I Finally Did It...

[ChelseaB]

I posted a little while back about one of my DCM who was essentially taking advantage of me (late on payments and giving me a sob story about her being a single mother with no child support and a low-paying job...yet she was out every weekend partying; continuously trying to manipulate my policies and contract; even becoming somewhat involved in my personal life where I have major issues). Well, a couple of weeks back, I had handed out an updated contract in an attempt to enforce prepay. However, she has been playing catch up and getting further and further behind. Needless to say, after basically telling me that she was broke (again), and couldn't afford to pay me, I then saw another one of those FB posts where she was (surprise) out with friends. After telling me she was sick and in bed. Really?!?

This morning, I was so mad that I didn't care anymore about being nice. I texted her (since she has been refusing To answer my calls), and I informed her that she would no longer be permitted to bring DCG until she paid me for the past due balance and started prepay. Of course, she came back with how she was sick and broke, to which I confronted her about the picture and post. She tried to deny and claimed it was from a different night. Doesn't matter. Not my business. However, daycare IS my business, and I can no longer afford to play her game. Game over. I don't expect to hear much out of her anymore.

[midaycare]

I posted a little while back about one of my DCM who was essentially taking advantage of me (late on payments and giving me a sob story about her being a single mother with no child support and a low-paying job...yet she was out every weekend partying; continuously trying to manipulate my policies and contract; even becoming somewhat involved in my personal life where I have major issues). Well, a couple of weeks back, I had handed out an updated contract in an attempt to enforce prepay. However, she has been playing catch up and getting further and further behind. Needless to say, after basically telling me that she was broke (again), and couldn't afford to pay me, I then saw another one of those FB posts where she was (surprise) out with friends. After telling me she was sick and in bed. Really?!?

This morning, I was so mad that I didn't care anymore about being nice. I texted her (since she has been refusing To answer my calls), and I informed her that she would no longer be permitted to bring DCG until she paid me for the past due balance and started prepay. Of course, she came back with how she was sick and broke, to which I confronted her about the picture and post. She tried to deny and claimed it was from a different night. Doesn't matter. Not my business. However, daycare IS my business, and I can no longer afford to play her game. Game over. I don't expect to hear much out of her anymore.

Good for you! happyface

[Josiegirl]

Way to go!!! Sorry to hear she still owes you money but sometimes it's better to cut your losses instead of incurring more. Until she gains some responsibility and maturity, she'll be floundering. Maybe you're helping knock some sense into her.

[ChelseaB]

Way to go!!! Sorry to hear she still owes you money but sometimes it's better to cut your losses instead of incurring more. Until she gains some responsibility and maturity, she'll be floundering. Maybe you're helping knock some sense into her.

I forgot to mention that DCM and DCD are separated, and I contracted them separately so that her shortcomings would not affect his schedule and care. He is well aware of her antics, and he whole heartedly agrees with my decision, believing this to be a much needed wake-up call! AND, he agreed to pay her balance so as not to leave me shorted. So effectively, I'm not going to lose that money, and I at least get to keep DCG part time -- meaning my income won't be Significantly lowered while I look for a replacement!! happyfacehappyface

I know that's a lot different than what others would have done, but I found it to be the simplest solution at the time since it appeared that the parents could NOT agree, and it was better than losing that financial stability entirely.

But it's thanks to you all and my hubby for helping provide me the advice and backbone I needed to cut off a leech!

[Stephnrich]

Congrats to you!

[Ariana]

Oh the old single mom trick! I fell for that one too. Mom was getting a divorce gave me a sob story about being broke and a low paying job etc. ao I lowered her daily rate... but yet she kept on with her expensive gym membership and personal trainer after the divorce. I never for a minute thought she could afford that. Ridiculous!

[ChelseaB]

Oh the old single mom trick! I fell for that one too. Mom was getting a divorce gave me a sob story about being broke and a low paying job etc. ao I lowered her daily rate... but yet she kept on with her expensive gym membership and personal trainer after the divorce. I never for a minute thought she could afford that. Ridiculous!

Exactly!! She would frequently have her hair and nails done too, as well as a tanning membership, in addition to her outings! I never lowered my flat rate for her since it's already very low, but I did allow her to start paying just for days she used for a short period of her first "crisis", and I tolerated her playing catch up. I started noticing what she was doing around that time though and nicely told her since it seemed things were straightening out, that I was going to go back to our original agreement. I've had to enforce that ever since, but she keeps asking for breaks when I witness what she's still doing -- not happening. You need to be making work and your child care a priority. Not the fun stuff.

[ChelseaB]

I'm also very surprised that I haven't been unfriended or blocked -- which would be fine with me, I couldn't care less! Her personal life isn't my business, and it makes it easier for me to enforce my policies!

[Thriftylady]

I have made it a point not to be friends on FB with clients. But it would be harder if we were already friends on FB. But I totally think you did the right thing.

[Gemma]

I know that's a lot different than what others would have done, but I found it to be the simplest solution at the time since it appeared that the parents could NOT agree, and it was better than losing that financial stability entirely.

You did well, I would have done the same!