Parent requesting refund - What should I do?

[Toregone]

I attempted to tell her that if she wished to shorten the notice period from one month to 2 weeks than the 2 weeks began today. I think this is very fair but she disagreed. Things got heated on the phone and I ended the conversation.

I then looked at the calender and realizied that we were fighting over 3 days. Not worth it for her or for me so I gave in. I will provide care until the 17th and refund half the month at pick up on that day. I called her back and told her this and of course she was very happy with this.

Reggio the reason for the termination is that the child is unhappy here. He cries all day long even 3 months after starting. His mom tells me he cries when they pull on to my street in the car. He just hates it here. And his crying and screaming really brings down the other children and affects thier mood and behaviour. The mom was fine with the reason, not angry for termination but is a nickel and dimer so I know I would never win with her. It would just be phone call after phone call until I gave in. It's 3 days, why bother.

I will be however amending my contract to include a months notice on both sides. I thought 2 weeks was adequate but it is not. If parents wish to use a shorter notice period that is of course thier option but I will not refund fees.

[Sandbox Sally]

I attempted to tell her that if she wished to shorten the notice period from one month to 2 weeks than the 2 weeks began today. I think this is very fair but she disagreed. Things got heated on the phone and I ended the conversation.

I then looked at the calender and realizied that we were fighting over 3 days. Not worth it for her or for me so I gave in. I will provide care until the 17th and refund half the month at pick up on that day. I called her back and told her this and of course she was very happy with this.

Reggio the reason for the termination is that the child is unhappy here. He cries all day long even 3 months after starting. His mom tells me he cries when they pull on to my street in the car. He just hates it here. And his crying and screaming really brings down the other children and affects thier mood and behaviour. The mom was fine with the reason, not angry for termination but is a nickel and dimer so I know I would never win with her. It would just be phone call after phone call until I gave in. It's 3 days, why bother.

I will be however amending my contract to include a months notice on both sides. I thought 2 weeks was adequate but it is not. If parents wish to use a shorter notice period that is of course thier option but I will not refund fees.

I agree with the bolded.

[apples and bananas]

But isn't this someone that you don't want in your care anymore? Didn't you terminate them? So, why do you want them to hang on? I would just refund and move on. If I was a client and I was being terminated and I chose to leave earlier, I'd wonder why the provider was holding back money from me? Cause, you were the one who started this. Just my two sense, but I think you're asking for a fight if you try to tell her that SHE hasn't given enough notice when you were the one to terminate her to begin with. Cut your losses, be the nice guy and move on.

[Lou]

I know it's already settled, but I just woud have refunded as well.

[Crayola kiddies]

Well I guess that goes to show you that it doesn't pay to be nice : (

[Momof4]

I'm glad you agreed to meet in the middle with this woman and just concentrate on the fact that you will be done with this family and your life is going to be so much easier when they are done. The sooner the better most likely.

[kidlove]

i totally agree with Samantha, I would purposefully return her call at your convenience. You have already terminated her, so really...not much to discuss. What did she say when you gave her the month notice? How long ago was it? If she wanted to make it two weeks, she should have decided that then. Sounds like she has finally found a replacement and has used you until she didnt need care anymore. IF she doesnt put up too much of an arguement I would just inform her: I gave you enough time to find someone else for care and I now need enough time to replace your child. I would attemp to keep the payment on principle alone, however...IF she puts up an arguement just refund a week or two and move on. In this business you have to concider word of mouth, if she gets upset enough she really could spread lies fast!!!! Either way you choose, I think its right for her to stick with the contract and pay you what she owes. Does your contract state if terminated they owe for that 2 wk period? if she is telling you right now she wants it lowered to two weeks, concider the two weeks starts NOW, wont that allow you to keep the last 2 wks pay?

[stitcherka]

If you expect full months fees when they give notice, then the notice they have to give you should be a month. My contract states that they need to give me one months notice or full fees in lieu. And I have it written that I will also give THEM one months notice.

[Toregone]

I gave them a month out of kindness but my contract only states that I am obligated to provide 2 weeks. The mom turned around and said thanks for the extra time but no thanks, now give me the extra money back. Whatever, I'm done with them and I'm happy about it. No more screamer or bitchy mom. My life just got a ton easier.