Newbie - Lots of Questions and Need Advise!

[Momof4]

Yes, Play and Learn really covered it well, but the ladies are all right, get a letter out to parents stating the rules and that they must be obeyed without exception. You have to demand respect and I've definitely learned that the hard way so now any time a parent asks for anything special I simply say 'according to our contract.....' and that answers it. My contract is law. My rules cannot be broken and I get angry when they push me or try any tricks so if they want to keep their space they give me the respect I deserve.

[ladyjbug]

I agree with both Momof4 and Play and Learn. I would definitely term that mother. She would be getting an email today that payment is due IN FULL with late fees on Monday before her little undisciplined darling is allowed back in care. Then she would be getting a term letter as soon as payment is safely deposited in my bank. I totally agree with writing a letter to all parents that restates all of your policies, and that you may or may not have field trips going on after 9-11, so any parents that drop off late may not have care available to them that day and are still required to pay for their NO SHOW day. That you have an open door policy and parents are able to visit their child at any point in the day, but the door is locked for the children's safety and finally that children that are not there for scheduled meals and snacks will not be served those meals/snacks. Furthermore, no food will be allowed on and off the premises, so please plan accordingly.

I have solved the problem of parents trying to walk into my house by casually mentioning that while I am sure they would love access to their child at all times, I doubt they would like the rest of the neighborhood having the same access. The door is locked and I will run to answer it provided it is not during quiet time or I'm elbow deep in poop! Most rational parents have no problem with this. In fact, if this is the same mom complaining, it has nothing to do with her trusting you, it has to do with her pulling rank. Once again, as soon as I had been paid, she'd be out of there.

It sucks to be the bitch, but some parents definitely get us to that place and it can build to such resentment and dislike of your job. Once you get the problem parents out you will feel so much better and you can be your nice, awesomely happy self again. Plus, it will send a message to the other parents that you DO enforce your contract, you don't put up with bull, and therefore reduces the amount of mean conversations you need to have in the future. Good luck to you!