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Daycare Center and Family Home Forum>Hi New Family! Bye New Family! - Vent
CedarCreek 05:22 AM 03-20-2013
Seriously, this new family is driving me nuts.
Not really the kiddos. The parents stomping all over my policies is driving me nuts.
The kids are frequently late with no warning,I have no idea what time they will be picked up. Its seriously day to day. Some days they don't come at all and i'm not notified.
The Mom recently texted me asking if another child here taught her child to say "shut up".
Uh, no dcm. No one here says that. Check your own vocabulary at home.
They tried to pull splitting up their vacation week that they get free. Which I don't allow.
Then they tried to pay half for spring break because dcd is a teacher. No.
dcm plays the guilt trip game at drop off and works the 3 year old up into a huge fit. She got mad when I took the child and said "bye Mom!" And shut the door. Oh well.
To top all of this off, this morning they showed up an hour early. "usual" drop off time is 7:30. 6:38 and I hear a banging on the door. I opened it to see them. My face:
No explanation for why they are here. If my dcgs who are sisters were not already here,I would have been sleeping. Wth?
I have talked to them every time something has occurred. Albeit briefly, but they knew they were causing a problem.
This family was used to a nanny that they could come and go with and their kids had no structure. It shows.
The kids are spoiled and whiny but that's not too much of a problem because I simply don't allow them to act like that.
The parents are killing me!
They are getting a warning letter and if nothing changes, peace out.
Ain't no body got time for that!
Not really the kiddos. The parents stomping all over my policies is driving me nuts.
The kids are frequently late with no warning,I have no idea what time they will be picked up. Its seriously day to day. Some days they don't come at all and i'm not notified.
The Mom recently texted me asking if another child here taught her child to say "shut up".
Uh, no dcm. No one here says that. Check your own vocabulary at home.
They tried to pull splitting up their vacation week that they get free. Which I don't allow.
Then they tried to pay half for spring break because dcd is a teacher. No.
dcm plays the guilt trip game at drop off and works the 3 year old up into a huge fit. She got mad when I took the child and said "bye Mom!" And shut the door. Oh well.
To top all of this off, this morning they showed up an hour early. "usual" drop off time is 7:30. 6:38 and I hear a banging on the door. I opened it to see them. My face:
No explanation for why they are here. If my dcgs who are sisters were not already here,I would have been sleeping. Wth?
I have talked to them every time something has occurred. Albeit briefly, but they knew they were causing a problem.
This family was used to a nanny that they could come and go with and their kids had no structure. It shows.
The kids are spoiled and whiny but that's not too much of a problem because I simply don't allow them to act like that.
The parents are killing me!
They are getting a warning letter and if nothing changes, peace out.
Ain't no body got time for that!
Play Care 05:31 AM 03-20-2013
Originally Posted by :
Ain't no body got time for that!
Dying here!Ain't no body got time for that!
But in all seriousness that is some cheek!
blandino 05:33 AM 03-20-2013
Ugh ! I hate that. Especially when it's a new family. You would think they would be as considerate as possible, at least when first starting. But apparently that's not the case. It sounds like you've done a good job talking to them about each issue. Do they seem to care that they are violating your rules ?
Texasjeepgirl 05:33 AM 03-20-2013
Originally Posted by CedarCreek:
peace out.
After everything you described.. THIS is where I would be...peace out.
CedarCreek 05:35 AM 03-20-2013
They always seem very apologetic when something happens. But then they turn around and break another rule. I'm starting to think that they are just not the brightest crayons in the box.
blandino 05:36 AM 03-20-2013
Originally Posted by CedarCreek:
Ain't no body got time for that!
Can that be our new theme ? I think it applies to most daycare situations I come into contact with.Ain't no body got time for that!
itlw8 05:39 AM 03-20-2013
You need to speak up. and if you do not have a late and early fee start it NOW no notice . Today you say anything BEFORE ---- is $1 a minute or if you have arranged in advance it is ___ an hour
Anything after ----- is $1 a minute extended care is arranged in advance and at a higher fee of $10 an hour per child.
Use your back bone girl and stick to your policies. some people in addition to a late fee have a 3 strikes you are out. our time is important respect it or find other care.
Anything after ----- is $1 a minute extended care is arranged in advance and at a higher fee of $10 an hour per child.
Use your back bone girl and stick to your policies. some people in addition to a late fee have a 3 strikes you are out. our time is important respect it or find other care.
EntropyControlSpecialist 05:40 AM 03-20-2013
Originally Posted by blandino:
Can that be our new theme ? I think it applies to most daycare situations I come into contact with.
Can that be our new theme ? I think it applies to most daycare situations I come into contact with.
Cedar - Holy cow. What a delightful family!
CedarCreek 05:40 AM 03-20-2013
Originally Posted by blandino:
Can that be our new theme ? I think it applies to most daycare situations I come into contact with.
I think it should be! Can that be our new theme ? I think it applies to most daycare situations I come into contact with.
CedarCreek 05:41 AM 03-20-2013
Originally Posted by itlw8:
You need to speak up. and if you do not have a late and early fee start it NOW no notice . Today you say anything BEFORE ---- is $1 a minute or if you have arranged in advance it is ___ an hour
Anything after ----- is $1 a minute extended care is arranged in advance and at a higher fee of $10 an hour per child.
Use your back bone girl and stick to your policies. some people in addition to a late fee have a 3 strikes you are out. our time is important respect it or find other care.
You're right,I should have that system in place. I think that would curb a lot of the issues. My policies are about to get a huge face lift!You need to speak up. and if you do not have a late and early fee start it NOW no notice . Today you say anything BEFORE ---- is $1 a minute or if you have arranged in advance it is ___ an hour
Anything after ----- is $1 a minute extended care is arranged in advance and at a higher fee of $10 an hour per child.
Use your back bone girl and stick to your policies. some people in addition to a late fee have a 3 strikes you are out. our time is important respect it or find other care.
Springdaze 05:57 AM 03-20-2013
How would they even know you were up at 630? Im surely not!
CedarCreek 06:03 AM 03-20-2013
Originally Posted by Springdaze:
How would they even know you were up at 630? Im surely not!
Yes! Exactly.How would they even know you were up at 630? Im surely not!
I state in the contract that I am available from 6 to 6 but they have their own hours they are supposed to adhere to.
Supposed to.
For all they knew,I was fast asleep. They had no idea what time the dcgs came. Do they honestly think I get up at 6 with no one here and wait all doe eyed for them to grace me with their presence?
I'm getting angrier. Maybe because i'm also hungry.
NeedaVaca 06:11 AM 03-20-2013
Wow, doesn't sound like they even bothered to read your policies! Warning letter: I didn't just type my policies for fun, they are actually meant to be read and followed 
Patches 06:37 AM 03-20-2013
Originally Posted by blandino:
Can that be our new theme ? I think it applies to most daycare situations I come into contact with.
Can that be our new theme ? I think it applies to most daycare situations I come into contact with.
I'll adopt it
Blackcat31 06:52 AM 03-20-2013
Originally Posted by CedarCreek:
They always seem very apologetic when something happens. But then they turn around and break another rule.
Apologies mean nothing UNLESS the behavior changes. They always seem very apologetic when something happens. But then they turn around and break another rule.
I tell my DCK's all the time "SHOW me, do not TELL me".
I agree, your policies need some serious enforcing.
This family is doing all of this because right now, there is nothing standing in their way of doing so and no consequences that make enough of an impact to stop or detour them....kwim?
People won't/don't change their behavior until it becomes a problem for them.
momofboys 06:56 AM 03-20-2013
Originally Posted by CedarCreek:
They always seem very apologetic when something happens. But then they turn around and break another rule. I'm starting to think that they are just not the brightest crayons in the box.
They always seem very apologetic when something happens. But then they turn around and break another rule. I'm starting to think that they are just not the brightest crayons in the box.
Did you make them pay extra for dropping off so early - I would have been ticked off!
momofboys 06:57 AM 03-20-2013
Originally Posted by CedarCreek:
Yes! Exactly.
I state in the contract that I am available from 6 to 6 but they have their own hours they are supposed to adhere to.
Supposed to.
For all they knew,I was fast asleep. They had no idea what time the dcgs came. Do they honestly think I get up at 6 with no one here and wait all doe eyed for them to grace me with their presence?
I'm getting angrier. Maybe because i'm also hungry.
I would have been tempted to not open the door - did they have any explanation for why they were so early?Yes! Exactly.
I state in the contract that I am available from 6 to 6 but they have their own hours they are supposed to adhere to.
Supposed to.
For all they knew,I was fast asleep. They had no idea what time the dcgs came. Do they honestly think I get up at 6 with no one here and wait all doe eyed for them to grace me with their presence?
I'm getting angrier. Maybe because i'm also hungry.
EntropyControlSpecialist 07:06 AM 03-20-2013
Perhaps you can send them a notice like, "This is your get of of jail free card. In the future, early arrivals that are not cleared with me ahead of time will be $1.00/minute per child."
wdmmom 07:14 AM 03-20-2013
How new are they? Still early enough in to term within an introductory period.
I would simply provide them with ANOTHER copy and HIGHLIGHT each policy that they've violated and tell them that their probation has been extended. ANY violation of ANY policy will result in IMMEDIATE termination.
Now is when your backbone needs to shine!
AND, I would be charging them a HEFTY fee for bringing their kid(s) in an hour prior to their scheduled time. Say, $1 per minute, per kid!
When it comes to families like this kind, you honestly have to charge attach money to everything. The sooner they realize you are in charge, the better.
I would simply provide them with ANOTHER copy and HIGHLIGHT each policy that they've violated and tell them that their probation has been extended. ANY violation of ANY policy will result in IMMEDIATE termination.
Now is when your backbone needs to shine!
AND, I would be charging them a HEFTY fee for bringing their kid(s) in an hour prior to their scheduled time. Say, $1 per minute, per kid!
When it comes to families like this kind, you honestly have to charge attach money to everything. The sooner they realize you are in charge, the better.
CedarCreek 07:52 AM 03-20-2013
Originally Posted by momofboys:
Did you make them pay extra for dropping off so early - I would have been ticked off!
No, I actually don't have this in my policies. It hasn't really been a problem before. But I certainly am putting it in now! Did you make them pay extra for dropping off so early - I would have been ticked off!Originally Posted by momofboys:
I would have been tempted to not open the door - did they have any explanation for why they were so early?
None at all. I would have been tempted to not open the door - did they have any explanation for why they were so early?
Originally Posted by EntropyControlSpecialist:
Perhaps you can send them a notice like, "This is your get of of jail free card. In the future, early arrivals that are not cleared with me ahead of time will be $1.00/minute per child."
Agreed! I have typed up a letter to go home with them that will serve as a warning.Perhaps you can send them a notice like, "This is your get of of jail free card. In the future, early arrivals that are not cleared with me ahead of time will be $1.00/minute per child."
Originally Posted by wdmmom:
How new are they? Still early enough in to term within an introductory period.
I would simply provide them with ANOTHER copy and HIGHLIGHT each policy that they've violated and tell them that their probation has been extended. ANY violation of ANY policy will result in IMMEDIATE termination.
Now is when your backbone needs to shine!
AND, I would be charging them a HEFTY fee for bringing their kid(s) in an hour prior to their scheduled time. Say, $1 per minute, per kid!
When it comes to families like this kind, you honestly have to charge attach money to everything. The sooner they realize you are in charge, the better.
They started the middle of Feb. My trial period is two weeks.How new are they? Still early enough in to term within an introductory period.
I would simply provide them with ANOTHER copy and HIGHLIGHT each policy that they've violated and tell them that their probation has been extended. ANY violation of ANY policy will result in IMMEDIATE termination.
Now is when your backbone needs to shine!
AND, I would be charging them a HEFTY fee for bringing their kid(s) in an hour prior to their scheduled time. Say, $1 per minute, per kid!
When it comes to families like this kind, you honestly have to charge attach money to everything. The sooner they realize you are in charge, the better.
I have also attached more copies of my policies and the contract with these areas highlighted. I agree, I am polishing my backbone!
Oh, and ill also send home a note on 3 yo dcks report saying that he introduced the word "stupid" to the rest of my dcks today. Like I said, someone needs to check their vocabulary at home before blaming my dc.
MyAngels 08:15 AM 03-20-2013
I would schedule a conference outside of daycare hours. I would print up three copies of my policies and sit down with them at a table and go over, line by line, every single rule. I would ask for any questions and give detailed explanations.
Then I would let them know that even one violation will result in termination.
If they are going to act like idiots they need to be treated as such.
Good luck!
Then I would let them know that even one violation will result in termination.
If they are going to act like idiots they need to be treated as such.
Good luck!
Brooksie 08:29 AM 03-20-2013
Originally Posted by CedarCreek:
They are getting a warning letter and if nothing changes, peace out.
Ain't no body got time for that!
LOVE this. They are getting a warning letter and if nothing changes, peace out.
Ain't no body got time for that!
But seriously, this exactly. You DONT have time for that kind of disrespect or those games. You're running a business and in order to properly care for your kids and do it effectively you don't need all that bull.
julie 10:48 AM 03-20-2013
Originally Posted by CedarCreek:
Ain't no body got time for that!
This is off topic, but ever since I read your post, I've had this in my head.Ain't no body got time for that!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=po3jPq5LT0g
TheGoodLife 11:19 AM 03-20-2013
Originally Posted by julie:
This is off topic, but ever since I read your post, I've had this in my head.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=po3jPq5LT0g
This is off topic, but ever since I read your post, I've had this in my head.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=po3jPq5LT0g
Thanks for the laugh 
Unregistered 11:27 AM 03-20-2013
ROFL!!! Ain't nobody got time for THAT!!
Send them a warning letter clarifying your policies for each item, then have them sign a copy and give it back to you.
UGH.....what is going on lately, the parents are all acting NUTS!
Send them a warning letter clarifying your policies for each item, then have them sign a copy and give it back to you.
UGH.....what is going on lately, the parents are all acting NUTS!
CedarCreek 02:51 PM 03-20-2013
Sent the letter home today,dcm called about 20 minutes later.
Very apologetic, says she and dcd have a communication problem. Well, duh. She offered to pay for the times she is early and late.
Well now! How generous! I will take that.
She said that the boys love it here and she doesn't want to cause problems so they will fix it.
Sounds great. But we will see.
Very apologetic, says she and dcd have a communication problem. Well, duh. She offered to pay for the times she is early and late.
Well now! How generous! I will take that.
She said that the boys love it here and she doesn't want to cause problems so they will fix it.
Sounds great. But we will see.
Blackcat31 02:54 PM 03-20-2013
Originally Posted by CedarCreek:
Sent the letter home today,dcm called about 20 minutes later.
Very apologetic, says she and dcd have a communication problem. Well, duh. She offered to pay for the times she is early and late.
Well now! How generous! I will take that.
She said that the boys love it here and she doesn't want to cause problems so they will fix it.
Sounds great. But we will see.
Like I said "SHOW me, do not TELL me". Sent the letter home today,dcm called about 20 minutes later.
Very apologetic, says she and dcd have a communication problem. Well, duh. She offered to pay for the times she is early and late.
Well now! How generous! I will take that.
She said that the boys love it here and she doesn't want to cause problems so they will fix it.
Sounds great. But we will see.
Hope this family comes through for you. Sometimes the "broken" ones that can be fixed are the best ones.
TheGoodLife 04:33 PM 03-20-2013
Originally Posted by CedarCreek:
Sent the letter home today,dcm called about 20 minutes later.
Very apologetic, says she and dcd have a communication problem. Well, duh. She offered to pay for the times she is early and late.
Well now! How generous! I will take that.
She said that the boys love it here and she doesn't want to cause problems so they will fix it.
Sounds great. But we will see.
Yay, hopefully she is sincere and will stick to her word! Sent the letter home today,dcm called about 20 minutes later.
Very apologetic, says she and dcd have a communication problem. Well, duh. She offered to pay for the times she is early and late.
Well now! How generous! I will take that.
She said that the boys love it here and she doesn't want to cause problems so they will fix it.
Sounds great. But we will see.
