Raise Rates or Term?

[Butter Biskets]

Okay. So when I first started, my husband desperately wanted me to fill my spots and had me reduce my rates by $200/month for a family to get them signed on (a pair of siblings). Anyways, they have been here since July and honestly, they are my worst family. The little one has been "teething" since she started and has been a constant strain with tantrums every time she is told no. Both these girls take up so much more of my time and attention that the other children lose out. If I cuddle or play with anyone else, they are always climbing over them to get to me so they can get all of the attention back. The mom messages me daily wanting updates on how the day is going and when I tell her the truth, there is always an excuse, then at drop offs and pick ups, she is always here a good ten minutes going over everything we discussed in the emails. I want to term, but obviously money is a concern, but am getting to my wits end.

My husband and I have talked about upping their rates to what the other families are paying because the those two kids are more work than the rest put together. Does anyone have any suggestions on how I could word a letter for this? I initially presented the lower rate as a sibling discount, but I no longer offer that in my contract. I never presented it with a timeline attached or anything (I know, total noob move). Although I am advertising to replace them, I don't want to offend the family by laying blame on the kids - because kids are kids, but it IS because of the kids (and the mom), if you know what I mean.

Any help would be so greatly appreciated.

[Thriftylady]

I would tell them you have a revised contract and you need to move them to it. Give them a notice to when their rates will raise. One of two things will happen, they will pay it or they will move on. Either way I would keep looking for replacements. The parents have to be on board with you, or you will keep fighting a battle you will never win with the kids.

[AmyKidsCo]

I would tell them you have a revised contract and you need to move them to it. Give them a notice to when their rates will raise. One of two things will happen, they will pay it or they will move on. Either way I would keep looking for replacements. The parents have to be on board with you, or you will keep fighting a battle you will never win with the kids.

They don't need to know that they were paying less or that it's because their kids are difficult.

[Cradle2crayons]

They don't need to know that they were paying less or that it's because their kids are difficult.

Option a:: assuming no one knows the rates of others....
Hand them a generic letter so they assume EVERYONES rates are going up

Option b:: explain you can't do sibling discounts anymore and have them sign a new contract with a new rate