.

Update: Just got off the phone with DCM. She had an attitude. Her child is drop-in, so she'll be keeping her here as a drop-in, but I can tell she was none-too-pleased.

She started out questioning me about whether she read my rate change correctly. I simply replied "Yes."

She then changed her whole tune about some things. All of a sudden, she feels her child (only child who doesn't get along well with other children) would do better in group care, because of the "Better education." This is the same parent who complimented me on how much their child was learning by being in my care. I didn't take the bait.

Let her know there will be other children her age coming here, but that her child would in-fact do better in larger group care. Bet she didn't like me agreeing.

My heart was pumping the whole time. I'm ready to have a full daycare with FT children, so that I can serve them term papers. As soon as my enrollment goes up, which it should come August, I'm letting her know that she's got to go.

I adore her child, but my heart can't take the convenient snark and the ungrateful tone.

[LadyK8]

It just amazes me how demanding parents can be. Your child is drop-in, but you want her to be given a full education when she's sometimes not even here for a few weeks on-end.

Editing to add: She also said "Because you're more like a daycare," and I said "Yes, I am a daycare." The insults were so subtle, or so she thought.

[MarinaVanessa]

Don't you love it when they subtle threaten you with pulling out their precious gems when you stop treating them special? ::

I would have responded with the same so good for you!

[Shell]

I already did the text and email thing and they did not respond. I did, however, call back with what you said.

Update: Just got off the phone with DCM. She had an attitude. Her child is drop-in, so she'll be keeping her here as a drop-in, but I can tell she was none-too-pleased.

She started out questioning me about whether she read my rate change correctly. I simply replied "Yes."

She then changed her whole tune about some things. All of a sudden, she feels her child (only child who doesn't get along well with other children) would do better in group care, because of the "Better education." This is the same parent who complimented me on how much their child was learning by being in my care. I didn't take the bait.

Let her know there will be other children her age coming here, but that her child would in-fact do better in larger group care. Bet she didn't like me agreeing.

My heart was pumping the whole time. I'm ready to have a full daycare with FT children, so that I can serve them term papers. As soon as my enrollment goes up, which it should come August, I'm letting her know that she's got to go.

I adore her child, but my heart can't take the convenient snark and the ungrateful tone.

Way to go!happyface

[cheerfuldom]

You did a great job! I know it is so hard not to get into a confrontation with snarky parents so you did great! that mom is just demanding and we've all been there. If she wanted something else, why not go somewhere else already?!?! it is not really about the curriculum or anything else, it is just her trying a power play to get you to back down

[Annalee]

I already did the text and email thing and they did not respond. I did, however, call back with what you said.

Update: Just got off the phone with DCM. She had an attitude. Her child is drop-in, so she'll be keeping her here as a drop-in, but I can tell she was none-too-pleased.

She started out questioning me about whether she read my rate change correctly. I simply replied "Yes."

She then changed her whole tune about some things. All of a sudden, she feels her child (only child who doesn't get along well with other children) would do better in group care, because of the "Better education." This is the same parent who complimented me on how much their child was learning by being in my care. I didn't take the bait.

Let her know there will be other children her age coming here, but that her child would in-fact do better in larger group care. Bet she didn't like me agreeing.

My heart was pumping the whole time. I'm ready to have a full daycare with FT children, so that I can serve them term papers. As soon as my enrollment goes up, which it should come August, I'm letting her know that she's got to go.

I adore her child, but my heart can't take the convenient snark and the ungrateful tone.

Hang in there! When I changed my contract to 52 weeks pay a year, I had dad's that NEVER drop off/pick up show up to "hound" me about the rules which really made me nervous but also ticked me off that a mom brought in reinforcements to the situation....I stuck to my contract but it does get the blood flowing and cause some weak moments...This was in 2000 so now it is much easier. Be tough!

[LadyK8]

Thank you guys so much! I didn't know whether I responded correctly or not.

I forgot to add that she got upset because I sent her the handbook through email so she can print it out. Other set of parents had no problem with this, but she feels inconvenienced having to go to the library and print it out (she doesn't have a computer).

I've spent so much money for ink on print-outs. If you have a problem having to print them out yourself, pay me more so I can afford the ink.

[MarinaVanessa]

Thank you guys so much! I didn't know whether I responded correctly or not.

I forgot to add that she got upset because I sent her the handbook through email so she can print it out. Other set of parents had no problem with this, but she feels inconvenienced having to go to the library and print it out (she doesn't have a computer).

I've spent so much money for ink on print-outs. If you have a problem having to print them out yourself, pay me more so I can afford the ink.

Next time this comes up I would explain that you do it this way to keep costs low and offer to print out a paper copy for her for a fee. Let her know that the email version is for everyone's convenience and she doesn't have to print it if she doesn't want to.

Anything else that she needs to sign I would give to her in print however since it's something that I would require. After the first printing if she needed a replacement then I'd attach a fee to it as well. If I gave it once and she lost it then that makes it her responsibility to pay for it, otherwise she can have that emailed to her as well and she can print at home.

Personally I always give the first copy to my clients, even when I make updates. The cost for this is included with my fees. If you need to raise your rate a bit to cover the cost of ink and paper then I would do so. I think $2 more per week should be enough to cover it, and let her know . If they lose it after that and need a copy then yes I email them a copy to print themselves or charge them for a printed copy.

[Blackcat31]

Thank you guys so much! I didn't know whether I responded correctly or not.

I forgot to add that she got upset because I sent her the handbook through email so she can print it out. Other set of parents had no problem with this, but she feels inconvenienced having to go to the library and print it out (she doesn't have a computer).

I've spent so much money for ink on print-outs. If you have a problem having to print them out yourself, pay me more so I can afford the ink.

Um, she said you were a daycare. Why would she think you were a Kinkos??

Silly daycare mom. ::::

I send ALL my paperwork via e-mail. Parents don't have to print, they just have to save. I am also tired of wasting paper and ink on things parents rarely read.

Anyways... LadyK8....YOU ROCK!!!!!! happyface happyface happyface

Good job! Now that you did it once, you are gonna be so flippin' awesome the next time you have to put your foot down and enforce your policies. Remember if you don't respect and follow them, no one will.

So again.....GOOD JOB!!!!

[hope]

Seems like dcm is saying she wants more curriculum for her child when what she really wants is cheaper care. It's so disturbing when parents expect it all.

[AmyKidsCo]

I send all my paperwork via email too - I'm certified Eco-friendly so I can use that as an excuse.

I don't think parents realize that there are plenty of children needing care and we won't shrivel up and die if they pull their child out of the program.

[LadyK8]

Next time this comes up I would explain that you do it this way to keep costs low and offer to print out a paper copy for her for a fee. Let her know that the email version is for everyone's convenience and she doesn't have to print it if she doesn't want to.

Yes, I did just that. She didn't say much else afterwards, just seemed annoyed.

Anything else that she needs to sign I would give to her in print however since it's something that I would require. After the first printing if she needed a replacement then I'd attach a fee to it as well. If I gave it once and she lost it then that makes it her responsibility to pay for it, otherwise she can have that emailed to her as well and she can print at home.

Personally I always give the first copy to my clients, even when I make updates. The first copy, I do print out for the parents, so I was a bit caught off-guard. The cost for this is included with my fees. If you need to raise your rate a bit to cover the cost of ink and paper then I would do so. I think $2 more per week should be enough to cover it, and let her know . If they lose it after that and need a copy then yes I email them a copy to print themselves or charge them for a printed copy.

Thank you for everything.