How Would You Proceed with Parent?

[sleepinghart]

I'm registered, but logged out for privacy purposes.

I'm wondering how you would all proceed in the following situation:
-I have a parent that has made chronically late payments (nearly all in the 3+ months of care have been late (in my contract, it is requested the day before service; I generally receive it at the end of the first day of care).
-I've given a reminder most of those times
-Last week only a partial payment was made, and a deadline was sent for the small amount that was still due. The deadline for that payment was missed.
-I've also had to give many reminders about other policies. I feel like I'm very frequently in a position of having to remind myself to send reminders (I'd really like to get away from doing this. It really is a wasteful task).
-I sent a very professional, but direct email on Saturday morning reminding mom of the policy and that, going forward, it would be strictly enforced.
-Mom was displeased with my email, and found me unhelpful. The conversation felt somewhat tense, and I stated that we needed to speak in person or on the phone before the first day of care (Wed). I explained the importance of positive communication and relationships, and I'm truly not comfortable inviting the family back into my home until we have a conversation without children present. I'm far more concerned about this turn in our communication than I am the late payments or need for frequent reminders.

I haven't heard back from mom, and I feel as though (a) my flexibility was taken advantage of and (b) I truly hate nagging and don't want to continue to do so. I'm feeling inclined to terminate care, but I want to be fair and not be too hasty. I LOVE the child (definitely a highlight of our week when she is here), and I really do adore mom, too. I just feel as though our business arrangement may not be working. Do really DON'T want to send a reminder that we need to speak, because this is exactly what I want to stop doing.

What would you do?

(^bolding^ by me)
~I doubt you will ever see them again(now, she may contact you some time in the future regarding a refund though). She probably has no intention of bringing her child back into your care on Wednesday, or ever, so that's why you haven't heard back...no need to have a talk if you're not going back(in her mind of course). I do wish you the best howeverlovethis!

[Unregistered]

Update!

Thank you all for your EXCELLENT advice. I have to say this story ended WAY better than I could have imagined. I didn't hear back from mom, so I emailed with follow-up steps regarding ending care. Mom responded, and we were able to talk through the issue and it ended on a really positive note. I think it is likely this situation was inevitable, but it would have been MUCH easier to have it happen at the start of care, rather than when we had a history of ignoring policies and strong personal relationship built. By not enforcing the policies, I certainly sent the message that they were optional. I'm super happy that we were able to reset and I didn't lose the family (because on a personal level I ADORE them). Maybe there is also a lesson here about establishing strictly professional relationships...

[Thriftylady]

Thank you all for your EXCELLENT advice. I have to say this story ended WAY better than I could have imagined. I didn't hear back from mom, so I emailed with follow-up steps regarding ending care. Mom responded, and we were able to talk through the issue and it ended on a really positive note. I think it is likely this situation was inevitable, but it would have been MUCH easier to have it happen at the start of care, rather than when we had a history of ignoring policies and strong personal relationship built. By not enforcing the policies, I certainly sent the message that they were optional. I'm super happy that we were able to reset and I didn't lose the family (because on a personal level I ADORE them). Maybe there is also a lesson here about establishing strictly professional relationships...

I struggle with backbone also. It just always really does seem if you give an inch they want a mile. So I try to remember that to help keep me from caving.

[Annalee]

Thank you all for your EXCELLENT advice. I have to say this story ended WAY better than I could have imagined. I didn't hear back from mom, so I emailed with follow-up steps regarding ending care. Mom responded, and we were able to talk through the issue and it ended on a really positive note. I think it is likely this situation was inevitable, but it would have been MUCH easier to have it happen at the start of care, rather than when we had a history of ignoring policies and strong personal relationship built. By not enforcing the policies, I certainly sent the message that they were optional. I'm super happy that we were able to reset and I didn't lose the family (because on a personal level I ADORE them). Maybe there is also a lesson here about establishing strictly professional relationships...

Even being in business for 24 years this year, I catch myself ignoring/thinking it is a mishap/that it will correct itself.....not happening....gotta stay professional....I just sent out memos to hold your child's hand when leaving/sign in-out daily/do not bring bags that do not fit in your cubby..... Sounds so elementary but this is the client/parent/guardian generation we live in :confused:::

[Blackcat31]

Thank you all for your EXCELLENT advice. I have to say this story ended WAY better than I could have imagined. I didn't hear back from mom, so I emailed with follow-up steps regarding ending care. Mom responded, and we were able to talk through the issue and it ended on a really positive note. I think it is likely this situation was inevitable, but it would have been MUCH easier to have it happen at the start of care, rather than when we had a history of ignoring policies and strong personal relationship built. By not enforcing the policies, I certainly sent the message that they were optional. I'm super happy that we were able to reset and I didn't lose the family (because on a personal level I ADORE them). Maybe there is also a lesson here about establishing strictly professional relationships...

That ^^ (bolded part) is THE reason I've stayed in business as long as I have.

It's the reason I don't stress about my job
It's the reason I love my job
It's the reason my job is super easy
It's THE reason I rarely have issues regarding payments, closed days, illness issues, drop off/pick up times and other common issues we see in regards to this job.

[Mike]

That ^^ (bolded part) is THE reason I've stayed in business as long as I have.

It's the reason I don't stress about my job
It's the reason I love my job
It's the reason my job is super easy
It's THE reason I rarely have issues regarding payments, closed days, illness issues, drop off/pick up times and other common issues we see in regards to this job.

Hopefully my years of business experience will help me keep this new business as professional as you keep yours.