Sandbox Sally
05-16-2012, 12:56 PM
Ok so I only have 6ish weeks left with these people, but the more often it happens the angrier I get, and I am afraid that I am going to explode.
Family is very very sweet and kind, and the parents often stop and chat with me on pick up and drop off, which is great with me. We have a lot in common, and if they weren't a daycare family, I could be friend with them easily.
Problem is, they don't seem to be able to tell time. They are late EVERY day. Sometimes, they don't even offer an explanation or an apology - they'll just stroll in at a quarter after closing time. Also, they are late paying me every week. When I addressed this the first time, they apologized and said to please remind them every week, as they are forgetful. Well, I am reminding them, and they are not responding until days later, even with texts, which are instant.
In my contract with them, it states that I charge for late pickups and have a daily late fee if parents pay after 6pm on Friday. So far I have not implemented either. I even sent out a group email (so as not to single them out) saying that from now on, I'd be strictly implementing my $35 dollar a day late fee for non payment. I never did. My husband is annoyed that I am not charging them extra, as they are being so disrespectful of my time and my fees. It is also in the contract that they signed that non payment is grounds for IMMEDIATE dismissal.
So...should I start implementing late fees this late in the game? Fire them? Or should I just suck it up, let it go and move on? I am inclined to let it go, but a big part of me feels a little bit trampled on. Such a tricky decision...
Family is very very sweet and kind, and the parents often stop and chat with me on pick up and drop off, which is great with me. We have a lot in common, and if they weren't a daycare family, I could be friend with them easily.
Problem is, they don't seem to be able to tell time. They are late EVERY day. Sometimes, they don't even offer an explanation or an apology - they'll just stroll in at a quarter after closing time. Also, they are late paying me every week. When I addressed this the first time, they apologized and said to please remind them every week, as they are forgetful. Well, I am reminding them, and they are not responding until days later, even with texts, which are instant.
In my contract with them, it states that I charge for late pickups and have a daily late fee if parents pay after 6pm on Friday. So far I have not implemented either. I even sent out a group email (so as not to single them out) saying that from now on, I'd be strictly implementing my $35 dollar a day late fee for non payment. I never did. My husband is annoyed that I am not charging them extra, as they are being so disrespectful of my time and my fees. It is also in the contract that they signed that non payment is grounds for IMMEDIATE dismissal.
So...should I start implementing late fees this late in the game? Fire them? Or should I just suck it up, let it go and move on? I am inclined to let it go, but a big part of me feels a little bit trampled on. Such a tricky decision...