Pick Ups Getting Long

[momma2girls]

Do any of you have a parent- that takes her shoes off, sits in your chair, and waits for her son, to finish playing then reaches her hands out to him, to place his shoes on him?
I have one Mom who does this daily. She did this at the other daycare before she came here as well(it was a friend of mine)
There are times, she just sits and talks, and the little boy runs, and runs, she doesn't care- there have been times, many times actually I have to walk over to him, and take him to Mom- then there are times, I am busy, feeding a baby, or other things, that I cannot do that.
I like to have them all ready for pick up, but I never know what time she is coming- between 1/2 hr. leeway-
Any great suggestions, that I haven't already tried to think of-

[sharlan]

I used to lock and bolt the door once my parents came inside, holding them hostage. I wanted the adult interaction and wouldn't let them leave.

Seriously, I never had problems with a parent hanging out for a few. One mother would sit on the floor and play Legos, or cuddle the kids and read a book. Others would just sit and chat for a few, asking about my day or the kids' day.

[AnneCordelia]

What's the earliest she'll come? That's when I'd put his shoes and coat on.

[momma2girls]

I used to lock and bolt the door once my parents came inside, holding them hostage. I wanted the adult interaction and wouldn't let them leave.

Seriously, I never had problems with a parent hanging out for a few. One mother would sit on the floor and play Legos, or cuddle the kids and read a book. Others would just sit and chat for a few, asking about my day or the kids' day.

What if it is your closing time already?

[momma2girls]

What's the earliest she'll come? That's when I'd put his shoes and coat on.

I would do this, and do this if it is closing or next to closing time. I wish I could, but sometimes I would have his shoes on for 1/2 hr. in that case. He can't stay still for 1 min. let alone 1/2 hr. !! he would be running all over my house with his shoes on, etc.

[sharlan]

What if it is your closing time already?

My hours were always 6 - 6. Most of my parents got there between 4 - 4:30. Rarely did I have a child that stayed until 6. If I had time, I sat down to chit chat, if I didn't, I went along with my business and left them sitting.

I always got rid of parents that I wasn't comfortable with being in my house.

[jojosmommy]

My sister in law does this and I would say it only works if the kids allow it to. When her kids act up it is time to go RIGHT AWAY. It gets very tricky telling a mom/friend that she needs to leave b/c her child's behavior is not in accordance with daycare policies. Plus when your busy with others it takes up a ton of your time.

I would discourage it from the start. One day the kids are great and the next they are doing anything for her/your attention. This is actually the thing I hate most about having my SIL as a client.

[Meyou]

If we happen to be inside at closing time I get all the children that are left to get fully dressed and watch out the front door for Mom and Dad. I have the bags ready to go too. I don't mind chatting but not at closing time. If they arrive right at 5:30 I open the door and push the child out to the parent and don't even let them come in.

If we're outside I'm standing with all my outside "stuff" packed up and the kids are playing without toys again watching for Mom and Dad.

[ShortyMom]

Pretend you are in a rush and say that you need to get everyone out as soon as possible because you have an appointment. Or whatever. OR be frank and tell her that pick-ups need to be quick. She must be under the impression that you don't mind, otherwise she wouldn't do it. :shrug: Perhaps put in a paper with each parent about pick-up policies....do you have a contract about such things?

[DaisyMamma]

I have this problem with one. Shes a friend of a friend so maybe she feels the need to chat. I try to have her baby ready, in his carseat and bag packed. It doesnt help and she arrives at 6pm on the dot (closing time) when she gets out of work at 4:30 a 1/2 hour away

[cheerfuldom]

I have the kid and bag at the door. Pickups are to be made in 5 minutes or less according to my contract. If people have to come in, then you will just need to be frank about the fact that you cannot have her coming in and chatting. She needs to get her kid and go

[wdmmom]

I have the child in hand and meet the parent at the front door. Shoes on, diaper changed and ready to go.

I don't allow my clients to come in beyond the entryway.

[PitterPatter]

My last parent likes to stay and vent about her job and her friends etc. She also liked to take phone calls and roam thru my house while talking. I put a stop to it last month by having the kids outside everyday at pick up time. I meet DCM on my front porch everyday with her sign in sheets on the table. Kids and diaper bag waiting to go. Then when she startes the chatter out there about her family and work etc I say "I gotta get dinner started I'm running late, thanks see u tomorrow. Bye Johnny and Susie" I no longer serve daycare kids dinner they must all be picked up by 5 (I changed my schedule) so this has helped skoot them on their way.

I will have to come up with something new for winter as the kids can't wait outside everyday but this works for now!

[MARSTELAC]

What about morning? I have one scheduled to drop off at 7 everyday and the parents end up staying here forever....today dcp stayed 27 minutes! They just don't leave! I am really having a bad few weeks here...everything is annoying me. I must need a day off. Oh yeah, just had the weekend off....

[laundrymom]

I just tell child, when they come in, ok Brandon, send mom to work, she's busy & so are we. Then open the door. Smile,.... And wait.