No point to this post...

[mickyc]

I do exactly the same as you do. Each family has their contract and I have a copy as well. Over the year I make changes to my contract (not giving anyone a new contract unless they are new families). I do not inform any of my current families of any of the changes I am making over the year. They will find out in December when they get the full contract. I do agree that it is confusing to not remember who has what in your contract unless you go dig it out. It is better if everyone is on the same set of rules. I do however give lots of notice of any major changes. I gave my families notice last year in January that my fees were going up as of July 1, 2015 - so a year and a half notice lol. For little things such as increase to late fees etc the 1 month notice is all I give (and my contract states I will give a minimum of one months notice on all changes).

In all honesty I would just leave it now. Next year just make sure you give a bit more notice of any major changes and make sure your contract states that you will be giving out updated contracts yearly and notice of any major changes will be one month or more. In all reality the next stat day isn't until Feb (in my province anyways) so really that is lots of notice. If they don't like your new policy then they can leave.

Is it common practice in your area to not have families pay when they are away?? This is something I don't do. If a family is away they still pay full rate. I did start giving a small reduction of $5 on the days they book for holidays providing I get 1 month's notice. This is a must. No month's notice, no reduction in the fee for your days off.