What are your important issues? Where will you compromise?

[mom-in-alberta]

I have learned that I am not up for negotiation, on pretty much all points in my contract. When I first started, I was a bit of a doormat. Pretty quickly I found out that if you allow one thing to slide, or make allowances for one point, too many families will push for more.
My hours are NOT negotiable. I allowed a family to come 1/2 an hour earlier than I opened, for free! Wouldn't you know it, the same family was always late picking up (until I served them a written notice), had no regard for our policies, and didn't bother to tell me that their child had ADHD (and was on medication as such). Couldn't wait to say goodbye to them, and it was absolutely a lesson learned.
I will bend a bit for parents that genuinely end up running late, once in a while. You can usually tell if it's a real scenario, or if they just wanted to get to the grocery store before coming to pick up. It also depends on how they approach the situation. No phone call, or you really don't seem to care that it's a terrible inconvenience, and my family is all loaded up in the van because we have hockey in 20 min? LATE FEE!! But a sincere apology can go a long way, as well as a call to let me know.
I'm not flexible on fees. I have them set as they are for a reason, and I know for a fact that I am not over-priced.
I find the sick policies tough sometimes. It can be hard to learn where to draw the line, and when to call parents. Vomit, or diarreah, is a no brainer for me. When it comes to colds, ear infections, etc I have it worded in my contract that if I feel that the child is in discomfort and unable to participate in our normal activities, they do not belong at daycare. I know that logically, yes, I could put on a movie and get them to lay on the couch all day. But what kid wants to be at daycare feeling like that? And some kids don't lay down and relax when sick, they just get miserable, and therefore so do I!!
I will work with parents, within reason, on food issues. I had one child that was being watched for celiac/gluten issues. So for a period of time, we cut back on breads, etc. Not a big deal.
Quiet time is also non-negotiable. I had a set of parents ask me not to nap their not-even-2-year-old. No freakin' way!! I put her down for a sleep, but I did make sure she wasn't sleeping the day away, at the same time.

[Momof4]

mom-in-alberta, you and I both learned the hard way by the sound of it. I started this business as a doormat too, but I didnt' know what I was getting into. I didn't have a contract, now I swear by them and hope that everyone has one. I have developed a clear, plain spoken, no fancy schmancy wording, just the facts contract and everybody loves it as it is very fair.

I also have a line near the end of my contract that states the contract is 'at my discretion' because I will make slight allowances like no charge if parents are only 5-10 minutes early in the morning if they have asked me in advance. However, I have only allowed one long-time family to do this a few times without the early fee payment and one other newer family because the one dcMom also shows up for a Timmie's tea for me many mornings. I get pretty grouchy when people are late though because my evenings are already too short.

It's all about feeling appreciated for me now. I confess I had bit of a meltdown once last year when I was getting really exhausted and I was writing a letter to the families regarding some upcoming daycare events and I actually included a small paragraph in the letter about respect and appreciation for all my hard work and I do believe they took my point! This Christmas I received much nicer gifts than ever before and wonderful thank you notes.

[Cadillac]

I set up my daycare to be completely flexible for parents. But that being said, they are know that there are limits and the flexibility will lessen should I feel I'm being taken advantage of.

For me it's all about the situation.

One child will stay hours after closing time about once a week. I wouldn't do that for any other family but mom does shift work, dad works long hours far away. If I didn't then they would have to hire a nanny and pay a substantial amount of money for only a couple hours of care. on top of that, this child is my kids best friend. they are inseparable. when he stays late I get a huge break after work to make dinner in piece

For another family I am giving a sibling discount. This family moved not too long ago but goes out of their way to come to me for care and are working on getting their older child into the school up the street so they can continue to stay with me throughout the children's school years. This sort of loyalty deserves something on my end (besides amazing care LOL)

I have close bonds with my families and I think thats important in the job that we do.

When I had an emergency with my fiance. One parent offered to watch the kids for me until my assistant could come and another insisted on driving me all the way to the hospital to be with him. On some other occasions parents have come to pick up their children in the middle of the day so I could take care of other issues. No one ever complains or even looks slightly inconvenienced.

How can I not bend for them when they so willingly bend for me?

So to answer the question: I'd probably bend the rules on anything (but safety) as long as it's a logical and reasonable request.

[mom-in-alberta]

FlexFun: Your post makes me happy. So often we providers have a tough time dealing with parents, and finding parents that we "click" with. I am glad to see that you have such a great relationship with all of your clients.

[clep]

I won't compromise on anything in my contract. Every time I had done it in the past I was upset about it later. I had done so may favors but each time I found later that it wasn't really a need on the part of the parent, but a want.

I had one family telling me that finances are hard and they had to find a car for hubby to get to work in when they first came. I have them a break on fees and only charged them half price for one of their children. A couple of days later, they found a car and I was so happy for them as they seemed quite stressed out. Their son told me a few months later that dad was bringing the BMW to pick him up. I figured the little guy made a mistake. I mentioned it to dad and he let me know he did indeed purchase a brand new BMW. That was the last favor I ever gave anyone.

[mom-in-alberta]

Yeah, I really hate it when I can't afford the payments on my Beamer.... sheesh!!!