Update On "Payment Drama" - When To Cut Her Off?

[MN Day Mom]

Has this happened in the past with this family?

I've had a family in the past that would at time to time have trouble paying me... they always made good on what they owed though... and I never worried they wouldn't, so I would work with them through the harder times. It could have of bit me in the butt, but thankfully it didn't.

[wdmmom]

If she's getting a check each week, you need to get a check each week! Even if she's only paying you a portion, it shows you she's not taking advantage. Tell her payment is due on the day she gets paid. No more baby daddy drama. I'm sick of parents relying on child support. It's not guaranteed!

[daycare]

very true about child support, banks wont consider it as income...

[Mike Lassiter]

She is still eating and keeping gas in the car presumably so she is not destitute and able to pay for her other needs.
It is not fair to you that she has to pay for gas to go in the car; yet thinks you can wait till she is ready to take care of you. You should tell her, her problems are hers not yours. You waiting has made it ok to continue having reasons/excuses why I cannot pay.
Trust me I know how that works. My oldest daughter lives in my wife's mobile home and pays rent to us. They bought a new van a few years back and have as yet never paid by the 10th as instructed. They have paid 8 to 10 months back rent for the last 3 years now when they get their income tax refund. I have told her MANY TIMES if she was anybody else she would have been thrown out YEARS ago.
She doesn't "blow" their money so she says, but she goes to Wal Mart daily amoung other stores. There is ALWAYS something more important (to her) than paying rent on time (or other bills) and they get pissy about their poor credit?
Your lady maybe going through a hard time but that will get much worse if she loses daycare for her child and can't go to work. You just have to wonder about peoples priorities!

[Mom_of_two]

I only accept payment prior to service. Occasionally someone forgets and I let them bring it the next day, we all forget things. I would not allow a child to come here if the parent outright told me I would not be paid for services. OP it sounds like you DO have it specifically in your contract payment is due prior to care. She is completely taking advantage. Her financial issues are not your problem/business. Your Daycare business is. It would never be acceptable in a center. I know there are some home daycare providers who like to help out their families with financial issues by allowing late payments. I am unable to do that, or I'd have financial issues of my own!! I would not offer free services! Good luck. Keep us posted!