Paying for a child's sick day

[Mamma_Mia]

Yup sounds like she waiting for you to "feel guilty" and say no one of the times she asks since she asks everytime. I mean it's pretty easy....

If your kid is sick they stay home or go home. Whether they stayed home, here for 2min or 6hrs the day needs to be paid in full.

End of story.

And if....IF it isn't pink eye then it IS another type of infection = sick child = stay/go home and yes pay me.

[Littledragon]

Here's my solution. Parents pay PRIOR to care. My parents pay biweekly for the FOLLOWING two weeks. No refunds. Simple. If they don't pay, they don't get care.

[Sandbox Sally]

Whether or not they pay prior, they can still short you for the next week as a way to "make up" for the missed day. It's happened to me.

[Dayhome Mamma]

Just tell her the standards everywhere is that if the child is sick to a certain degree, they are expected to stay home....and that this is usually understood by the parents without question who are also often considerate in regards to the other childre. In a centre they would look at her like she was crazy if she asked that question. And yes, of course she would have to still pay. My suggestion is don't charge per day....set monthly days and let clients know that these are the amount of days they are expected to pay for regardless of child's absence. Remind them that its like paying for rent. Just because you decide to go camping for 3 weeks doesn't mean you just get to pay for only 1 weeks rent. Its just as ridiculous for her to expect that...although i do understand where and why she is asking....she is treating you casually as someone who just babysits her kid. I say find a replacement. and write a contract to include that standard/expectation.

[Momof4]

I like to keep things simple - fees are due 49 weeks a year in full (less my 3 weeks unpaid vacations) no matter if there are stat days, sick or missed days for any reason.

Here's a phrase for you that works for me: 'According to our contract......blah, blah' They signed it and agreed to it, PERIOD! Be strong and confident and don't give in to any pressure. You are running a business. The other ladies game you some great scenarios, if you miss a week at the gym you still have to pay for your membership is one that I've heard before.

[mom-in-alberta]

She's trying to pawn it off on you.... "Oh, YOU sent him home, not me." But how does that matter?? A sick kid is a sick kid, no?
I empathize with parents when the child gets sick. It can be a huge pain for them, as someone then has to stay home with the kid, etc. But that is why at the initial interview we discuss the protocol for when kids are sick. I emphasize that they MUST have a backup plan. They sign the contract as such. Then when this comes up, I can point back to those paragraphs.
I actually structure my fees SLIGHTLY lower than I could charge, to make up for the fact that I get paid holidays etc, and that parents pay for their absences as well. I explain that to parents, too.

[Marie]

I empathize with parents when the child gets sick. It can be a huge pain for them, as someone then has to stay home with the kid, etc.

Mom is on mat leave so that is not an issue. We'll see what she says as today is her payday. I hope she remembers from the last time. It's just annoying when you constantly have to remind parents of the contract but I guess they're like kids in the sense that they'll always try to see what they can get away with.

[Crayola kiddies]

You just hit the nail on the head Marie

[samantha3]

I hate to say it but she is trying to walk all over you for something she clearly signed up for. If she does not pay you today for all of the days (including the ill days) you should terminate her and start fresh with a new family. What else will she try and get away with in the future?

Good luck!!

[Marie]

She did end up paying for all days, no questions or comments.