Tricky Question

[Monday 2 Friday Mama]

Sounds like a tough situation to be in. Unfortunately, I don't think it's going to be possible for you to continue wearing both "hats" so to speak. Your first hat choice would be if you choose to continue caring for this child, I think you should treat this client like any other family. Charge your regular rates for care, and hold them to the same standards that you expect from other families. i.e. prompt payments, no bounced cheques, agreed upon pick up and drop off times. It's been my experience that once you blur the lines in one area, other areas are also negatively affected. While it is very sweet of you to want to "help" this family out during their troubles, they don't appear to be terribly appreciative of your efforts. And if your efforts are not being valued, and you're no longer happy doing them for purely altruistic reasons, then why would you continue to make these superhuman efforts ? Look out for number one always. Your happiness matters just as much as anyone else's.

Hat Number Two would involve you terminating the child, but continuing to remain a supportive friend. This might be easier for you. It would allow you the freedom to choose how you wanted to help (i.e. yes, I'll watch Sarah on Saturday afternoon while you're off on a job interview) while allowing you control over how much BS you want to deal with. I totally understand that emotions get involved, especially when you're dealing with a child who doesn't have a lot positive adults in their life. Advertise and find a new family, and then just tell this current client that it's purely a business decision, you too have bills to pay, and while you will continue to love her daughter dearly you simply cannot take the financial hit that you were previously taking. Leave it at that. Most people understand that you can't lose out on potential income - we all have bills to pay.

You're trying to walk in two different directions at the same time - and you're learning that you can't do it ! Although bless your kind heart for trying. Choose whether you want to be a supportive friend or a caregiver, and then act accordingly.

[smileyface]

Oh my... what a horrible situation! I wouldn't keep them on at all. They don't respect you and your policies. I can already tell you that this type of stuff is going to keep happening with this family. I don't understand what type of parent would send their poor child to school when they are so sick. I tell parents up front that if they require medication, they can't come to the daycare. Do you have emergency contacts for this family? I have two for each family. That way if the parents aren't reachable, I contact the emergency contacts. If a child is seriously ill in my care, I either strap them in the high chair or put them in a play pen to keep them separate from the rest of the kids to help contain the illness. However, there are so many issues with this family and all for $10?! Even though it's awkward, I would definitely get rid of them. They have walked all over you like a doormat Don't feel bad, THEY are the ones who haven't followed the rules and ruined it.