So I had a new family start last week. They are part time, but full days, which, other then b/a school are, is the main demand in this area. Anyhow, pick up times vary: if mom picks up, I was told 4:30, if dad picks up, I was told 5:15. I am open to 6 regardless, however, in my contract, I say that, even though I am open, I am expecting you at the pickup time that you have provided. For one very specific reason, if I know that my last child is leaving at 5:15, I will make plans with the family.

However, this is their first real week and yesterday I needed to close early due to a doctors appointment. The dcg was not originally scheduled for Wednesday, but the moms schedule got switched around and asked if I can accommodate her, so I did, but only if they can arrange pick up by 2:30 THE LATEST. The dad picks up at 2:35 mumbling sorry, he had dropped his keys in the snow.

Today, she was my last child scheduled to leave, and even though he is suppose to pick up at 5:15, I assumed, just in case, that he would pick up at 5:30. So I told my boys after the last kiddie goes, we can go to the library before dinner.

5:15 came and went. 5:30 came and went. Heck 5:45 came and went. He finally shows up at 5:50, walks in and says "sorry, but sometimes I am on a roof and cant drop what I am doing to be here on time." WHAT?! I told him, that it is not a big deal, as I am open to 6:00, however, I was expecting him at 5:15, because of the information that his wife provided.

He told me that she should not have said 5:15 as it changes every day (he is in construction). He can get off as early as 4:30, or very late.

I told him that from now on, I will assume that she will be picked up at 6:00pm on his pick up days, instead of the 5:15. He basically comes back with saying, that he will TRY to be here by 6pm.

NO NO NO NO. I dont care for late fees or excuses. I am CLOSED at 6pm. I have a family. I am open for a 12 hour day. I would like to sit down to dinner with my boys. I told him, that I am NOT open past 6. He mumbled something and left.

Red Flags?