I have found, all people are so different, that you can attempt to stick to your contract as much as possible but due to the fact that all are different, I have to be a touch flexible while trying to stay "firm" with some parents. Perfect example, I have a set of parents who at least twice a month, pay late...I will send a reminder on the last day payment is accepted and they will run to their computer and send payment immediately...the way I see it, is...if they pay right away after reminder, everything is ok. Some of you may view that as grounds for a late fee...these particular parents are great people and I have had their kids for over 3 years, I pick my battles..they do pay me each week, but not usually until after a reminder. I consider that situation to be a battle I choose not to fight, they do pay when I remind so I have come to the realization that I will need to remind as long as they are in care, it's not worth hard feelings or termination. I also have a set of parents who will always drop off late and pick up late even if it's by 10-15 minutes....they are not timely people....I remind on occasion and will sometimes give a late fee to get things back on track, but again.....I pick my battles and that too is one I don't always want to fight, I also have had their kids for about 3 years and they a great people.