Long story short: (i think)
I have a family I have provided care for for almost 3 years, they have one child a girl about 4 and another on the way. (will have new baby by the new year) These people a REALLY nice and we have become "good friends" however...the father is the drop off and pick up and he works all different shifts (one day 11-7 the next day 7:30-4) They are supposed to get the schedule to me every two weeks in advance, so I know when their child will be coming and going!!! THEY DONT! i almost never know when they will drop off or WHO will pick up (random people because Dad often works until after I close) I have tried over the years various things, late fees, asking asking asking for on time schedules, reminding of "safety issues" with random people picking up. these people having given me time and time again reasons to terminate....I have let them go this far, I feel like I am way too deep to let them go, also they pay on time, and I do enjoy them and their child. Dont want to let them go, however.....DO want them to start following my RULES. Its just respectful. Tired of the stress it causes, and I have ALWAYS been honest with how I feel, I tell them its dif to manage the house when I dont know all sched's and let them know I miss appt because they are late for pick up, their child comes with wart on foot and no sock to cover, she is the one through the door with "crappy" breakfast in hand. So many reasons to get stressed, it seems the more I talk to the Mom, the more she "agrees" with what I say, but they go back to the same ways. Maybe I just need to start tacking on "extra fees" and add to contracts "uncommunacated drop off fees" or something. AHHHH! what do I do when this includes an infant, just told the Mom today, I find this stressful and "honestly not sure what it will be like once an infant is added to the chaos?" what would you do? (maybe besides terminate?)