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Help me to compose a general letter that basically says no to all the parents asking for supplies when picking up dcks. So I supply formula and diapers for my dcks as well as meals and snacks. Parents are constantly asking for a bottle, sippy cup of milk or juice, or diapers because they are not going straight home after pick up. I want to say its not my problem be better prepared, but I want a nicer way of saying this. Thanks for your help.
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I would just say "I'm sorry, but I can't do that. There is a convenience store at ______. They sell drinks/snacks/diapers there. See you tomorrow/Monday!"
I probably wouldn't give out letters but just tell them bluntly if/when they ask. If they have the nerve to ask, then they deserve a blunt negative response. Just keep telling yourself that you ARE helping by making them aware of a nearby location where they can purchase the items they need. -
If YOU are supplying these things, just let them know it is for DC only. I'd just say no, sorry, that is for daycare only. If it's a common thing, perhaps you'd want to make a letter like this (adjust prices to reflect a slightly higher amount than you'd pay). Make it worth your while, and hopefully the parents will start coming prepared instead of expecting to STEAL from you- because really, taking your supplies that you pay for and using for their own time is unfair and rude:
Dear Parents,
Supplying food, diapers, formula, wipes, and other supplies is a benefit that I provide for daycare access only. Unfortunately I have had multiple times where my supplies are being used for personal purposes, which is costing me a lot of money. Effective immediately, if a parent needs to take daycare supplies offsite for personal purposes, the following charges will be assessed:
Diapers- 1.00 each
Bottle or sippy of milk- 1.00
Bottle or sippy of juice- 1.00
Snack to go- 1.00
I'm sure you understand that the daycare is not responsible to cover the cost of supplies used during personal activities.
Thank you.Comment
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LOVE it. A letter with a fee attached is the perfect idea.
And I'd make those fees HIGH
I can't believe they wouldn't bring a diaper bag with supplies needed?! That's insane! Why not just ask you to give them a stack of diapers to get them through the nights at home?Comment
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No kidding! I am still trying to decide what I am going to provide this go round. Before I had diapers and wipes on hand in case a child ran out and was happy to use them in that case but would always let my parents know how the supply was. Most would just bring me a big package and I would let them know. Not sure how I want to do it this time. But I can't imagine walking into my provider and saying " oh hey how bout some free supplies for my child?".LOVE it. A letter with a fee attached is the perfect idea.
And I'd make those fees HIGH
I can't believe they wouldn't bring a diaper bag with supplies needed?! That's insane! Why not just ask you to give them a stack of diapers to get them through the nights at home?Comment
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Parents,
Provider provided formula, milk, diapers, baby wipes are strictly for the daycare use on the premises. Please prepare properly if you have plans after pick-up and will not be going home immediately.
As of August 18, 2014, I am offering a specialized on-the-go service fee of $5 per item request. The fee must be paid in cash at the time of the request. Items will not be given on credit.
Bottle request - $5
Diaper request -$5
Snack request - $5
Juice request - $5
The on-the-go service fee is based off the recent high demand in parents’ request for on the go items. I am happy to offer the service due to the high demand.
Thank you,
Your On-Stop-Shop ProviderComment
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I would say either post a note that says something like: Please be prepared with proper supplies for your child if your not going straight home after day care or you could email this or text it to your group if you use that mode of communication. Is this really a big problem? I have the occasional request for a sippy of water or a bottle for the road or a diaper but its not a huge problem. I provide all that to and would be annoyed if parents always asked for stuff. Good luck.Comment
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Ladies thank you for these great suggestions. Unfortunately it is becoming a big issue. I have a select few parents that are now asking for supplies once a week sometimes more. I usually don't mind every now and then but weekly is a bit much.Comment
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You don't need a letter. You just need to learn to say no.
You can't write a letter for every little thing...
I would just reply when asked "I'm sorry Judy but I am willing to supply milk for Billy while he is here during the day but I can't afford to send it home with you too. Atleast not without raising my rates. If he needs a sippy cup for the ride home, you are going to have to start bringing milk from home. I am sure you understand."
It's not mean and it's not rude for you to say no. It is EXTREMELY rude and disrespectful for the parents to be taking advantage of your generosity.
Take charge of your business. You don't have to be mean. You can say exactly what I said with a smile and adding the "I'm sure you understand" at the end with a really friendly tone helps. If you stand up for yourself in this situation now, you'll be glad you did.
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Luvnmykidz you shouldn't feel bad for saying sorry but no to these parents. There are few areas I know of that if a parent forgot some simple supplies that they couldn't get to a store with those supplies they need within a few minutes. Now say if a child needed orange juice for a diabetic issue then sure give it right away. But there is NO reason for a parent to get anything from you other than say water.
Don't feel bad in the least. If anything the parent should be the one to feel bad for not supplying what their child needs. If they know their child is hungry/thirsty when they get picked up they should have that item in the car because after all they are always that way when they get picked up.
Please keep us updated on what happens. (I can't help it I am nosey!)Comment
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Thanks BC You're right and I usually don't have an issue standing up for myself but lately I haven't said much because the things the parents do seem so discourteous and I don't have tactful ways to say how I feel. This is definitely a learning process for me. I'm seeing a lot of policies that I will be enforcing that I haven't lately, but I don't want things to get too crazy. So Monday morning I will be saying a lot of NO's and enforcing policies. Thanks again ladies. I've read many posts up here to assist in pushing me like I need. :hug:
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Hey, we may not be right there WITH you but we are all here for you!Thanks BC You're right and I usually don't have an issue standing up for myself but lately I haven't said much because the things the parents do seem so discourteous and I don't have tactful ways to say how I feel. This is definitely a learning process for me. I'm seeing a lot of policies that I will be enforcing that I haven't lately, but I don't want things to get too crazy. So Monday morning I will be saying a lot of NO's and enforcing policies. Thanks again ladies. I've read many posts up here to assist in pushing me like I need. :hug:
This is a hard job and managing parents is a continual learning process no matter how long you've done this.
It's hard to step back and see things with clear eyes sometimes and other times, we second guess ourselves because we often let resentment build (silently) and then say things or do things based off that resentment.
Your situation is probably common and probably not even one the parent realizes is an issue. I doubt each parent realizes other parents are asking you for stuff too so I think just saying no, nicely but FIRMLY is the best way to keep communication lines open.
It might feel awkward at first, but everyone is here to support you so you CAN do this!! happyface happyfaceComment
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