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Unregistered 11:14 AM 12-23-2014
I am open tomorrow until 1:00 all families except one family told me they won't be here tomorrow. So would you suck it up and watch one kid until 1 or would you tell the family your going to close as it's not worth it to stay open for one kid? What would you do?
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melilley 11:32 AM 12-23-2014
I would probably suck it up since you said you would be open.

But I would also send a text/call telling them you want to make sure dck is coming tomorrow so you can plan your day accordingly, as he is the only one scheduled.
Or something like that. I would make it sound like you are asking, but kind of telling them they will be the only one there. It probably won't make a difference though.
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hope 11:45 AM 12-23-2014
I would suck it up and stay open also. Both yesterday and today i have had only one and i continued on as normal. Definitely check with the one you do have tomorrow so tjat you dont wake up early for nothing.
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Leigh 11:49 AM 12-23-2014
I'd stay open and honor my commitment. I would ask the parents though, to pick up early, if possible, so that I could start my vacation early, too.
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Play Care 12:04 PM 12-23-2014
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
I am open tomorrow until 1:00 all families except one family told me they won't be here tomorrow. So would you suck it up and watch one kid until 1 or would you tell the family your going to close as it's not worth it to stay open for one kid? What would you do?
I would honor your commitment as its only until 1:00.
I used to do sign up sheets with a three family minimum for days around the holidays. If so one signed up or I didn't make my minimum I was closed. It was nice because it was right out in the open. Just a thought for next year
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DaveA 12:12 PM 12-23-2014
I would stay open but let DCPs know theirs is the only child that will be here. Especially double check to see if they will be normal schedule. Nothing like having your 620 kid not show up till 9 to put you in a great mood.
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daycare 12:16 PM 12-23-2014
as much as it will stink...suck it up...BTDT....

I would not plan anything other than maybe coloring and some Christmas movies...
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AmyKidsCo 01:33 PM 12-23-2014
I'd stay open too, but mention at drop off that the other children will be picked up early. Sometimes parents take the hint, and sometimes they don't.
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Meeko 01:45 PM 12-23-2014
I would stay open, but make sure to let the parent know their child would not have any playmates. That way you are giving them the opportunity to make other arrangements.

However, it can backfire. Many years back, I ended up having a Friday that worked out with only one child in attendance. I told the parent their child would be alone that day, in the hopes she would keep her home (she worked from home). Instead, she got all excited and exclaimed "Oh! You'll be able to do lots and lots of special things with DCG then!!!!"

I hurriedly told her it would be a very quiet play day. I wasn't about to become personal Disneyland for her child!

The child was here all day as usual......
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daycarediva 02:30 PM 12-23-2014
I do a 3-kid minimum for days like that as well now.

I would send the text, and then suck it up. Lesson learned.
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daycare 03:33 PM 12-23-2014
Originally Posted by daycarediva:
I do a 3-kid minimum for days like that as well now.

I would send the text, and then suck it up. Lesson learned.
I do this for holidays like vet day MLK...... I put out a sign up sheet and if 4 or more families are in need of care I open, if not, I don't.

I have some families like doctors, police, fire and nurses that don't get these days off...
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nothingwithoutjoy 06:00 PM 12-23-2014
In similar situations, I have offered a bribe. Like you could offer them a free day at some point in the future in exchange for not coming that day. If they really need care that day, then I'd do whatever makes it easy/fun for you. Take them out to lunch, or have them help you wrap your Christmas gifts, or let them play in a room they don't normally go in so you can clean in there, or whatever--something that makes your day easier and feels special to them.
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delferka 06:11 PM 12-23-2014
Yeah, I'd probably suck it up to such it was such short notice. Hey, take the kiddo with you and finish your list!
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Unregistered 09:07 PM 12-23-2014
Between sick kids and families who went out of town, only one baby was scheduled here today. The parents called and said baby has a little cold and they are keeping him home, so I had a free day off. That's never happened before.
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Unregistered 09:38 PM 12-23-2014
Yeah I am a little pissed dcm said she has the day off but is bringing dcb so she can clean her house. WTF!😡 some people are just pathetic! I clean my house every damn day and with 10 daycare kids on top of it. Merry frickin Christmas to you too daycare mom.
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Blackcat31 08:44 AM 12-24-2014
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
Yeah I am a little pissed dcm said she has the day off but is bringing dcb so she can clean her house. WTF!�� some people are just pathetic! I clean my house every damn day and with 10 daycare kids on top of it. Merry frickin Christmas to you too daycare mom.
Why wouldn't you just say no then?

If the parent told you she had the day off YOU had the power to say "Well in that case, you don't NEED me so I will be closing for the day. Have a great Christmas and see you on xx day"

I don't mean this rudely but it's true and I think it needs to said more often. Maybe providers will realize the power they do have if they hear it enough.

TOO many providers ALLOW parents to take advantage and then complain about it. It's YOUR business. Take control.

I totally agree with the others about sucking it up and working if the parent NEEDED you for work but since she straight up told you she wasn't the outcome of this situation is on you now.
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EntropyControlSpecialist 07:05 PM 12-24-2014
I would have closed.
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