How Would You Respond?!?!

[Unregistered]

I have a family that I watched there older daughter for almost 4 years. Mom and dad split, mom gets remarried, I really like the new husband. Probably my favorite DCP. Anyway, DG ages out, parents have a new baby that they want me to watch. I changed a lot of policies in the 2 years they were gone, they knew this. I gave them all new paperwork, they signed and started and every thing went super smooth. 3 months in, mom asks how much she owes me for Thankingsgiving week. I told her the same as every week because I no longer don't charge for my 15 days a year that I am off, my policy states this. She's says no problem. Then I get this text from DCD:
Why do we have to pay for the entire week when it is a 1 day Holliday and you closed for 3 days? You never did that with DCG? (This is SO not like him!)

Me:Because I realized that I was pretty much the only daycare that didn't charge for closings My policy list the days that I am closed and that payment is due regardless. (I assumed this would be the end of it)

DCD:I just want to let you know I do think that's crappy, weve given you money for years with one child under a policy and now with second we have to pay more because of this during the holidays.

Me:I'm very sorry you feel that way. Did you not read the policy before you signed it? I have already made a ton of allowances for you guys based on our friendship that I wouldn't dream of doing for anyone else. I changed the policy on holidays 2 years ago and no one has ever questioned it, some parents even told me it was silly that I hadn't been charging the whole time. Is there something else that is nothing you guys concerning my care for New baby? I'll be honest, I'm shocked by your reaction.

DCD:
No there are no problems, I just didnt know that policy. I just knew what we had from DCG. Im glad we have a good friendship with our daycare, I just had the mindset from then.

[Unregistered]

I am the original poster, I wasn't finished, but it won't let me edit?

Anyway, would you leave it at that, or add to it? I feel like I need to let him know that that was not the right way to handle the situation. It was rude and very unexpected considering we have never had even a miner issue in the almost 7 years I have delt with this family. What would you do?

[Unregistered]

I would let it go. It will probably be awkward for a few weeks, but I wouldn't let it ruin everything or take the chance of escalating something that, to me, appears to be over. Imo, I think he acknowledged his error, and even though he may not agree with it, he realizes you were in the right and he was in the wrong.

Monkey Toes

[Laurel]

I would let it go. It will probably be awkward for a few weeks, but I wouldn't let it ruin everything or take the chance of escalating something that, to me, appears to be over. Imo, I think he acknowledged his error, and even though he may not agree with it, he realizes you were in the right and he was in the wrong.

Monkey Toes

[e.j.]

If it were me, I'd leave it alone for now, too. His attitude was pretty "crappy" though. I wouldn't be too surprised if they give their notice at some point during the next few weeks - if they can find another day care that doesn't charge for holidays/days off.

[Shell]

You handled that very well. What nerve to challenge your policies like that! I also would leave it, but if anything else happens, I would photocopy the contract just to remind him of what he signed. Agree with e.j.- I woulnt be surprised if they start looking at other daycares, but they will quickly realize how good They've got it with you.

[CraftyMom]

They must have been given a copy of the policies, correct? So he just didn't read it? Or assumed that since you had a good relationship and they didn't pay this for the first child that you would make an exception for them?

I would say something like this to avoid them challenging anything else you may have changed, "After the misunderstanding with my payment policy, I would like to ask at this time if you would like me to review my polices with you? Several things have changed since your time here. I just want to be sure we are on the same page going forward".

[rosieteddy]

I would leave it alone.He knows he was wrong and you have a sighned policy booklet.I ran into this with a long term parent last spring.My policy is no picking up and dropping back off after Dr appointments.When parent questioned the policy with a snarky :then what am I paying you for"commentI refered her to my policy.She was not happy for a couple of weeks but it blew over.New contracts were issued Sept with closingsfor Holidays and vacations listed .Next to the closings for Thanksgiving and Christmas she pencilled idddn 'PERSONAL DAYS?"i IGNORED THAT AND AT THE BEGINNING OF nOV SENT OUT A NOTICE TO ALL EXPLAINING DAYS OFF AND HOLIDAY CLOSINGS ,POSTED IT AND SAID NOTHING. Sorry for capitals didn't look up.