Your first question - No, I don't customize my contracts, I have everything covered under all my policies and charge all clients exactly the same amount and expect the same appreciation and adherance to my policies from all families. When I started in the business I learned things as problems occurred and was constantly amending my policies but they didn't change until we renewed the contract the next year and everyone got the same letter advising of the changes to the new contract. What if everyone has a different contract and they start to talk about it? How do YOU keep it all straight? Just some things for you to think about.

Lateness: Good advice already. I know some people get so angry about lateness they charge $1/1minute late. If you let people walk all over you, yes they will! If you are like me and do NOT want to work late, then tell them that, demand respect for your personal time. I tell clients that I am far from finished my day when the children leave, I still have to clean my house, do dishes, vacuum, get ready for tomorrow with food, etc, you know it all.

I like Amanda's idea about an amendment to the contract, but do it for all of your families and get them all to sign it. You can explain it with a letter that you are learning about the way you want to run your daycare in a more efficient manner and some things have happened so that you must make a few amendments to your contract at the present time. Then state that your family needs are not being met and you want to be fresh every morning for all of the children so you are not available for overtime unless there is a unique situation once in a while.

If you lose the client, it might be the best thing that could happen for you. There are a lot of great kids out there and great parents too. Don't worry about anything except your happiness.