Setting Boundaries...

[knoxmomof2]

Hey again, ladies! I've been in this 4 years (license exempt with less than 5 children). I didn't have much in the way of policies because I was new and honestly had no clue about what those would even be. I've developed a few through necessity (sick policy, payment policy..)

Lately, I've reached the point where I know I'm getting burned out and that I won't be able to continue doing this without making some changes- thanks to you ladies and your advice on my posts and others'. I would like to continue doing this, I really enjoy it!

So, I made 1 official policy change to crack down on lingerers at drop-off / pick-up. The response was 2 passively irritated Moms, 1 more accepting. I didn't go in-depth with it, just assumed common sense would dictate how to proceed and - no surprise to you all, I'm sure - it's been interesting. I finally kind of snapped at 1 DCM this morning about a particular behavior that started with the change. I feel bad now, I feel like I've created these "monsters" and maybe I didn't handle the changes right. I feel like I should have a parent meeting, explain that things are going to be changing a bit, but it is all in the interest of me being able to provide better care to their children - and to ensure I'm still around to care for their children within the next year (as opposed to new just shutting down the business). I've always been informal with these parents (clients for over 4, 3, 2 years) so this is a learning curve for us all, but I know that this needs to happen.

What do you guys think? Parent meeting? Or any other suggestions? Thanks, as always.

[Mike]

Any changes that will affect the parents, should have a notice period, so they have time to prepare for the change. How much notice depends on how big a change it is. It sounds to me like you're ready for a BIG change, make this a real business. I would get a complete handbook with all rules and policies together and make it your new official book in a couple weeks and let parents know now about the new upcoming rules.

As far as a parent meeting, that's up to you and the parents. I don't think it's necessary, but if they are parents you do discuss things with, you could set one up.

[knoxmomof2]

Thanks! I'm almost done with a handbook, just been playing around with creating one. So, that's doable very soon.

The advice about notice is very helpful as well. You're right.

Any changes that will affect the parents, should have a notice period, so they have time to prepare for the change. How much notice depends on how big a change it is. It sounds to me like you're ready for a BIG change, make this a real business. I would get a complete handbook with all rules and policies together and make it your new official book in a couple weeks and let parents know now about the new upcoming rules.

As far as a parent meeting, that's up to you and the parents. I don't think it's necessary, but if they are parents you do discuss things with, you could set one up.

[thrivingchildcarecom]

Change can be hard at first, but eventually, people get use to it or at least accept it. You might mention to your parents that the change is more for the child than you. If you feel it necessary offer to discuss why you made the change.

I like to issue a memo whenever I make a policy change. I can use that opportunity to explain the what, why and when.

I think it is a good idea to give notice, but not an extended notice, regarding a change. Check out this information for how I make my policy changes.

Hope that helps!

[Ariana]

Absolutely NO to a parent meeting. These are changes you are making so just inform them of the changes with no apologies. A meeting opens you up to arguements and a boundary battle. They will try to get their own way so I suggest you ditch the meeting idea!

I would email everyone on a Friday with the new policy handbook attached and briefly describe why you are making some changes. Then give a hard copy of the handbook next time you see them.

Dear DCF,
Happy Friday! I am writing to let you know that I will be implementing some new daycare policies effective immediately. This won't have much of an effect on our day to day routines but these are policies I have decided I need to create more of a boundary between my work and home life. I am sure you can understand. I have attached the new policies in this parent handbook for you to look over and will provide a hardcopy when I see you next week. Please feel free to let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Enjoy your weekend,
Knoxmomof2

[childcaremom]

Absolutely NO to a parent meeting. These are changes you are making so just inform them of the changes with no apologies. A meeting opens you up to arguements and a boundary battle. They will try to get their own way so I suggest you ditch the meeting idea!

I would email everyone on a Friday with the new policy handbook attached and briefly describe why you are making some changes. Then give a hard copy of the handbook next time you see them.

Dear DCF,
Happy Friday! I am writing to let you know that I will be implementing some new daycare policies effective immediately. This won't have much of an effect on our day to day routines but these are policies I have decided I need to create more of a boundary between my work and home life. I am sure you can understand. I have attached the new policies in this parent handbook for you to look over and will provide a hardcopy when I see you next week. Please feel free to let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Enjoy your weekend,
Knoxmomof2

I would maybe add a verbal reminder at pick up to check their email.

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

Loosey goosey moms who don't like rules will get upset. Don't be surprised that it is happening or will happen. All of my loosey goosey policy haters always come around after a month or so of creating a new policy. In the meantime, they might be a little rude/short/etc. and I pretend I don't notice because I have no time to play games with an adult who can say something directly to me if they need to.

No meeting needed. You aren't their employee asking if changes are okay. You are a business owner implementing new policies. Send out a notice and have them effective immediately or within a certain time period. Be sure to include a new part of your handbook that states that new policies can be implemented with or without advance notice in the future.

[Controlled Chaos]

I agree to no meeting.

Whenever you deliver a message that may be hard for a dcp to hear - just remember to day it with a smile, with confidence and with no apologies. "As of Monday, drop offs and pick ups must last no longer than 2 minutes. I need to keep my focus on the children and when parents linger it distracts me from my job - keeping your little ones safe! Thank you for your cooperation and understanding." Then just smile and stare at them. Don't keep talking, let it sink in, open the door for them and wish them a fantastic day.

[Ariana]

I agree to no meeting.

Whenever you deliver a message that may be hard for a dcp to hear - just remember to day it with a smile, with confidence and with no apologies. "As of Monday, drop offs and pick ups must last no longer than 2 minutes. I need to keep my focus on the children and when parents linger it distracts me from my job - keeping your little ones safe! Thank you for your cooperation and understanding." Then just smile and stare at them. Don't keep talking, let it sink in, open the door for them and wish them a fantastic day.

This!! The more you talk and defend yourself the more they see you as not being serious! Trust me I have been there and learned the hard way :hug: