advice please anyone??

[polly2]

Hiya all,

Not sure if this is in the right section but I have a question... One of my mums has said that she won't be bringing her children tomorrow because they have been invited to a wedding.

Thats fine - and she understands that she will still have to pay.

Then another mum rings me up and asks if I have any spaces tomorrow for an extra day. I do have spaces as the other 2 children won't be with me but am I allowed to take on this other child (if you know what I mean)

If the first mum happened to change her mind or something I would be then over my numbers.

What do you think??

Hope you all understand, don't know if I am making sense
xx

[angeldelight]

Hi Polly

Not sure what the "rules" are if any on this apart from like you say going over the numbers

I have had this happen a number of times and I have looked after the other children if I have been asked
If you are sure that they are going to the wedding then you have free places so earn your self some extra cash. That is what I would do anyway

Not sure what everyone else would do though

Angel xx

[banana]

Would definately look after the child - extra cash like Angel says. However I just had a mum say she wasnt bringing mindee today last week and she called last night to say she was coming. I didnt have it filled but if I had it would have been a problem!

[manjay]

Interesting one this one!

Obviously not had any experience of this yet but if you are taking the money from the first mum doesn't this mean that you are in effect holding a place for her? As you say if she suddenly decided to bring the child after all and you had given the space to someone else you would then be over numbers.

I think I would feel too guilty to take money off both mums!

I have written into my fees policy that if someone decides they are not going to come on one of their contracted days they will be liable for the full fee unless the place can be filled by someone else.

Would be really interested in what everyone else would do

Amanda xx

[angeldelight]

All my moms pay me if they are unable to bring their child
Once they book the day off I do not hold the place that day incase I go and do my own thing - I could plan something else then

In effect I can see what you are saying if they are paying then you are holding the place open - not really
Say if they book the week off for a holiday and you decide to go out all week and then they change their mind and want a few days childminding what would you do
I would only have them if I could - I would not change my plans
Once they book the time off what I do with my hours is up to me

I would not feel guilty taking money from both moms ( oooops should I ?)
I am doing my job and doing what I have explained in the contract
You book a day off - then you might not be able to re - book it !!!

But for anyone else who would do the same as myself I do suggest you make it clear to parents and on the contract like I do !

It is an interesting topic actually and I would be interested to know what others do / think ?
Or am I the only person that would have the other child and still charge the mom who is not bringing her children?

I am by no means saying what I do is the correct way - it is just what I do !!

Angel xx

[banana]

No Angel I agree.

I was really annoyed about the mum calling me yesterday and saying actually - can you have her afterall. I was a bit off on the phone and said if you book time off then I cannot garauntee i'll be here to mind. I did on this occassion do it though - but was tempted to say no.

I think some parents are oblivious to us having a life too and that we wouldn't possibly be doing anything else anyway so a minutes notice is fine!

Would not feel guilty about charging both mums as effectively it is a holiday day ( which most minders charge for anyway) so why should it matter if we are looking after another child?

xxx

[carolinel]

i'd do the same as you Angel, you're right in what you say - it's up to you what you do if someone has booked the hours off.

[donnam]

Hi i fully agree with Angel.
Donna

[tasha]

I do the same Angel - they agreed to the contracted hours - then booked off - so the time is now yours to do with as you please! I'd take the extra cash too!!
Tasha

[polly2]

Thanks for all your replies

I have booked in the other child and I don't feel guilty!! ;D

I was worried about "holding a place" like Amanda said but I think Angel is right - once they book the time off it should be mine. This parent is pretty good so I don't think she will change her mind hopefully!

Honestly I never thought childminding could be so complicated!!!

Thanks again all xx don't know what I'd do without you all xx

[angeldelight]

You know what to go and do next ??

Go and treat yourself with the extra cash haha

Angel xx

[tasha]

I agree - go treat yourself! &..... No problem, that's what we are here for....each other!

Tasha

[manjay]

Glad you are sorted Polly2!

I suppose that's why it is good we are all self employed so we can each be individual and do what we feel is right for our own setting.

Amanda xx

[polly2]

Hiya
Treat sounds good idea!!

If I ever get any time !! right now I'd settle for a bath in peace!!

Take care x

[deeb66]

Glas you got it sorted Polly.

I do much the same as everybody else, I have often taken the opportunity to earn extra money - the way I see it is that if the parent books the day out and I have already agreed to look after another child then I tell the first parent "sorry you told me you didn't need me so now I have made other arrangements". If however I haven't taken anybody on and I have other children that day I will agree to take the child out of fairness to the parent.

I made it very clear in the beginning that once they book time off then they cannot just assume that I am able to look after the child if they change their mind.

Dee