It's always something

[Unregistered]

I have one family I provide part time care for their 3 kids. They are super frazzled and it's starting to wear on me.

They forget the diaper bag once a week (which has baby's milk in it and I've gone through all the milk they left for me to put in freezer). And I've had to use my son's diapers on their kids. They keep saying they will bring extra to leave her but they never do.

They always forget to pay. I've been paid every week so far but not without constant reminding.

Yesterday they sent their 1 yr old with a fever. I didn't realize he had one until he was here for an hour. It's stated that anything over 100 is not acceptable to be here. I called both parents and their work and couldn't get through. So I texted and said to pick up immediately. They finally got back to me 20 minutes later and the mom said she was in traffic (at 2:00 in the afternoon) and would be here in 45 minutes.

And they just started a month ago.

I'm not sure if I'm rightly upset or I'm just moody and tired bc I'm 7 months pregnant.

I've known them since high school (15 yrs ago) so maybe I'm just too lax with them? They are my only family I provide care for. I don't need the money but it's nice to be making my "own." KWIM?

Idk if I'm just venting or wanting advice. Feel free to leave any feedback though.

[Laurel]

I have one family I provide part time care for their 3 kids. They are super frazzled and it's starting to wear on me.

They forget the diaper bag once a week (which has baby's milk in it and I've gone through all the milk they left for me to put in freezer). And I've had to use my son's diapers on their kids. They keep saying they will bring extra to leave her but they never do.

They always forget to pay. I've been paid every week so far but not without constant reminding.

Yesterday they sent their 1 yr old with a fever. I didn't realize he had one until he was here for an hour. It's stated that anything over 100 is not acceptable to be here. I called both parents and their work and couldn't get through. So I texted and said to pick up immediately. They finally got back to me 20 minutes later and the mom said she was in traffic (at 2:00 in the afternoon) and would be here in 45 minutes.

And they just started a month ago.

I'm not sure if I'm rightly upset or I'm just moody and tired bc I'm 7 months pregnant.

I've known them since high school (15 yrs ago) so maybe I'm just too lax with them? They are my only family I provide care for. I don't need the money but it's nice to be making my "own." KWIM?

Idk if I'm just venting or wanting advice. Feel free to leave any feedback though.

From now on if they don't have the milk or diapers send them home to get it before accepting the children in. OR one daycare center I've heard of would have extra diapers on hand and charge for each one of their own they had to use. Make it expensive. Maybe remind them once the day before that payment is due the next day and that's it. If they don't remember, charge a hefty late fee and don't let them in the next day they are scheduled until it is in your hand.

Sorry you have to deal with this. Those kind of parents are a pain in the butt. It may not be politically correct but there have been times I've had a ditzy mom but dad wasn't ditzy. Had this happen with two families. I would tell dad that mom was dropping the ball and HE got on her. It was great.


Laurel

[Thriftylady]

I agree with send them home to get the stuff BEFORE you accept kiddo into care, they have to take the kids with them. Do you have a contract and handbook? I think sometimes having that is even more important with friends and family.

[Unregistered]

I do have a handbook and contract. But I never put anything about a diaper bag in it. I never realized this could become a problem while I was writing those things. Obviously I need to go back and add it. They live 45 minutes away so I would feel bad sending them to go get their stuff. I guess I'm too much of a softie right now. I need to toughen up or they will walk all over me.

[Thriftylady]

I do have a handbook and contract. But I never put anything about a diaper bag in it. I never realized this could become a problem while I was writing those things. Obviously I need to go back and add it. They live 45 minutes away so I would feel bad sending them to go get their stuff. I guess I'm too much of a softie right now. I need to toughen up or they will walk all over me.

I have in my handbook that if the child does not have the needed supplies, they will be sent home. Don't feel bad about that, bring the kiddos ready for care is the responsibility of the parent. Do it once, and you likely won't have to again.

[midaycare]

Dcf's have a choice of bringing diapers daily or bringing me a box.

If they can't remember to bring a bag, they need to bring a box. I tell them 3 days or so before the diapers run out that I need them NOW.

As for milk ... If baby can't eat, baby can't stay!

[Febby]

Either don't accept the baby unless they bring enough diapers or start charging them for using yours.

Definitely don't accept the baby unless you have enough milk!

[Annalee]

I do have a handbook and contract. But I never put anything about a diaper bag in it. I never realized this could become a problem while I was writing those things. Obviously I need to go back and add it. They live 45 minutes away so I would feel bad sending them to go get their stuff. I guess I'm too much of a softie right now. I need to toughen up or they will walk all over me.

After being in business for over 20 years, I have had to re-do contracts, policies and handbooks over the last two years and I have had to S P E L L it out. Some clients today either don't read it, don't comprehend it or just don't think it applies to them?????? Either way, the "elementary stuff" gets on my nerves but has to happen for many clients today. Good luck!

[Thriftylady]

After being in business for over 20 years, I have had to re-do contracts, policies and handbooks over the last two years and I have had to S P E L L it out. Some clients today either don't read it, don't comprehend it or just don't think it applies to them?????? Either way, the "elementary stuff" gets on my nerves but has to happen for many clients today. Good luck!

I agree with this. I seem to either get clients who are just awesome they way they are and would be that way without a handbook and contract, or the complete opposite who need every letter in both.

[Ariana]

Definitely time to find your backbone and no you are not just being "moody". They are probably not taking this seriously because you are friends. I would sit down and write a very business like and professional email outlining specifics from your contract and the new rules. Stop accepting milk and diapers and start providing them for a fee. I started doing this with my current family because I KNEW they would end up forgetting it constantly. Outline payment late fees as well and let them know that after 3 late payments the contract will be terminated.