Didn't Read My Contract . . . .

[playfelt]

The fact that they are coming from the nanny route is another reason to give them the benefit of the doubt in the sense that it is all new to them and they will have to master the differences - ie who is the employer, who make the rules, etc.

One option would be to contact the family rather than wait for them to contact you. Do it with the idea that you feel things got off to a bad start due to misunderstandings and that nanny care and daycare are different and that you think it might be a good idea to start over. To have a meeting to go over the handbook again so that you can explain how it works and explain why.

That has you coming off taking the high road - note you still haven't committed to letting the fee slide at this point just a willingness to discuss it amongst discussing other things. It will be up to the family to decide if they want to procede.

Just as we take new parents through everything with a lot of hand holding it will be double for this family because you are not only going to have to teach them new habits you are going to have to unteach the old habits. But if you think the family has potential then it is worth the effort and especially if times are tight. Doesn't mean you need to let them walk all over you but is the future income worth the effort of dealing with what just happened.

[Inspired by Reggio]

Personally I would not 'back down' on a PAYMENT issue ~ there are lots of places I am able to give someone the benefit of the doubt of needing 'education' cause the policies in childcare can be a little overwhelming and you might 'forget' something but NOT with regards to my payment ~ those policies are not only clear in my contract which we read and sign but also clear in my handbook again in greater detail which I also read over with them before they 'sign' that they have received it and had any questions answered or clarified.

Sorry but IMO backing down on a PAYMENT issue will only result in the client wanting and thinking that next time they can play 'dumb again' with something else that will work in their favor and you will capitulate .... if these clients were truly 'awesome' they would respect your policy and the fact they 'signed agreement to follow it' and PAY what you are entitled to and due!

I get that times are 'tough' right now I really do ... I am sitting here myself at 3/5 capacity .... but the fact remains if we as providers start acting 'desperate' and lowing our standards around how we expect to be treated fairly and with dignity we will take ourselves back two decades in the progress we have made ~ do not allow someone to disrespect your contract out of fear they will 'bolt' on you stand firm and if they DO bolt on you over it than the reality is they were not worthy of you or our service cause chances are you would have had nothing but problems with them wanting to 'renegotiate' every little thing into their favor where you end up working for less than you deserve!

[Momof4]

Wow, in my contract every clause has to be initialled by the parents and I go over every paragraph with them when we have our contract signing meeting. Again, this is why I keep my contract short and straightforward so that parents can remember my rules and understand them clearly, no loopholes.

Any time any new parent says anything that is in black and white in my contract I point it out quickly that they have a LEGAL copy and signed all the paragraphs and can check when they get home. But I learned the hard way in my first year never to back down on any clause in my contract or they will walk all over you.

Whatever you decide to do about this payment and whether you keep this family or not get it all out on the table so no more misunderstandings occur. If it were me and I just found out this family has a nanny I would start interviewing and replace them quickly. I would also not let this payment go since you will be setting a bad precedent for the family if you do keep them.

You are running a business. Does any other service worker, doctor, plumber, etc. say, oh that's ok you don't have to pay me for that day's work. NO!!!

[Cadillac]

Thanks guys.

I think I eill contact him tonight and suggest we go over the parent handbook together so that we can discuss any questions or concerns that they may have. We'll see

If I get a bad vibe I'm letting them go though. I have 6 interviews for a january position and I can buckle down and wait for a better family.

Maybe they aren't so awesome. they seemed to turn damn quick once everything was not in their favour

[Momof4]

Cadillac, I like to let it slip once in a while to my current families that I have a waiting list and people contact me all the time about spaces. It reminds my clients that they need to value their space in a not so subtle way. When you talk to that parent tonight make sure you let them know that they need you more than you need them! Mention the other 6 interviews that you have set up.

[ladyjbug]

Cadillac, I like to let it slip once in a while to my current families that I have a waiting list and people contact me all the time about spaces. It reminds my clients that they need to value their space in a not so subtle way. When you talk to that parent tonight make sure you let them know that they need you more than you need them! Mention the other 6 interviews that you have set up.

Yep. Couldn't agree more with this. I was actually in the newspaper in my area regarding the huge demand for childcare and they mentioned the size of my waitlist. I sent all my clients the link. They were sure a lot more appreciative than they had been! It's possible that this guy is just clueless about the process. However, I would think a truly golden parent would have not made this YOUR problem to solve. Everything was there in black and white for him. Best of luck to you whatever you decide.

[Cadillac]

I sent him a message about meeting and going over the policies together. he hasn't responded.

I now have eight interviews and one is for his spot so . . . . THERE! HA!

(sorry that was a tad immature)

[Crayola kiddies]

I wish I had eight interviews. ..... or maybe two or three .... But good luck and your right maybe they weren't so golden afterall.

[Dreamalittledream]

Just think...they are going to be getting a huge awakening (& hopefully some regret) when they get to the new day home and policies are the same.

[BlueRose]

I now have eight interviews and one is for his spot so . . . . THERE! HA!

(sorry that was a tad immature)

We work with kids all day, we are aloud to be a little immature every once in a while.