When A Parent Tells You That They Are Your Boss

[melilley]

I am mad for you! I'm a really nice person, but I think that would have sent me over the edge. I would have had to say something to dcm right then, she definitely feels the same. I know, easier said than done. I agree with other pp's. If you get paid for her even if she's not there, I would take her tuition and then give two weeks when they get back.
I'm sorry they are treating you like that.

[NeedaVaca]

I am mad for you! I'm a really nice person, but I think that would have sent me over the edge. I would have had to say something to dcm right then, she definitely feels the same. I know, easier said than done. I agree with other pp's. If you get paid for her even if she's not there, I would take her tuition and then give two weeks when they get back.
I'm sorry they are treating you like that.

Yes to all the posters that said get the $ and give 2 weeks notice when they get back! Plus you can start advertising now for a spot available January and have it filled before the month is up!

[AuntTami]

I am mad for you! I'm a really nice person, but I think that would have sent me over the edge. I would have had to say something to dcm right then, she definitely feels the same. I know, easier said than done. I agree with other pp's. If you get paid for her even if she's not there, I would take her tuition and then give two weeks when they get back.
I'm sorry they are treating you like that.

What in the actual heck!? As his "employee" I would quit effective immediately. There's no way that I would put up with that. You are not his employee. You do not work for him. You work for YOURSELF! And I would not allow him to think that way any longer. That's not acceptable. Stores don't stay open because we're running late. Neither do I. Tell him if he prefers, you can schedule your appointments during the day and then have to close for the entire day so he will have to find alternate arrangements for his daughter on those days then. Lol. I'm so sorry he's treating you this way. That's just not fair and like the previous posters, I'm mad and upset for you. I would term effectively immediately whether I could actually afford to or not. I don't work for anyone but myself(and my dogs. They're nice enough to let us live in THEIR house after all LOL)

[rosieteddy]

If you are paid for that vacation take the check,cash it and send a 2 week notice . You have earned it.If it is not a paid vacation and you can fill the spot just start advertising then give notice when spot is full.At the very least I would put them straight about late pick ups and not being there employee.

[Josiegirl]

I agree with all the others. I'd let them go on vaca, then give them their 2 weeks' notice when they return, during which time if they are late even once you need to seriously increase their late fees because you just know they'll abuse the rules.
I feel someone with that much lack of respect will never change. It's too bad they're such a long term family, you've probably gotten very attached to their little girl.

[Rockgirl]

Hmm....I wonder why he isn't providing all your daycare equipment and supplies if he's your employer? You might even ask him about health insurance! Seriously, though, I would not tolerate him another day.

[melilley]

I don't work for anyone but myself(and my dogs. They're nice enough to let us live in THEIR house after all LOL)

Lol, my dh always says "It's Tucker's world, you're just living in it". Tucker is our lab baby...

[Blackcat31]

I actually address this line of thinking during the interview and in my handbook.

Its actually pretty common for parents to view you as an employee.
Doesn't make it right but it is still common thinking as anyone that pays for a service feels they can or should have some sort of control over those services and in a way they sort of do. The choices they have however are definitely not the same choices I feel they have but still every consumer has a choice.

The only control y clients have in regards to services is whether they choose to purchase those services I offer or not. That is the only choice they have.

Parents, however view the choices they have in much broader terms and feel they should be able to dictate hours, attendance, meals, napping and curriculum policies.

Since I "KNOW" a lot of prospective clients come to the interview with that train of thought, I make sure to address it clearly and thoroughly during the interview process. When BOTH parties (the parent and provider) fully understand what each party is bringing to the agreement, it definitely helps keep the relationship in working order.

The wording in my handbook says this:

"Please remember that I, as a child care provider, own my business and offer services for a fee. I am not an employee of any entity, company, licensing agency or client. I set my own guidelines, policies and decide which services to offer.

You, as the parent, must decide if the services I offer meet your needs."

~HTH

[Unregistered]

I would....

Take their one month in advance check, let them go on vacation, and give them their 2 week notice when they return.

Because as their employee I would feel that I really didn't owe them much at all. As their employee, I would take advantage of getting paid 2 weeks and not having their child. rda

And also because I'd love to tell them that as an employer they should know not to "bitch" when an employee screws them over and quits suddenly. Happens all the time to employers.

F@$&ing rights!!!!!!

[DaveA]

That would be the end of that family coming to my business. No way in H@LL is that going to fly.

I would be very blunt- "Since you don't seem to understand the concept of using my business's service, you can find care somewhere else immediately. I am no longer offering my service to you, effective immediately."

[Meeko]

This would be a term for me.

But I would have fun first. Smile big. Tell her that her husband needs to bring all the paperwork for you to sign. When she asks what paperwork, explain that as an employer, he is responsible for taking care of your taxes, Social Security, etc etc. and you will need proof at the end of the year showing all tax contributions he has made on your behalf.... etc.

When she looks shocked, wipe off the smile and say "Exactly. I am NOT your employee" and hand her the kid's stuff.

[LysesKids]

I actually address this line of thinking during the interview and in my handbook.

Its actually pretty common for parents to view you as an employee.
Doesn't make it right but it is still common thinking as anyone that pays for a service feels they can or should have some sort of control over those services and in a way they sort of do. The choices they have however are definitely not the same choices I feel they have but still every consumer has a choice.

The only control y clients have in regards to services is whether they choose to purchase those services I offer or not. That is the only choice they have.

Parents, however view the choices they have in much broader terms and feel they should be able to dictate hours, attendance, meals, napping and curriculum policies.

Since I "KNOW" a lot of prospective clients come to the interview with that train of thought, I make sure to address it clearly and thoroughly during the interview process. When BOTH parties (the parent and provider) fully understand what each party is bringing to the agreement, it definitely helps keep the relationship in working order.

The wording in my handbook says this:

"Please remember that I, as a child care provider, own my business and offer services for a fee. I am not an employee of any entity, company, licensing agency or client. I set my own guidelines, policies and decide which services to offer.

You, as the parent, must decide if the services I offer meet your needs."

~HTH

My handbook states it this way...

I am a professional Child Care Provider ... I am also a small business.
I am not a Babysitter, your personal Nanny or your Employee and
as such I expect my clients to show respect for my home, myself and my family.

[Shell]

This would be a term for me.

But I would have fun first. Smile big. Tell her that her husband needs to bring all the paperwork for you to sign. When she asks what paperwork, explain that as an employer, he is responsible for taking care of your taxes, Social Security, etc etc. and you will need proof at the end of the year showing all tax contributions he has made on your behalf.... etc.

When she looks shocked, wipe off the smile and say "Exactly. I am NOT your employee" and hand her the kid's stuff.

lovethis This is fantastic!

[Wednesday!]

i would....

Take their one month in advance check, let them go on vacation, and give them their 2 week notice when they return.

Because as their employee i would feel that i really didn't owe them much at all. As their employee, i would take advantage of getting paid 2 weeks and not having their child.

And also because i'd love to tell them that as an employer they should know not to "bitch" when an employee screws them over and quits suddenly. Happens all the time to employers.

bahahaha!!

[Heidi]

This would be a term for me.

But I would have fun first. Smile big. Tell her that her husband needs to bring all the paperwork for you to sign. When she asks what paperwork, explain that as an employer, he is responsible for taking care of your taxes, Social Security, etc etc. and you will need proof at the end of the year showing all tax contributions he has made on your behalf.... etc.

When she looks shocked, wipe off the smile and say "Exactly. I am NOT your employee" and hand her the kid's stuff.

That's what I was thinking, too. If he is her employer, he needs to withhold taxes, pay at least minimum wage, and provide the equipment and materials for her to do her job.

I wouldn't term. I'd just tell them THAT, followed by something like "now, I don't want to have this conversation again, so if we aren't all on the same page, I suggest you give me your two week's notice".