Originally Posted by Unregistered:
I have had a family daycare for 31 years, and I've seen it all, had to make adjustments here and there in my policies, and I've also tolerated a lot of mistreatment because I get that the parents can't see things from my point of view.
I texted a parent yesterday to let her know I would continue to be open this week. I texted to avoid a phone call, but she called seconds later and took 45 minutes of my Sunday to go over what she expected from me regarding school work for her 2 kids. She also sent me a mock up time schedule for the work. I don't mind supplementing school work but I'm not paid to be a teacher. She is already receiving a $70 discount from me.
I plan to tell her today that she will no longer receive the discount and that a center might be in her best interest. How would you respond to this request/demand by a parent? Am I being unreasonable?
Personally, I would not have texted or answered the phone on a Sunday. If I had inadvertently answered I would have interrupted her to tell her that schoolwork is a parental responsibility. I also would have never given a discount. Both things lead to resentment and spell the doom of the client relationship from the very beginning. I would see it as a gift and they would see it that I was overcharging them to begin with and they showed me by talking me down.
"After some consideration, I feel we have had a miscommunication as to our working relationship. I offer childcare services for a fee. Nothing more. I understand this pandemic is something new and you are struggling to figure out a way to make it work out to your best interest, but schoolwork is a parental responsibility. I am not willing to change our group childcare schedule or add to my workload to fill your responsibilities.
After further consideration, I see your current discount is no longer applicable and will be charging you the full rate beginning next week. If this does not work for your family, please >insert termination of contract policy<. Thanks in advance for your understanding."