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Hey everyone!
I started watching an infant at the beginning of October - first time mom, dad not involved, she is the only child I have other than my own. Mom works unpredictable hours, which I knew well in advance and agreed that I could accommodate. Due to the industry she works in, sometimes I get less than 24 hrs notice and I am available to her 24/7, which is also ok with me. With a few exceptions, the baby goes wherever my children and I go - the grocery store, museums, parks, etc. Otherwise I let mom know we are doing XYZ on this date and it is your choice if you want to make other arrangements or bring her over anyway.
I mentioned to her in the beginning about putting together a contract and I'm feeling like I need to do this sooner than later, but I can't find a thread from anyone who has a similar situation where I can get some guidance on what to include. There has been some question as to rates for certain situations and I've held my ground based on previous conversations she and I have had via Facebook or texting. I basically want to make sure things are clear, that I cover what I need to, but not have unnecessary additions to the contract. Mom is easy to work with overall, despite some issues with helicopter parenting and texting about fingernail scratches and/or small injuries that she admits may have happened on her watch.
At the moment, I am charging $25 for up to 12 hours, $40 for over 12, $40 for split shift regardless even if it's under 12 hours, and $50 if it's overnight. I am considering bumping this up by $5 when the baby turns one toward the end of the year. I don't plan on watching any other children - this little one is it. I didn't require a deposit, don't intend to charge her for vacation time, and she pays daily in cash upon pickup. If her hours get cancelled at the last minute, I don't charge her. I am super flexible and work with her as much as I can without allowing the uncertainty of her hours control what my children and I do.
Other than rates, what else would you deem necessary to include in the contract and would you also recommend creating a handbook?
I started watching an infant at the beginning of October - first time mom, dad not involved, she is the only child I have other than my own. Mom works unpredictable hours, which I knew well in advance and agreed that I could accommodate. Due to the industry she works in, sometimes I get less than 24 hrs notice and I am available to her 24/7, which is also ok with me. With a few exceptions, the baby goes wherever my children and I go - the grocery store, museums, parks, etc. Otherwise I let mom know we are doing XYZ on this date and it is your choice if you want to make other arrangements or bring her over anyway.
I mentioned to her in the beginning about putting together a contract and I'm feeling like I need to do this sooner than later, but I can't find a thread from anyone who has a similar situation where I can get some guidance on what to include. There has been some question as to rates for certain situations and I've held my ground based on previous conversations she and I have had via Facebook or texting. I basically want to make sure things are clear, that I cover what I need to, but not have unnecessary additions to the contract. Mom is easy to work with overall, despite some issues with helicopter parenting and texting about fingernail scratches and/or small injuries that she admits may have happened on her watch.
At the moment, I am charging $25 for up to 12 hours, $40 for over 12, $40 for split shift regardless even if it's under 12 hours, and $50 if it's overnight. I am considering bumping this up by $5 when the baby turns one toward the end of the year. I don't plan on watching any other children - this little one is it. I didn't require a deposit, don't intend to charge her for vacation time, and she pays daily in cash upon pickup. If her hours get cancelled at the last minute, I don't charge her. I am super flexible and work with her as much as I can without allowing the uncertainty of her hours control what my children and I do.
Other than rates, what else would you deem necessary to include in the contract and would you also recommend creating a handbook?
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