I have a very clear policy in my parent handbook about what clothing is required each season, as well as sending out reminders about clothing needed now that the weather is getting warmer.

I have one family with an 8 years old dcg that seems to think this policy does not apply to them, perhaps because she is only here before and after school.

They did not send her in winter boots until long after the snow had fallen at the start of winter and now that it is spring they are not sending her in rubber boots and splash pants, like requested. I had sent a reminder a month ago with what type of clothing would be needed once it was spring (rubber boots, waterproof splash pants, rain coat) and I also sent an email on the weekend saying that the kids need to be sent in rubber boots and splash pants starting this week.

Well, yesterday the dcg arrived in snow pants and her winter boots. I asked her if she has rubber boots at home and she says her mom doesn't buy that stuff, that it is okay for her to get wet because it eventually dries. *sigh*

So I talked to her dad when he came to pick her up at the end of the day and told him that he needed to send her in rubber boots and splash pants, that she had soaking wet socks from playing outside (they also ignore my request to send a spare set of clothing). He just shrugged his shoulders dismissively and I said "No, it is my policy and she needs to dress properly for the weather. It makes it really difficult for me to take care of all these kids (I have 7) if one is getting all wet and cold and asking to go inside." He shrugged his shoulders dismissively again so I repeated myself and reminded him that he had been informed of the required clothing. He said "Oh, she doesn't need splash pants." I repeated myself AGAIN and he didn't really say anything and they left.

I should also mention that this family pays half as much to send their daughter here as any other home daycare because I am licensed and funded, so it isn't like they couldn't humor me and "splurge" on the $20 to buy her a pair of rubber boots. They also both work full time at decent jobs.

So how much would you push a family in what type of clothing they send. There have been some other minor issues with this family, so it makes me feel less tolerant than I would be towards my other families that are very accommodating.