Question new to this

[5 Little Monkeys]

I agree with both lee bee and micky c.

I have a late fee for pick ups but not for payment (I love what you say lee bee...it IS permission to be late but with a penalty!) I have had a few parents a couple minutes late but if they have texted/called to explain why and that they were on the way and they apologize at pick up than I don't mind letting it slide once and awhile. I had one family who was late a fair amount but they always had the late fee paid that day or the next morning (in the 8 months they were here they paid around $50 in late fees!) If it is a consistent thing, I have it in my contract that it's grounds for termination. If a parent were to show up late and not say anything, I would be ticked so I understand your frustration. I am not here whenever they need me...I have set hours and I expect them to be considerate of that. I agree with lee bee that life happens so once in awhile is okay but if it's getting to the point that it's bugging you, time to say something to the parents!

I also agree with lee bee in regard to the clothing. I also have central air and it is quite cool in the basement even with all the vents closed. I have one child who also comes dressed in jeans most of the time and I have to change him into lighter pants. Sometimes he doesn't have shorts or lighter pants so I just roll them up. Mom is sorta forgetful and I assume that is the reason she doesn't always send spare clothes. She has carried him out of here and left his sweater, hat and shoes!! lol. Some parents just can't get their shit together sometimes!!

I said in another thread how parents are like children and I pick my battles with them just like I do with the kids. If these are things that truly bother you, I would let them know and put them on probation for whatever length of time you think is appropriate. Set clear rules that they need to follow and state what the consequence is if they don't follow your rules. They will either shape up or leave. Either way, the stress will be gone and you can go back to enjoying this family and/or daycare life. For example of picking battles, if the parents still don't send shorts I would go out and buy a couple pairs at yard sales for 50 cents and change him during the day but send him home in the pants he came in. Sometimes it's just not worth the hassle of constantly reminding the parents of something and I wouldn't make a child suffer because of his/her parents inability to do as I ask.

Another thing I would suggest is maybe doing a monthly newsletter? When I got my second round of kids and parents, I found the parents were young new moms and I felt like I had to guide them through EVERYTHING! So I started doing a monthly newsletter. I talk a bit about what I have planned for the month (theme, activities, field trips etc) and than I list all the important dates for that month (pay days, dress up days, closures) and I mark down what each family owes on their letter. Than I end it with reminders....things such as "please ring doorbell before coming in", "please text/call if you are going to be later or earlier than normal so I can plan my day", "please send appropriate clothes for the weather and have at least one spare outfit at dc at all times" etc. It's all the reminders that I feel the parents need at that time. Sometimes it's only for one parent but I put it in the newsletter anyways. It has helped a lot and I don't feel like I'm constantly talking to parents about the rules and such. It's really helped my stress level lol. Thankfully I have a pretty good group right now and the reminders have gotten less and less.

Do what you think will benefit you and your dc the best! If you don't think the parents are willing to work with you than terminate and find a family who will! My suggestion would be to find another family first and than terminate so that you are not left with no income. Give the current family appropriate notice and tell the new family they can start at xxx date.


eeek!!! sorry!!! I didn't realize I typed so much