I am new to this website but I feel totally alone....no matter how many friends or family members I confide in they just don't understand. I am really hoping to vent to people who can understand.
I recently broke my own biggest rule and made adjustments to my contract to fill a space. I was having a hard time finding a playmate for one of the boys in my care around the age of 5 so when this family came around I was excited that I could finally give this boy a playmate his age. I went against my better judgement and accepted this family even though they created issues from day 1. I've bent over backwards for this family and nothing seems to make them happy. Request after request kept coming for changes so I finally sent them an email last night saying enough is enough, your contract will be considered null and void as of October 31st. It took my 3 months to get a signed contract from these people (I met them in June and he started in September) The mother would text me evenings and weekends and if I wouldn't get back to her right away she would send the same text or just a question mark. Rude...? I changed my fees and fee structure for them, vacation time, hours and also agreed to serve their child breakfast and get him dressed along with many other adjustments.
I'm starting to have chest pains due to the stress.
So many parents don't understand that this is a business and it's not always an easy job. I've had so many parents treat me like I'm beneath them and make comments to me about getting to stay home and watch tv all day. I've had more issues with parents than I've had with all the kids combined. I've had anxiety attacks before talking to difficult parents and dealing with these issues because I have been verbally attacked in the past.
I've tried talking to some of the daycare providers in my area and they brag about the great families they have....we do live in a very good neighborhood...is it just me finding these disrespectful parents or does anyone else out there have problems too? How far do you go to keep your families happy.......?