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.