Confronted...now parent cold:(

Geez I really dislike this part of our job. Having to be the 'enforcer'. Parents sit smiling as we go over the contracts & sign happily. Everyday, sick, tired, no matter what's going on in my life I hold up my end of that contract with a smile and never ending patience. Imagine if I decided one day; I'm going to sleep in today...and left all the parents waiting outside...and then decided to do it again and again...because I got away with it. Not question would I be in business very long! And yet, I'm having to deal with a cold, displeased parent (with a really sweet child, thank goodness) because I professionally, calmly & politely put my foot down & enforced my contract...after me (stupidly) admittedly letting things slide for him for some time. I get so mad at myself for how much real estate the stress of this stuff takes up in my head sometimes.

I hear ya! It's the roughest part of the job. Why can't we just get parents that are reasonable, respectful and understanding. There's one in every bunch I think.

I have some great parents right now, but I'm about to enforce a vacation policy for the first time and I'm worrying about it a little bit. Hope it goes ok, but if it doesn't, there's my door. My policies are clearly laid out and if it's a misunderstanding that's one thing, but mostly they understand, they just try to get away with stuff.

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Originally Posted by apples and bananas

My policies are clearly laid out and if it's a misunderstanding that's one thing, but mostly they understand, they just try to get away with stuff.

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Yup. apples and bananas nailed it down. This is it exactly! Stay strong and keep enforcing your policies. Otherwise you become a doormat.:no: Daycare parent is just mad that he has to play by the rules.

Totally know what you are talking about......you can give a mile and they will take, but couldn't imagine the other way around....and when you do "ask" of parents, a lot of them respond with a "this is not easy for me attitude" or they just don't respond AT ALL! I have has to make a comment to a parent or two in the past like: "What if your employer decided to pay you a week late?" hmm. or How about if your "clients" were at your place of business 15 minutes early every morning? gets a little old after a while.....but you put up with it to PLEASE and KEEP THE PEACE! then have that moment of "enough is enough" :) feel for you....really do!