DCP Sticks Foot In Her Big Giant Mouth

[KTsKids]

Wonder what her reaction was when she realized her giant blunder.

After I told her she had dialed the wrong number there was this awkward pause, she says "Oh... uh... Katie? Oh... Sorry" then hangs up. I haven't heard a word from her since, she's probably mortified.

I'm going to have to address the issue today. Sunday is a regularly scheduled day for DCB so I need to go ahead and terminate. This is the second time in nearly 7 years of childcare that I've had to term anyone. Would it be totally unprofessional to do it via text message? I'm not sure how often she check's her e-mail and I'm afraid of what I will end up saying if I call her. I didn't term last night because I wanted to to cool off first, but the longer I think about it the more angry I get! If I were her I'd be too embarrassed/ashamed to bring him back anyway...

[racemom]

After I told her she had dialed the wrong number there was this awkward pause, she says "Oh... uh... Katie? Oh... Sorry" then hangs up. I haven't heard a word from her since, she's probably mortified.

I'm going to have to address the issue today. Sunday is a regularly scheduled day for DCB so I need to go ahead and terminate. This is the second time in nearly 7 years of childcare that I've had to term anyone. Would it be totally unprofessional to do it via text message? I'm not sure how often she check's her e-mail and I'm afraid of what I will end up saying if I call her. I didn't term last night because I wanted to to cool off first, but the longer I think about it the more angry I get! If I were her I'd be too embarrassed/ashamed to bring him back anyway...

I think it would be fine to term by text. She would probably prefer that also, if she is as embarrassed as she should be, she probably doesn't want to talk to you! That way you also have a written record incase things go bad.

[Alwaysgreener]

Poor dcb, this is a case of medical neglect. She was willing to risk her child's life by not properly medicating, either by overdosing or under. Then withholding that info from you. Not to mention her not taking care of her child when he needs her. Part of me says call CPS, but it would be your word against hers.

I would term and let her know how wrong it was for her to even considering doing that to her child. Reminding her that you are manadorty to report even if you don't intend to.

[Snowmom]

After I told her she had dialed the wrong number there was this awkward pause, she says "Oh... uh... Katie? Oh... Sorry" then hangs up. I haven't heard a word from her since, she's probably mortified.

I'm going to have to address the issue today. Sunday is a regularly scheduled day for DCB so I need to go ahead and terminate. This is the second time in nearly 7 years of childcare that I've had to term anyone. Would it be totally unprofessional to do it via text message? I'm not sure how often she check's her e-mail and I'm afraid of what I will end up saying if I call her. I didn't term last night because I wanted to to cool off first, but the longer I think about it the more angry I get! If I were her I'd be too embarrassed/ashamed to bring him back anyway...

No, she knows it's coming.
I'm all for being professional too, but this kind of behavior is unforgivable in my opinion. I'd simply text her "due to recent events, our contract is terminated, immediately". If you have anything to return to her, tell her to pick it up on your front doorstep. I wouldn't have any face to face with her because I'd be afraid of what I'd say.

[Josiegirl]

I would have NO worries about being professional or not at this point. Text if it's easier for you and as a PP said, she knows it's coming anyways. Shame on her. I'd have a hard time not telling her how many ways she's being thoughtless to you, your mom with chemo and her own son. I'd also put the bug in all your provider friends' ears of what she tried to pull on you. Word travels. Usually I don't give a hoot but what she did was low. Very low.

[KTsKids]

No, she knows it's coming.
I'm all for being professional too, but this kind of behavior is unforgivable in my opinion. I'd simply text her "due to recent events, our contract is terminated, immediately". If you have anything to return to her, tell her to pick it up on your front doorstep. I wouldn't have any face to face with her because I'd be afraid of what I'd say.

I didn't even think about having to return his belongings! DCB has a bunch of stuff over here. He does a lot of overnights, she will drop him off on Friday morning and not pick back up til Monday night after work. Every child has a cubby but he actually has his own drawer in my dresser as well. I'm in an apartment so I can't really set it out front, but I'm thinking of shipping it to her to avoid the confrontation. Would that be weird? I'm thinking maybe ship it where she has to sign for it so I have proof that she received it.

[Josiegirl]

Not weird at all and probably it'd be the best idea.

[racemom]

I didn't even think about having to return his belongings! DCB has a bunch of stuff over here. He does a lot of overnights, she will drop him off on Friday morning and not pick back up til Monday night after work. Every child has a cubby but he actually has his own drawer in my dresser as well. I'm in an apartment so I can't really set it out front, but I'm thinking of shipping it to her to avoid the confrontation. Would that be weird? I'm thinking maybe ship it where she has to sign for it so I have proof that she received it.

I think this is the best way to handle it, that way you have a signed confirmation,that she received it.

[Ariana]

Yes just do what you need to do to get her out of your life. I also wouldn't worry too much about being professional. Send her the crap in the mail too!

I am absolutely gobsmacked that she chose to do that ESPECIALLY after you sent a letter letting them know your about your mothers position. She truly is an evil person and she brought all of this on herself.

[Snowmom]

I didn't even think about having to return his belongings! DCB has a bunch of stuff over here. He does a lot of overnights, she will drop him off on Friday morning and not pick back up til Monday night after work. Every child has a cubby but he actually has his own drawer in my dresser as well. I'm in an apartment so I can't really set it out front, but I'm thinking of shipping it to her to avoid the confrontation. Would that be weird? I'm thinking maybe ship it where she has to sign for it so I have proof that she received it.

I think that's a good solution.

You've been on my mind all day. I'm so mad for you!
I am just dumbfounded that a parent would intentionally OVERDOSE their own child, then leave them with a caregiver giving them no knowledge of even being ON medication.
How that is ok in anyone's mind... jeez.

[Pestle]

Yeah, I termed the family with the hash pipe via text but asked them in the text if they'd like a link to the child care referral websites for the two states we border. When they said yes, I sent an email that reiterated the reason for the termination and included the links.

[KTsKids]

**update**

So I borrowed your suggestion Ariana, and a few hours ago texted DCM "After discovering, accidentally, your intention to expose me and the other children to an infectious illness I have decided to terminate care effective immediately. DCB's belongings will be shipped to you via UPS this week at my expense and your past due charges for overtime in the amount of $32 have been written off. Please consider this notice as official termination of our contract."

I'm assuming the message was received, I haven't received a response. Thank you everyone for your responses, I likely would have terminated regardless but it's nice to know that you all would have made the same decision. I've never had much of a back bone!

[Ariana]

happyfacehappyfacehappyface

It is never a good feeling to know that people are like this so I know how you must be feeling right now. You know you did the right thing but it still stings :hug:

[KTsKids]

And the Saga Continues...

So I didn't think this DCM could embarrass herself anymore than she already had... Til she showed up at my door this morning!! I, without really thinking, assumed it was my other Sunday family dropping off and answered the door. She's standing there with DCB and diaper bag in hand and immediately with a smile on her face tries to hand him to me!! I'm just standing there, confused, and finally say "oh I'm sorry, did you come to get DCB's things? I actually dropped them off at UPS last night. The box should arrive early next week." She acted totally confused, claimed she never received my text or the e-mail I sent(which I don't believe), and was acting as though nothing ever happened!! I was forced to explain to her that services had been terminated and DCB would be unable to receive care today. It turned into a huge seen with her crying and apologizing, begging me to change my mind because she would lose her job. She starts saying that I'm the only childcare in the area that's open 24/7 and she has no family to help, even offered to pay me more if I'd keep him!! However, through the whole thing, she kept saying that she didn't think what she did was that big of a deal...

Eventually I had to ask her to leave. I had another family due to arrive soon and I didn't want them to walk in on that. It was super sad though, I started crying as soon as she left. I was really proud of myself for holding my ground, but sad.

[nothingwithoutjoy]

My mother tries to come when I'm kid free and she wouldn't have been here, but dcm didn't know that!!

And...if you'd gotten strep, you wouldn't have been able to visit your mother at a time when you especially need to! Makes her decision even more selfish and inconsiderate.

SO glad you caught her.