Family Saying No To Picking Up On An Early Closing Day

[finsup]

So I informed families today I will be closing at 4 next Friday (an hour early). Somehow one felt like I was asking their permission?? Because I get a reply back on how she can't make that work, earliest will be 5 and it would cut into her vacation time. Then included the 4th "counted" in those days. I was closed for the 4th but so we're they! Why that day counted I don't know, I don't particularly care. But it was a dig like "I've already taken off time..." Type of deal

I suggested she have someone else pick up. Dcd, Grammy, friend, I don't care. I am NOT bending on this. Families don't get to say when I open and close MY business.
Any good phrases for pick up tonight? I'm honestly a little worried that she'll just show up at 5 and say "oh, sorry" so now I don't know if I should be closed (at least for them) instead ugh...one hour, it is ONE hour

[Annalee]

So I informed families today I will be closing at 4 next Friday (an hour early). Somehow one felt like I was asking their permission?? Because I get a reply back on how she can't make that work, earliest will be 5 and it would cut into her vacation time. Then included the 4th "counted" in those days. I was closed for the 4th but so we're they! Why that day counted I don't know, I don't particularly care. But it was a dig like "I've already taken off time..." Type of deal

I suggested she have someone else pick up. Dcd, Grammy, friend, I don't care. I am NOT bending on this. Families don't get to say when I open and close MY business.
Any good phrases for pick up tonight? I'm honestly a little worried that she'll just show up at 5 and say "oh, sorry" so now I don't know if I should be closed (at least for them) instead ugh...one hour, it is ONE hour

Reply with "I am closing at 4:00, NO EXCEPTIONS!". I use the no exception term firmly and alot. I have even thrown in "end of discussion!" I also NEVER apologize for inconvenience because that leads to negotiating on their part.

[finsup]

Reply with "I am closing at 4:00, NO EXCEPTIONS!". I use the no exception term firmly and alot. I have even thrown in "end of discussion!" I also NEVER apologize for inconvenience because that leads to negotiating on their part.

Yes, I need to make sure I don't apologize! I tend to over apologize but you're right, it would just lead to negotiating. *Sigh* not a fun way to start the (work) week.

[hwichlaz]

DMC I understand that it can be hard to leave work early. If you suspect that you can't make it work you'll need to either find someone else to pick him up, or find other care for Friday.

[sharlan]

I will be closing promptly at 4PM, no exceptions. I will be charging a $5 PER MINUTE late pick up fee.

[Leigh]

DMC I understand that it can be hard to leave work early. If you suspect that you can't make it work you'll need to either find someone else to pick him up, or find other care for Friday.

This is exactly what I would say, but I would add at the end "because I WILL be closing at 4PM-this is not negotiable." I'd be tempted to add "or I'll be calling CPS to pick up your child". I wouldn't say that and start a war, but I definitely would be tempted. A local center will call CPS after a parent is 15 minutes past pick up time-their parents are NEVER late.

[Leigh]

I have learned to tell certain parents that I am closing an hour earlier than I actually am in order to get their children picked up on time. I currently have parents who are pretty good about picking up, but I've had some in the past who were terrible!

[finsup]

These replies are so much better then what I want to say granted what I want to say would not be professional . But yes, a significant late fee would be added if she does pick up at 5. Honestly, it may be term worthy for the disrespect. I'm not sure I could continue without resentment building if that happens. But, I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.

[finsup]

I have learned to tell certain parents that I am closing an hour earlier than I actually am in order to get their children picked up on time. I currently have parents who are pretty good about picking up, but I've had some in the past who were terrible!

Ive had to do that in the past. These families have been pretty good but after this, I will definitely be doing that!

[Leigh]

These replies are so much better then what I want to say granted what I want to say would not be professional . But yes, a significant late fee would be added if she does pick up at 5. Honestly, it may be term worthy for the disrespect. I'm not sure I could continue without resentment building if that happens. But, I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.

If you have made it clear to her that you close at 4, and she doesn't pick up the child BY 4, I actually would phone CPS and ask them to pick up the child and explain to them that you CAN NOT wait for the parent. If your local CPS office is nearby, I'd tell them that you will drop the child off at their office on your way to where ever you are going. I would NOT keep the child until 5PM. Of course, you'll want to send a term letter with the child and her belongings explaining that you're terming because of the mother's REFUSAL to pick up her child after closing time, and don't put it in an envelope-hand the unfolded letter to whomever you leave the child with. There is no way I would let this mother get away with forcing me to work after I am closed after already having the discussion twice.

[Unregistered]

Parents who choose in home daycare need to have backup care. I try to give 2 weeka notice if i need to close early. If shes not there at 4 you need to term. If parents are unable to leave work for their child then they shouldnt have kids.

[finsup]

If you have made it clear to her that you close at 4, and she doesn't pick up the child BY 4, I actually would phone CPS and ask them to pick up the child and explain to them that you CAN NOT wait for the parent. If your local CPS office is nearby, I'd tell them that you will drop the child off at their office on your way to where ever you are going. I would NOT keep the child until 5PM. Of course, you'll want to send a term letter with the child and her belongings explaining that you're terming because of the mother's REFUSAL to pick up her child after closing time, and don't put it in an envelope-hand the unfolded letter to whomever you leave the child with. There is no way I would let this mother get away with forcing me to work after I am closed after already having the discussion twice.

I don't have a car seat for this kiddo (which is probably good because I can see us being asked to drop him off at home But I do zero transportation so seat stays in their car). I really hope it doesn't come to something like this but I'll definitely be prepared if it does. It just amazes me, in no other business would you even think of going in and saying "oh, you close at 4? Well that just doesn't work for me, I'll be there at 5" and think it would be ok. Why should childcare be any different?! I mean, even before working with kiddos, I wouldn't have ever considered saying that to anyone watching my kids

[Snowmom]

"This is my business. I chose when I open and when I close. If you are not here by 4:00, you will no longer have childcare services. It is not a negotiation."

[mommyneedsadayoff]

"That is unfortunate dcm, however I will need dck to be picked up no later than 4 pm. If this is an issue, perhaps someone else can pick him up for you or you can find other care arrangements for friday altogether." Now, you can also add to the ending..."I will not be charging late fees for friday, so if he is not picked up, you will be immediately terminated and the authorities will be called to come get your child so you can pick them up at Children's Protection Services."

Another thought, if you think this mom will pull something, is to tell her you changed your mind and will be closed (for her) all day on friday, so early pick up won't be an issue for her anymore.

[e.j.]

Unless you have some wiggle room for your own plans, I would tell her I changed my mind and will be closed that day. If you decide to remain open for her, she may test your resolve and you will be late getting to where you need to be. If you tell her there will be late fees if she doesn't pick up on time, she may take that as permission to be late and, again, you don't get to where you're going in time. If you threaten with CPS, it may escalate the problem. If you are prepared to lose her as a client, that may not matter to you but I'd check with CPS first to make sure they are a viable option for you in that situation before you threaten the parent with that possibility. (I thought I had either read or heard somewhere that CPS won't do anything in this type of situation. I could be wrong, though.) Closing just seems to be the best way to close when you need to.