Having the wost day ever. Don't know if this is something I can continue.

[mimi]

See, things are turning for you already. I was in panic mode 2 months ago knowing I was losing 4 to school (all p/t) and 1 I thought I would have another year is now being cared for by Grandma. I thought, there goes my business. It is so easy to get down and feel like you won't ever be full, but then for me came a referral call and a cold call and another referral in those weeks and I now have 3 lovely little ladies starting in Sept. I have learned to expect the unexpected -lost job, pregnancies, moving, grandparents babysitting etc. and realize instead of panicking I need to jump into action mode and advertise like hell. I am so happy you have found another little one. Good luck.

[Judy Trickett]

You need to be taking a deposit from people and applying it to the last two weeks of care. That way if they leave you in the lurch you have already been paid.

There are providers who use the deposit at the beginning of care but I hazard against this unless you are in the financial position of being able to suddenly go without income should someone up and leave without notice.

[Inspired by Reggio]

You need to be taking a deposit from people and applying it to the last two weeks of care. That way if they leave you in the lurch you have already been paid...

Agreed ~ security deposit = to the amount of notice you desire so if your notice period is two weeks than two weeks deposit, if three than three weeks deposit .... just like renting an apartment you pay first and last up front and than you continue to always get payment in advance of care!

That way if they do 'damage' while a client or 'renege' on a contract agreement ~ you 'terminate' on the spot without any further service and keep the deposit in lieu of your loss just like a landlord would do for his space with a crappy tenant

[Littledragon]

I should do that. I always feel bad asking for two weeks worth of care up front, but I think it is something I should seriously think about doing. I do ask for a week, but in all honestly, a week gets you almost nowhere.

On a lighter note: I GOT A NEW KID!!!!!! Had the interview this morning and they start Monday. The little boy seems great and his parents seem great too! I had a fight with the mom who's taking her child out, but she's pregnant and emotional and sounds like dr. jekell and mr hyde. her last email, she begged me not to take out my anger on her child. what?! lol NEVER. Anyways, so things are getting better on that front. Since I was able to hire the new little one, I was able to call the "old" one and offer her a "deal" she pays me for one week and her last day is tomorrow or she pays me in full and she stays for two weeks. I'm waiting on her current decision.

Things are looking A LOT better than they did yesterday. Thanks GOD lol

[apples and bananas]

i'm glad things are looking better for you. It's hard in the summer to take on new clients. I'm about to terminate one of mine tomorrow but I will go 5 weeks without that space filled. Good thing I'm a planner!

I'm glad things are looking up for you. It's such a good feeling when you take on a new kid. I hope this one works out long term!

[momof2cuties]

I would just start over Take one last try at the Mother that you need payment from ie; send her a notice of the highlighted statement in your contract where it says she needs to pay, and a copy of where she signed it! Give her 'x amount of days' to pay it. If she don't, just lump it up to a bad experience and move on. As for the late parents, I would send a letter stating your drop off times. Maybe if the child isn't dropped of by a certain time, you are unable to provide car for that day. Be clear and persistent with your policies. Maybe stating if it happens again they will be terminated. Sometimes parents need that reminder to straighten up! I had to do that with one parent that had 2 no-show's with in a week and a half! I would start advertising to get some more kids, and when you do get more kids..if you are still having trouble with the late parents you can terminate them and use their spot for parents that will respect you!