Need to vent....

[CindysGusGus]

Originally posted by Keli
Ok, I think what you are saying is that this woman is leaving her son past 4:40pm and saying the reason is because she has to work late because she knows you will watch her son longer without charging her extra money since she's at work. That is totally wrong on her part and she is abusing your good nature.

Since I have a sister that has run a home-based day care for many years I have watched her grapple with this same situation many times. A lot of folks will tell you to drop this woman in a heartbeat but what they aren't thinking about is the little boy. If you've had him for three years then you are likely very attached to him.

If I were you I would talk to the mom, tell her what you know about her tanning habits, explain that you feel you were taken advantage of and present her with a bill for the overtime you would have charged if you had realized she wasn't at work. If she pays up and apologizes then I'd keep watching the little boy but if she has any other reaction then I would have to let him go.

What she said!

 

[Christine]

My son's daycare provider is open from 6:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. My contract with her states that my son will be in care from 6:00 a.m. until 9:00 a.m. (when he goes to school) and then from 3:40 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. when we are scheduled to pick him up.

It is my understanding that if I start needing care until 4:30 p.m. I am to discuss this with her so that we can change the rate that I pay her. I do not assume that I can leave my son there until closing time. HOWEVER, there have been times that I was literally stuck in traffic from 3:00 p.m. until 4:30 p.m or I had a dentist appointment or something. It has been so rare that these things happen, that out of kindness, she lets me slide. I think that is what you probably started out doing. Unfortunately, she has taken advantage of you and now you really do need to come down on her. No, you are not being petty. And I feel ashamed of the woman--people like her give us other moms a bad reputation.

 

[Hillbeans]

I use a licensed Daycare, and I can have my son there anytime after 7 and pick him up anytime before 6. I do try and get there by 5:30 just because i know that the teachers are ready to go after a long day, and running all of my errands and getting there at 5:59 really isn't fair - even though they are technically open. They need to vaccuum, clean, etc., and they have families also.

That being said, i've taken DS to Daycare on scheduled days off during a vacation period so I can get errands done and spend the day with a friend or doing something for myself. Since i'm paying a flat monthly rate I don't have any problem doing this even if i'm not "at work". I don't do it often, but I think everyone needs a day off for themselves sometimes.

I don't think you're being unreasonable though since she is taking advantage of the time schedule you agreed on. I'd probably change your policy. Good luck.