Should I take a parent to small claims?

[kidlove]

The first thing you need to do is right her up a bill and give it to her as soon as possible. Also fill the spot as soon as you can, people like this NEVER change, and the longer she trails you on the farther you will be owed and the more resentment you will feel. How about if you inform her today that from now on payment must be made before care is provided (that should be a given, not sure if anyone really takes pay at the end of the week any more, for this simple reason, you get paid ahead of care or care is not provided plain and simple) this way you still get your income while looking to fill the spot, as long as she agrees to pay ahead at least for the time being you are ok, money wise. Next you need to inform her when you give her the bill of past due charges that there is a late fee for anything not paid in full by such and such date, and finally you need to inform her she can make payments of the backed up income in so many increments until a specified date or you will need to take further action. if she refuses inform her you no longer will be able to provide care and will have to take further action. If I were you, although it seems a long shot, I would attempt to clear things up temporarily just long enough to get a few more weeks PAID care in and attempt to get your money she owes without too much extra stress on your part, I don;t disagree with small claims, but wouldn't wish it on anyone unless is was the last resort...no fun, and can cause hard feelings. irregardless, let this one go as soon as you get the cash, and think twice before taking on anyone like that in the future. sounds like she only pushed as far as you would let her, stop letting her push! good luck!

[sheila s]

Thank You everyone for your suggestions...all of which have been very helpful.
I have taken your ideas & written her a letter...which I am going to present tomorrow.She promised me a few days ago( when I gave her the bill) that she would pay in full on Friday.
My letter states that she will not be allowed any more day care services until she has paid in full & any out of pocket expenses be paid by her( as is in our contract that she signed)...& that further action will be taken in event she does not pay.
Of course, she has no idea that this is coming as I admit I have been too soft in the past.Think she will be quite shocked as she views me as the simple minded babysitter( a terminology that I personally hate!).I know she has no respect for my qualifications or experience but her days are truly numbered.My ultimate plan is to get my money & then next week...after school finishes...give her notice.New Year ,new start.
I will keep you informed...especiall y as my mistakes may be useful for someone else experiencing similar problems.
BIG thanks you for all your support.xoxo

[kidlove]

Good Luck Sheila....I hope you get your money! and don't forget what she has done and let her stay a minute longer than you plan...it's so easy to be TOO NICE! (I do it all the time) you really do need to put your self high on your list, don't let others use you, they will to often if you let them. GOOD LUCK!

[jazmic]

No pay, no stay. Good for you! We're all behind you 100%. Good luck!

[Cadillac]

write her a letter. give her a deadline for it to be paid IN FULL, give her a couple days to get the money. if she doesnt showw up with the money, take her to court and cease care immediately. make sure the letter outlines that she will be taken to court if its not paid

[monkeymama]

good for you sheila! stand your ground with this woman...i know theres another client out there that will respect you. you dont deserve this behavior at all

[sheila s]

Thought I would give you all an update.I wrote her a letter stating that balance has to be paid in full or services will be terminated immediately.She promptly me paid me BUT this week I am having problems again.I have asked for this weeks fee ,plus Christmas money in advance.Course she is making her usual exuses (mainly lies).I was even told that the girls father thinks I am a "fu**ing bit*h".Firstly even if he has said that there was no reason to tell me.Then she says she's going to "drop" me because I give her a hard time.Anyway trying to stay professional & not sink to her level is a true test.
Tonight she is getting her final letter that there will be no more day care & that further action is going to be taken.Course, I would like to be a fly on the wall when she opens it...she will have to scramble in the new year as I am sure most places are closed for the holidays.
I will give you a further update in the new year once I get a court date,etc.
Thank You once again for all your support & wonderful advice.May you all have a very Merry Christmas & best wishes for 2013.

[BlueRose]

I am sorry to hear that yo have to take her to court. But good for you for standing up and taking her. A new year with a new start is just want you need. Don't let this effect your holidays.
Have a great Christmas and New Year.

[Inspired by Reggio]

It is a shame it has to come to this but just want to say THANK YOU because for every provider who stands up and states I will not be treated this way and undervalued like this it RAISES THE BAR for all providers!

Merry Christmas to you and may the New Year bring new beginnings and clients who truly value your service and give you the appreciation for the valuable service your provide that you so deserve ~ an important reminder to us all that we set the tone for how others can treat us and if we do not value our self first and foremost than no one else will either ... stand tall and proud and tell the universe what you need and it will provide!

[sheila s]

Well! I know it has been a while since I began this thread...but the good news is that the judge awarded me my money,court costs & for breach of contract.Yahooooooo! Can hardly believe it...my money was paid in full two days later...so ladies don't ever give up.If a parent owes you money then go for it.Thanks to all for your great advice & good wishes.