Collecting Fees when dck is sick

[Other Mummy]

All my parents know fees are due regardless of attendance. It is stipulated in my iron clad contract

So my question is how to go about tactfully reminding dcm that fees (for both siblings) are due even though both her kids are sick this whole week. I don't charge late fees if the child is sick and parent does not attend on day that fees are due (Mon. morning) but usually by the second or third day at the latest..child comes, fees paid, done.

Now dcm's kids are pretty sick. She is taking them to doctor today. However, her fees where due on Monday for both kids. So today is Thursday and we have chatted throughout the week...today I'm going to call her and see if kids are coming tomorrow and that fees are due. I cannot wait until Monday. And I've already given her 4 days without late fees....I just don't want to sound cold "sorry the kids are still really sick, but come down and pay me tonight".

Oh well, part of the business, I just hate this part ugh.

[Momof4]

Well, I certainly hope that the little children feel better by the weekend and are healthy for Monday. But, do NOT feel guilty about enforcing your contract. You were open and ready to work every day and it is something that happens every once in a while. You should not even have to bring up the subject, it should be expected that you be paid on time. After all, the dcMom's pay is going to be in her account on time from her employer.

However, this dcMom is probably going crazy with her sick children and we are all human so a reminder that her fees are due would be a nice courtesy from you, but that's what it is, you are doing her a favour by reminding her. You are being extremely lenient by not charging her late fees so tell her that.

You could send her a text or an email if you feel nervous about doing it over the phone but definitely do it!

[apples and bananas]

You could suggest she send you an email transfer if it's hard for her to get out.

It's hard to ask for money, but it's something we all have to do.

You could let her know that you were reconciling your books for this week. You were planning out your budget for next week.

"I'm so sorry johnny is so sick. If it's easier then stopping by, you are welcome to send me an email money transfer for fees that were due on Monday. "

Sick or not, they're not in the hospital, it's not life threatening. She still owes you the money.

[gramma]

Post dated cheques would solve this issue as well.

[Sandbox Sally]

Maybe because you let her break the rules before, she's assuming she's special. I have completely put a stop to ALL special treatment for everyone for this very reason.

I'm sorry she hasn't paid you. As I've said here before, I'm sure she didn't forget to pay any of her other bills when her kids were sick. Ugh.

[apples and bananas]

I find that anticipating the problem and mentioning it before the problem happens often helps. So, when the child called in sick on the first day, that would have been a good opportunty to remind her that fees were due that day, what's the best way to get them to you.

It sets the expectation right from the beginning and stops most chasing.

[Naftafia]

I agree that this is a difficult situation to be in, however remind yourself that she would not accept late payment from her employer, so you should not have too either. The longer you wait to address this the more difficult it will become so either call or text as soon as possible to give a gentle reminder.

I understand that when the kids are sick and they are not coming over, it makes it more complicated and they might actually forget. However, I believe that there is no valid excuse as you deserve to be paid on time, no matter what the situation. Especially since she has several options, such as stopping by on the way to the doctors, send hubby when he gets home and/or do the online transfer....

Just keep telling yourself that in any other job you would have your payment on time no matter what and this is no different.