Late payment issues

[Busy ECE mommy]

@Lee Bee-I have had 3 cheques so far from this family, and there were no issues with getting it on time for the deposit and November's cheques(3 in total) , and all the cheques cleared fine, so I have not had to deal with late payment fees before with them. The issue is that I was supposed to have 2 December cheques(post dated) for the 1st and 15th, that did not arrive. So even though I'm supposed to have all of them in advance, they weren't technically late until the 1st came and went. I just like to be in control of when the cheques go in, especially if it's a day they don't attend or a weekend/holiday/during my vacation or child's vacation etc. The late payment fees are very clearly highlighted in my contract and on a separate fee schedule for each child. It was also explained during the interview, and they have read my policies on my website. It was my fault for not getting the cheques up front when he started. It is not a case of waiving the late fee last time, and now choosing to enforce it in this instance, thereby creating confusion.

Update: I played hardball with them via email last night after my closing hours, and told them that I would charge the late fees if I didn't have the money last night. They got emails to 2 accounts(mom and dad's). She emailed me about 1 hr later, and said she forgot, and could write the cheque right then. I had to pick it up at their house( 5 mins away) as her kids were in bed, but at least I got it! She apologized profusely. I don't feel bad for being tough on payments, because I have bills to pay too. Oh the joys of being your own boss.....