Done...just done

I sent out a memo with my May invoices last week, which stated the weeks I was taking off for holidays this summer. I get a FB message from a mom saying that she is disappointed that I am taking my holidays when I am because it doesn't work for when she wants to take vacation. (in my contract they don't pay when I am on vacation but do when they take vacation). She then goes on to ask if we could work something out so that she doesn't have to pay me while she is on vacation.

I replied that I have my contract and policies in place for a reason and if they aren't followed I won't be able to continue working in child care as it won't work for me.

Her reply is that she just won't take holidays herself then (trying to make me feel bad?). And that she won't be bringing the kids to me as often. She is contracted for 3 days a week but always has additional days that we agreed upon but never contracted (bad move). She then goes on telling me that she has her oldest in a summer program that is cutting her a deal and that she doesn't want to work just to pay for childcare and that she wants alot of time off this summer. She doesn't believe in paying for a spot and not sending her kids. Even if she takes days off she still send the kids, simply because she paid for it

I am not sure what to do with all of this. We just renewed the contract at the beginning of April. I have been looking after the 2 little ones for 1.5 years. The vacation payment is the same as last year. That hasn't changed. I feel very disrespected. If she had issues with my policies she should have questioned it with signing the new contract. She is constantly questioning my policies and I am tired of it. I feel like she thinks that she is my boss.

WWYD?

She clearly thinks she is the boss.
I make it very clear that payment is by enrollment. And I also charge when I am on vacation. I also get payment at the beginning of each month by post dated cheques I require at signing of the child care agreement.
WWID?? I am not sure truthfully - but I would remind her you require payment regardless if the children are in attendance or not.

I would say something like "As per our contracted agreement, full payment must be made when daycare families are away for vacation and daycare is open. If you wish to continue with our current child care arrangement, then my vacation policies must be followed. Failure to make the payments on time will result in the charging of late fees and suspension of care until full payment is made."

This parent is not be respectful and does not appear to think about the fact that you need to make a living as well. It is not your problem or obligation to work around her vacation plans.

Don't back down and stick to your guns. If we don't follow our policy handbooks and contracts then what is the point of having them?

I had to do a similar thing recently and it wasn't easy, but I am very glad that I stood up for myself and my business.

It really upsets me that families think that what we do is a hobby not a paid business! Whatever my vacation is it is my business and it is in my contract that I get paid. If they choose to take other time off it is their prerogative but I still have a mortgage to pay so...too freaking bad. If their employer started pulling this kind of manipulation with them they would be all over HR freaking out! I am very up front with my families and they know where I stand and the only problem I have ever had was with a single mom who needed a bit of a break now and then which I would try to accommodate knowing that she didn't get sick days herself. I am not unreasonable, just self employed and looking out for my family

So she's basically threatening to not bring her kids as often if you make her pay for holidays?? Charming.

Put your ad up.

Personally, I would send her packing now. I won't deal with people like that.

If you are unable to terminate immediately for financial reasons....fake it till ya make it! Slap a smile on you face, take the kids for the contracted 3 days and replace them as soon as you can.

I would just tell her that your holiday time is your holiday time. If she chooses to not take holidays then that is up to her. Do not back down. You are giving plenty of notice of your holidays so she has plenty of time to switch her time off to coincide with yours. If she wants to pull a pout and not send her children on additional days to "punish" you then so be it. If they leave then good riddance.

She seems to have a lot of wants and has decided to threaten you with not bringing her children as often. She sounds like a real sweetheart. As the others have so wisely mentioned, remind her of her contract and your policies. I think Amandakdt said it perfectly.
You deserve your holidays and to be treated with respect.
On a side note - I try and get my holiday schedule out by the end of February, usually earlier, so then they can work with my dates.

I think you responded great to her initial message. As far as the underlying threat of removing her children if you don't comply...oh well! That may sound harsh and I know we all get attached to the children but this is your business, not hers. You work. For yourself not your families. I have struggled with this in the past and from experience once you start making concessions about one thing they start to make additional demands and before you know it you are bitter and resenting the children. If she doesn't want to follow your rules you can politely remind her she is free to find alternate care and in the same breath I would remind her you require x amount of notice. Start advertising now!

that is really rude and disrespectful, I am sorry she is treating your poorly.

Well having just gone through this myself , if you stick to your guns your probably going to lose her . That being said , if you don't go through with your contract then she will just resist everything !! This is a personality I'm just realizing exists in our field ALOT !!!
I stuck to my contract , lost my dcks , I'm alive !! Lol will live to fill the spot again !!
Good luck to you !! :-)

I wouldn't play into her games. This is your business, your contract, your rules. She signed the contract and agreed to your terms. If she doesn't want to follow them she is free to leave. I would keep things short and professional and leave it on her. She can either get over her hissy fit and pay or she can give notice and leave.

Well I would maybe be inclined to call her bluff. The next time she mentioned that she didn't want to work for childcare "Okay, DCM, is this your two week's notice?"

If it was me, I would not even discuss this further. I would not change my plans and I would not make any accomodations for her. :mad:

"I'm sorry, DCM, I am abiding by our signed contract. Failure to follow the contract may result in immediate termination. Thanks for your understanding."

Thanks everyone!

I am not even going to bring it up again. I have put up my add and just yesterday found out that there is a good chance my PT boy will be FT in June so as soon as that contract is signed I'm going to term and hope that another FT or at least a PT presents itself.

It feels great to know that I have others on my side. Being private is nice but the support is sometimes hard to come by when difficulties arise!