That Family

[Meeko]

No pay. No stay.

Every. Single. Time.

They will keep doing this, because you are allowing it.

And I'm not saying that to be bossy. I'm saying it because "Been there. Done that"

I used to think that if I let people slide on paymeny or rules, I was being 'sensitive" and that they would love me for it and not want to do it again etc etc.

Wrong! If you give an inch they WILL take a mile.

After 30 plus years at this, I now know better and enforce policy.

You will grow that backbone, I promise!!lovethis

[AmyKidsCo]

"I want to be reasonable. But I want to make it clear that this will not happen again. If payment due dates need to be changed than I can work with that. But I need to know when I'm getting paid so IF they don't pay on time I can/will hold them accountable."

It sounds like you're OK being paid on DCM's paydays but want to know for sure that those are the dates that you'll be paid.

If that's the case I'd change their contract to those dates and have them make an extra payment so they're caught up. Basically, their 26th payment would be other families' 1st and their 12th payment would be other families' 15th payment. That way they pay on DCM's paydays and you're not behind in payments. You could let them divide the extra payment up over 2 paydays so they don't have to pay a huge amount at once.

[LostMyMarbles]

You could just let her write her own contract...I'm kidding...by constantly rewriting a contract for her, she is in control. We can not constantly rewrite a contract for every parent for every thing they don't want to comply with. They signed it before starting, they agreed to these requests.

I know it is hard to have a back bone. I have let people slide sometimes, but I decided to take charge, I feel better about my business when I run it. Can you call your mortgage company and rewrite you contract. Nope!

I agree with no pay no stay. That will shake the, up.

Please let us know your outcome!

[e.j.]

I want them to fall in line, but don't want to beat them with the rule book all of the sudden when they are used to my weak backbone. I mean, can I just whip out my policies and snack them with it and go "It's on! Now!" Or do I wean them into it by telling them that this is how it is, last weak backbone, last month to straighten up, or they are getting hit with my policies?

It sounds as though you really do need to beat them with the rule book. You've put up with way too much for way too long already and rather than appreciate your kindness, they're still thumbing their nose at you. She signed the new contract so she knows what your payment policy is. You spoke with her husband about the overdue payment so he knows they owe you money and yet neither parent has acted to get you that check - or even had the courtesy to talk to you about it. They don't need to be "weaned in to it"; they already know what your payment policy is; they're choosing not to respect it. I agree with the others when they said, "No Pay/No Stay".

[mommyneedsadayoff]

You could just let her write her own contract...I'm kidding...by constantly rewriting a contract for her, she is in control. We can not constantly rewrite a contract for every parent for every thing they don't want to comply with. They signed it before starting, they agreed to these requests.

I know it is hard to have a back bone. I have let people slide sometimes, but I decided to take charge, I feel better about my business when I run it. Can you call your mortgage company and rewrite you contract. Nope!

I agree with no pay no stay. That will shake the, up.

Please let us know your outcome!

I completely agree. If they need to change payment days, it is on THEM to make that request, in person, and before payment is due. You have been more than reasonable and you are verging on being turned into a complete door mat. Take back control and enforce payment dates and late fees. Keep it simple. Text: "Dcm, payment is due on the first and you are late. Total owed at this point is $$ and is due at drop off tomorrow. Care will be suspended until payment is made." Then follow through. The first time is the hardest! You can do it! :hug:

[Denali]

Update:

Friday at drop off dcm came with DCG and their new puppy. Pretty sure it was to hopefully distract me from asking about money, as she dropped DCG off and never stopped talking about the puppy and her being so busy, turned to run out the door, only for my to bluntly ask about payment. She said "oh no! I almost forgot! I'll get the check!" But of course leaving DCG with me and putting wiggly puppy in her arms. Told her "I'll hold the puppy while you do that! Less you have to struggle with!" Thinking that she was going to get to the car and tell me that she'll have to pay me this afternoon. But I had pretty much just took the puppy from her and made a cow about how cute he was so she had no choice but to either pay me.

she gave me a check. Signed new contract for her new due dates to be on her paydays. Thanks me for working with them and how they were having a hard time with money, that she would have to start working on Fridays again and such and such... I've hard this sad story and knew what was waiting.

I was not able to get the her bank until after daycare closed. Bank declined the check. Went back this morning and again they declined it.

So, I have called and left a message that her bank is telling me the check she gave me is no good and to please call me as soon as she is able. Im planning on trying again tomorrow again. Though I'm not sure of what I'm going to say...

I do know that-

-Payments will be cash only, due on time, no pay no stay.
-I will be charging her my late payment fees for this. I may wave them if I get a return call this weekend. And I get cash first thing Monday morning.
-late payment fees will be charged from now on, no exceptions. I will never wave fees again for them.
-replace as soon as I can.
-if they fall out of line once, they are gone.

Question:

-I have a $30 returned/nfs check fee. Should I charge this?
-what should I say tomorrow when I call? I have a feeling that she'll keep ignoring my calls and try and tell me that she didn't get the voicemails this weekend and try and drop off Monday.
-should I follow my calls up with a text? Or just wait for Monday and see if she shows?

[Unregistered]

Yes to adding the NSF charge and late fees. All must be paid up in cash before child enters care again.Once all is paid up in full, I would then issue a two week notice.

They have shown how far down on their priority list paying you is.

[sharlan]

I would send one last text - NO PAY, NO STAY.

Do not let them make their financial problems become yours. Stand firm.

[MunchkinWrangler]

Do not, I repeat, DO NOT allow them into care until EVERYTHING is paid up. The issues you were dealing with were the tio of the iceberg leading to dcm to pull this crap.


I wouldn't even have any sort of conversation with the parents. Either they pay what they owe on top of any prepaid monies owed for care or your contract needs to be terminated immediately and you absolutely have a small claims case on your hands. They are obligated to pay for services rendered. This is theft by swindle, technically.

They would also be put on a cash only basis from here on out. As well as no money, no care.

On a side note I would have refused to have them bring in the new puppy into my home. They obviously had money to purchase a new pet but no money to pay for their childcare??? That's a bunch of BS! The audacity!!:dislike:

[Unregistered]

I would bet they don't even show up. If you don't hear from her in a day or two file a small claims immediately.

Kim

[Snowmom]

So... they can afford a new puppy but not daycare? Classy.

[Leigh]

So... they can afford a new puppy but not daycare? Classy.

Exactly. Puppies are freaking expensive. Sounds like they're not having money problems, but PRIORITY problems.

[Nurse Jackie]

Exactly. Puppies are freaking expensive. Sounds like they're not having money problems, but PRIORITY problems.

Yep I was thinking the exact same thing. But hey people will do to you what you allow them to do.

[Rockgirl]

At this point, I'd require the entire balance to be paid in cash, then term. She knew exactly what she was doing, handing you a bad check. And that's after trying to slip out without even giving you one at all. Payment will always be an issue with this family, in my opinion.

[Unregistered]

*Anxiously eating popcorn, waiting to see what happens tomorrow morning*

Seriously, the nerve of this dcf... I would also accept cash only and then immediately term. But I do not believe they will be showing up.

I hope everything works out in the best possible way for you. Good luck!