Originally Posted by TheMisplacedMidwestMom:
Do it during care hours. You only have THIER Kids so worries no about privacy. Also search here and read up on divorced parents situations and have a plan of how you are going to handle things before-hand. (I.e. not being a go between or getting in the middle.)
I use a paraphrased version of bc's letter to divorced parents. When they separate or come in separated, they get a special chat and that letter.
-no supplies back and forth to parents houses
-I contract with ONE parent for payment, etc. I won't go back and forth.
-No bad mouthing other parent
-I get copies of court ordered custody arrangements.
-dcp that contracted gets say in authorized pick up persons.
-I cannot refuse the other parent at any time.
-custody arrangements do not supercede the daycare schedule. Don't care if it's dads night to pick up and he works until 6. Someone gets the kid at the contracted pick up time.
Originally Posted by Blackcat31:
In that case, I'd make sure that you meet with dad and his new wife when it is convenient for YOU.
I would also let him know now that ANY time you set aside for discussion in regards to THEIR child(ren) will not be up for negotiation.
I understand DCD and new wife maybe not wanting to meet at the same time DCM is present but for goodness sake, they are going to have to figure out how to get over themselves and CO-PARENT. The child(ren) deserves that.
NO matter what hoopla the parents have going on between them, the child(ren) they created together deserve peace even if they couldn't do that while together they'll have to now.
Good luck.... managing divorced parents is tough....even tougher when they are immature and not behaving like adults.
Dcd, I was disappointed that you could not come to the previous two interviews I had with dcm, and dcm & children. I have an additional 15 minutes or so X day and time if you want to meet briefly. (I would make this PREVIOUS to drop off, eg. they pick up at 5:30, make it 5:15, wrap it up at 5:30 "It was nice getting to chat with you-stand up shake hands- Glad we are on the same page. The kids are great!"
YOU lead this 'interview'. You make it clear you aren't there to take sides, you're there to provide care for the children and do what's in their best interest-which is to keep the drama and details OUT of their daycare life.