not wanting to pay during school holidays

[Keeley77]

Have just signed new contract for 22month old.

However the mum has rung to ask if they can take them out for the summer holidays as they will be putting older siblings with family and want to do the same with the youngest.

the contract says full pay during child holidays.

How would you handle this?

I'm considering charging a retainer for the school holidays and full charge for any other holidays taken?

What would you guys do in theses circumstances? Obviously I dont want to loose the contract but i'm not totally happy about them not paying anything during the summer holidays!!

[Mollymop]

Does parent want you all other times such as term time and other school hols- is it just the 6 weeks hols she doesn't want to pay you?
If that's the case she does need to pay for the 6 weeks hol too, she can't just pick and chose it is not fair on you at all. I would expect full fees - you are within your rights but it depends really on what you want to do, are you prepared to let her take the kids out and not pay you in the 6 weeks - would you be prepared to accept a retainer to keep their space open? Would she leave if you were not to agree and would that be ok with you if she did?

[Mouse]

I would work out how much you will be losing out if they took the child out of your care for 6 weeks, then divide that amount by the number of weeks the child will be with you and add it on to your current fee.

Then tell parents that the fee you've quoted includes a discount for an all year round space. As they now want to exclude the summer holidays you will need to charge them your normal rate, which is higher.

It could work nicely. You'd still be earning the same amount of money over a year, but would have 6 weeks off from the child in the summer. Parents think they are getting the 6 weeks holidays at no fee :thumbsup:

Be strict about dates. Look on the internet for school dates & tell them that the "no fee" period only applies between the dates given. Full fee is due at ALL other times the child isn't with you (apart from your time off).

[jumpinjen]

Hmmmmm - tricky, is it one of your full time places? Are you happier to have a quieter holiday? They have already signed and are changing - I think you could explain to them that the little one takes up a full time space that you had offered them thinking that it was a year round contract, and that to work it like that they will need to pay a retainer during the holidays - are you happy with half fee? Or could you look at it and say, well full fee is £147 for example, so a £100/week retainer is payable? I wouldn't be very happy with them changing it now!

Jen x

[loocyloo]

I would work out how much you will be losing out if they took the child out of your care for 6 weeks, then divide that amount by the number of weeks the child will be with you and add it on to your current fee.

Then tell parents that the fee you've quoted includes a discount for an all year round space. As they now want to exclude the summer holidays you will need to charge them your normal rate, which is higher.

It could work nicely. You'd still be earning the same amount of money over a year, but would have 6 weeks off from the child in the summer. Parents think they are getting the 6 weeks holidays at no fee :thumbsup:

Be strict about dates. Look on the internet for school dates & tell them that the "no fee" period only applies between the dates given. Full fee is due at ALL other times the child isn't with you (apart from your time off).

:D thats what i do !!! also make sure that if they only want the 6 weeks off for the summer, that they sign to agree this and that they pay full fees for the rest of the time. x

[Keeley77]

I would work out how much you will be losing out if they took the child out of your care for 6 weeks, then divide that amount by the number of weeks the child will be with you and add it on to your current fee.

Then tell parents that the fee you've quoted includes a discount for an all year round space. As they now want to exclude the summer holidays you will need to charge them your normal rate, which is higher.

It could work nicely. You'd still be earning the same amount of money over a year, but would have 6 weeks off from the child in the summer. Parents think they are getting the 6 weeks holidays at no fee :thumbsup:

Be strict about dates. Look on the internet for school dates & tell them that the "no fee" period only applies between the dates given. Full fee is due at ALL other times the child isn't with you (apart from your time off).



**This is a great idea, but unfortunately she knows my set fees and day rates etc, so I don't think I will be able do this! I'm guessing the only option is a retainer fee? I will give that a shot and see what sort of response I get. Need to tread carefully I as I really don't want to loose the contract.

thank for the responses!!

***Mum also mentioned about me taking my holidays during the summer holidays - ie one or two weeks where no payment due as i'm on my holidays, I guess this is something to consider as I probably would want some leave then? Maybe charge a retainer for the 4 weeks left? Although would mean i'd only be able to take another 5 days during the rest of the year. oh eck - why do they have to complicate things!! lol

[Goatgirl]

Hi :),
I'd explain you set your charges based on what you need to earn from your available spaces to earn enough money to make your business viable.
Then I'd give parents 2 options: an enhanced rate and no charge for the fixed number of weeks and have dates confirmed in writing at the beginning of each school year, or a retainer taking into account that you are unlikely to fill the space with another child, so 75% minimum.

They signed a contract for year round care. Now they want to change the terms of it. You are quite within your rights to direct them to the terms of the contract and just say no, so offering some choices where they save a little but you are not left without enough money is very reasonable.
The way you present it to them will be key I would think, e.g. "Obviously I am running a business which needs to make enough profit to earn me a decent living, but I do understand your position, money is tight for everyone, so I've looked at all the figures and this is what I've come up with to try to help you".

Good luck :thumbsup:

[Mouse]

**This is a great idea, but unfortunately she knows my set fees and day rates etc, so I don't think I will be able do this! I'm guessing the only option is a retainer fee? I will give that a shot and see what sort of response I get. Need to tread carefully I as I really don't want to loose the contract.

thank for the responses!!

***Mum also mentioned about me taking my holidays during the summer holidays - ie one or two weeks where no payment due as i'm on my holidays, I guess this is something to consider as I probably would want some leave then? Maybe charge a retainer for the 4 weeks left? Although would mean i'd only be able to take another 5 days during the rest of the year. oh eck - why do they have to complicate things!! lol

Hmm... it sounds as if mum is getting a bit pushy before things have even started. I do like to try to help parents, but not when they try dictacting how they want you to do things.

It's tricky when you don't want to lose the work, but at the same time you don't want to be seen as a pushover. Is the contract for a full time place? Is it a lot of money you'd be losing out on if they take 6 weeks off?

It's entirely up to you how much holiday time you take and when you take it. If you don't want to take 2 weeks in the summer hols, then don't. Certainly don't do it just to please one family. I only take 4 weeks holiday a year, which doesn't seem much at all. I do spread it out through the year & wouldn't want it all at the same time. I need my regular breaks!

[madmamma]

I also take 4 weeks holiday, so parents are only charged for 48 weeks per year.

I tell parents when I'm taking MY holidays - if they chose to take them at the same time, great, if they don't, that's their choice as I still expect payment if they're on holiday.

If you weren't planning on taking holidays during the busy school holidays then just point out to parents that it is your busiest time.

There's a big difference between trying to be accommodating and being bullied into something you aren't prepared for/to do.
Her 'plan' may work for her, but it may not work for the other parents (particularly the ones you haven't even got yet)

[The Juggler]

if she didn't now want ANY school holidays I'd charge a retainer of at least 50% as you weren't away they only need t-time.

IF however, she needs you in the holidays just not the summer break, I'd charge full. She can't pick and choose :panic:

[Daftbat]

I would charge a retainer if she wants cover for other school holidays and just wants to miss the summer one. If she just wants a term time only contract I would do that - I have a couple of customers who do that and others have in the past. I quite like being quieter in hols as it makes me more mobile with the car and income doesn't really drop as have the kids for more hours.

[Keeley77]

Not sure if anyone will still look at this thread as I posted it a while ago.... however if anyone does take a look then advise appreciated!! lol

This is still about the same contract where they decided that they wanted to take the child out during the summer hols.

Well i eventually agreed that I would charge half fee for any child holidays taken during the summer holiday period all other child holidays to be paid at full rate. - this was accepted however they hadn't returned the paperwork to say that they agreed.

They are now saying they will be taking two weeks off at xmas and do not want pay for childcare. (obviously I dn't charge for xmas day, boxing day etc) The mum asked that I take my two weeks holiday then (As I don't charge during my holiday). I initially said oh ok, then quickly back tracked saying i'd need to look into it as i need holiday when my husband can take leave.

In the contract ive stated that I will take 3 weeks leave unpaid - that will leave me with one week for the rest of a 12 month contract!

Im really not sure how to handle this! I think the mum thinks that she employs me - I've even heard her say this to other people "Oh ive employed her as my childminder" which i find very irritating! - Which she thinks entitles her to be able to negotiate all the terms and start telling me when i take me leave!! grrrr.

I'm considering changing the contract yet again to just say that all child holidays are charged at 1/2 - But i'm certainly not going to say that they wont be charged at all?

Does anyone not charge for child holidays?? she is making me feel as though i'm doing something wrong and that I should be feeling guilty for expecting to be paid.

What does everyone else think about this? Am I getting worked up about nothing here?

Maybe I should just take two weeks leave at xmas and get her to agree that I will have a total of 4 weeks leave rather than three?

HELP ME PLEASE!!!!

[caz3007]

You take your holidays when you want them. I do close for one week at xmas and then have a week in the summer hols and a week in the May half term and the rest are odd days as need them.

I charge half for my and childs holiday, cos its worked better for me like that.

Dont let her dictate to you as it seems that you agree one thing with her and then she puts another into the mix.

Stick to your guns, she can go elsewhere if she doesnt like it

[Jods]

right so is she renegotiating her original contract?

do you offer term only contracts?

if the top answer is yes, then I would not budge - offer her your holiday dates, and its up to her if she can co-ordinate around that, if she cant then its not your problem.

If the bottom answer is no, then why take on someone who might request this kind of service (not being snooty), when I started I had a long hard think about if/what contracts/childcare I would offer up, if a prospective parent does not like it sorry but see you later x

As for 3 weeks, when your contracts are up for renewal change it to 4 as this is industry standard, and what you would get if employed. I offer an hourly rate which is pro-ratered over 48 weeks so am paid the same all year round x

I do offer term only contracts, I have a specific contract for them, ensuring that the dates are noted, and has things in for example - no childcare will be offered from such a date to this date, I prorater the payments again over the 38 week period, but do not account for my holidays, so parents pay less each month, but all year round. However that is what I offer and not up for negotiation x

good luck hun, I think you are going to need it, just out of curiosity, has she had CM before ? if so it would be interesting to find out whom - and see what she was being charged there x

Best bit of advice I ever got - " dont reduce your prices, or offer silly contracts in the desperation to fill your books" xxxxxxxx

[wendywu]

If you do decide to charge half for school holidays then its half for your holidays if you take them during the school holidays.

So they pay half for every holiday even if you are away during them :)

They cannot have it all ways.:panic:

[Goatgirl]

It sounds like you've given them an inch.... and they're going to be trying it on every time they fancy some holiday. :(

Difficult one: do you make a final offer of all holidays at 50% and kind of let them get their own way but hopefully no more whining..... no guarantee :rolleyes:

Or, do you just say no. You can remind them you have already come to an agreement about holidays, which is losing you income from a eyfs space and no, you are not able to take your holidays for any of the parents' convenience.

depends how much you need the mindee to stay and how much more trying it on will occur with either of the options.... Only you can judge really :)

p.s. If you go for the 50% on all school holidays get signed agreements on the new terms before they can be charged at the lower rate :thumbsup:

Meanwhile I'd give yourself a few days to think over the options and if they enquire in the meantime just say 'I'm considering all my options and will get back to you'. It might just make them realise they're being too pushy and that they might be risking losing you :cool:

Hope you can sort it and move on without any more stress; good luck :)

[Keeley77]

Well I have emailed the Mum this afternoon with the following

~~~I'm a bit confused what you meant with regards to the Xmas holiday? I wont be taking a full two weeks off at xmas as that would only leave me with around 5 days until next October!! I will let you know the days I will be taking within the time agreed on the contract, which is two weeks notice of the holiday date. Obviously I will always let you know dates earlier where possible.

With regard to the contract adjustment, this relates to the issues you raised about the expense of the summer holiday period. If there is a separate issue relating to the contract then please let me know ASAP.~~~


Ive also sent her text to say that ive emailed and that I couldn't find any notes/emails or corres relating to the xmas holidays (she tried to tell me that we had definitely discussed it, which we definitely haven't!!)

I will wait and see what response I get from the family. This is my only EYFS child and the contract is for 4 days a week (I have two of my own children under 5) so I would be pretty disappointed if it all fell through, if it means I keep the client then I will drop to half holidays, I will also say that it will mean my holidays are 1/2 pay rather than no fee - as wendywu said below. - I will then make it clear that any further contractual issues will need to wait until the renewal date.

I do have a recollection of her saying that her old childminder used to take her holiday at the same time as her, to which I responded that i would have to work around my partners leave and i wouldn't be able to commit to taking leave when she does. good look getting someone to do that who has more than one mindee to look after? hmmm i'm feeling like she is definitely trying it on!!!

What do you all think? does this seem reasonable to you??

Thanks for your advise, I really do appreciate it!

[Keeley77]

It sounds like you've given them an inch.... and they're going to be trying it on every time they fancy some holiday. :(

Difficult one: do you make a final offer of all holidays at 50% and kind of let them get their own way but hopefully no more whining..... no guarantee :rolleyes:

Or, do you just say no. You can remind them you have already come to an agreement about holidays, which is losing you income from a eyfs space and no, you are not able to take your holidays for any of the parents' convenience.

depends how much you need the mindee to stay and how much more trying it on will occur with either of the options.... Only you can judge really :)

p.s. If you go for the 50% on all school holidays get signed agreements on the new terms before they can be charged at the lower rate :thumbsup:

Meanwhile I'd give yourself a few days to think over the options and if they enquire in the meantime just say 'I'm considering all my options and will get back to you'. It might just make them realise they're being too pushy and that they might be risking losing you :cool:

Hope you can sort it and move on without any more stress; good luck :)

** also, does anyone limit/restrict the amount of 1/2 fee for child holidays? ie 3 weeks at 1/2 rate and any further child holiday full fee, per 12 month contract? x

[Chatterbox Childcare]

if she didn't now want ANY school holidays I'd charge a retainer of at least 50% as you weren't away they only need t-time.

IF however, she needs you in the holidays just not the summer break, I'd charge full. She can't pick and choose :panic:

I agree - all or nothing

[Porridge]

Hi, just thought I would share what I do as I know it's a minefield and I thought long and hard about what to charge. Some of my children are term time only, and some are all year round so I do work all year round but am generally much less busy in the holidays. Those who are year round get 'up to 4 weeks no charge' which is my holiday/time off. I tell them when but say it is usually 2 weeks in Summer and 2 weeks at Christmas. It could be any time but is usually in school holidays. The 'term time only's' pay half in the school holidays (and don't attend) but they also get 4 weeks free so they are only actually paying half for the 9 remaining weeks. I work out this amount over the year and add 1/11 of this amount to their monthly bill (no bill in August). I'm not saying it's perfect, but the parents see that I'm meeting them half way. The trick is to work out your pricing so that you earn enough over the year to make up for those months when your income is lower.
And I tell parents when I take my time off - when you have several families you will see that having one child less is not a holiday for you!!! If I am available and they don't want the service, they still pay. Hope you get sorted x

[mrs robbie williams]

employed you as her childminder :rolleyes::cool: i think she thinks she is able to call the shots here and she isnt. I would write a letter detailing everything you have mentioned on here and how you want to be, i would offer her a term time only contract where she doesnt pay for any school holidays (i have teachers that i offer these to) and its up to you if you up the daily rate to cover the loss, i dont but some do. If she does pay extra though you wouldnt be able to fill the holiday spaces in case she decides to use them iyswim. As for your holidays - you need to tell her that you will inform her when you will be taking your holidays, if you dont charge for your holidays then suggest she takes her the same time as you - not the other way round. I would want to get it all straight and in place asap. Oh and id also mention as often as you can in the letter 'as a SELF EMPLOYED childminder.......' :laughing::laughing:

[jillplum]

I know this can ba difficult issue so I will share what I decided to do. I enjoy having quiet school holiday times as I have my own children. I only take my holidays in school holidays and let the parents have the dates ASAP usually at the beginning of the year. I do noy charge when I am on holiday. Parents may need to pay for replacement childcare. If parents take holiday in term time I charge full fee. If they take holiday in school Hols they pay 50% fee. This encourages them to take Hols in school Hols and this suits me and my family. Term time parents pay 50% for all school Hols.
You need to work out what you want for you and your family and stick to it. It is your business and your decision. good luck

[singingcactus]

You asked if anyone didn't charge for childrens holidays, I don't charge for children's holidays. I have one child who will mostly not be with me during school holidays, but sometimes he does come. I charge for when he is here, but not when he is not.

If school holidays are an issue with this family, perhaps you could just talk with the mum and suggest that you will switch over to a term time only contract for her. Then tell her she is welcome to book her child/children in for any day during the holidays, with a full four weeks notice (or whatever) and she will need to pay at time of booking the holiday daily rate which is £??. That way you can get an enhanced rate for any holidays you do work, and she has to come to you to actually book her child in on the days she needs. No booking, no care, no worries.

BTW, you probably should adjust your contract to include more holiday each year. As you get more kids you will need more holidays. Three weeks is not going to be enough to keep you physically and mentally healthy in the long term. My opinion of course, so feel free to reject it lol.

[Keeley77]

Well mum did say that she is happy with the terms and conditions - although I still think that she thinks she will be able to dictate my holidays, the last comment she made was. "well if you take a week at xmas and two weeks in the summer holidays then everything should work out ok"

Ive made it clear in writing that I will advise them when i'm taking my holidays and give her notice as per contract etc.

However I now have a new issue. Having again been too nice, I agreed to amend the contract to allow her to use the deposit (which was for 3 weeks fees) towards the 1st invoice rather than refundable against the last inv. However, i'm still awaiting payment for the remaining days and its now the 13th!!. Ive made it clear that payment is due in advance, ive given her the invoice, twice!! I've asked her about payment and she looked at me vaguely and asked if it was an over payment??? i've again reiterated that its money owed. Ive sent her a message this morning saying that I need her to let me know when she has paid (assuming bank transfer) so that I can issue her a receipt. (an excuse to remind her about payment, AGAIN)! to which ive not received a reply!?

I don't know what steps to take next, I think I will ask her directly on Monday if the invoice was paid over the weekend and if not, ask whether she has a problem paying?

This situation doesn't make me feel very confident about future payments.. I've asked for payment in advance so NOV will be due on the 1st of Nov.

Would be helpful to know roughly when you guys issue your invoices - do u give inv to parents on the 25th and state payment on the 1st so that they have a weeks notice of the amount due?

I think I will do a letter with the NOV invoice, again confirming that invoices are due in advance on the 1st of the month and if the payment isnt received on time then childcare is not available, unless there are exceptional circumstances that i'm made aware of in good time etc.

I just don't know what the issue is here? I keep finding myself thinking that it must be something to do with me, that ive not explained myself properly etc? but my after school parents don't have any issues so i'm stumped!

I can't see me carrying on with childminding if this is the kind of stuff I have to deal with. I'm an honest and open person and I expect the same from others, i'm obviously far to trusting! If someone told me that I still owed money for the month, I would want to pay asap! (even if I had to borrow the money).. and in case they refused to take my child!

I'm just hoping she will come on Monday and say "oh yes ive paid the invoice, sorry it was late, wont happen again ...."

Many thanks

[Keeley77]

You asked if anyone didn't charge for childrens holidays, I don't charge for children's holidays. I have one child who will mostly not be with me during school holidays, but sometimes he does come. I charge for when he is here, but not when he is not.

If school holidays are an issue with this family, perhaps you could just talk with the mum and suggest that you will switch over to a term time only contract for her. Then tell her she is welcome to book her child/children in for any day during the holidays, with a full four weeks notice (or whatever) and she will need to pay at time of booking the holiday daily rate which is £??. That way you can get an enhanced rate for any holidays you do work, and she has to come to you to actually book her child in on the days she needs. No booking, no care, no worries.

BTW, you probably should adjust your contract to include more holiday each year. As you get more kids you will need more holidays. Three weeks is not going to be enough to keep you physically and mentally healthy in the long term. My opinion of course, so feel free to reject it lol.

Yes from Sept 13 when my eldest starts school and I will be looking to take on another early years child so will review and increase my holiday to 4 weeks. xx

[jaswinder bedi]

It is very difficult reading one and all's view.... Its a point .....whether you are working 52 weeks a year,, term time only contract, and you have four weeks notice to do any changes...... does the parent want to pay what you have.


The point is you may well say you have no space to that mum if she disagrees to pay holiday fees.....????? But if You need business we can be bit flexible without loosing the contract... 50% is also a lot for some parents to pay even though they get paid from tax credit !!!! And tries to cut corner ..... Sorry i had few issues with parents cant win!!!!

All i would advice you friend make it clear with the parent and come to an agreement and has to go in The contract. And tell her this is what your policy is how you run your business.. Take it or leave it you decide hope all goes well.:thumbsup:

[Chimps Childminding]

I would give my bill out the a week before the end of the month stating that payment is due on the 1st!!

With regard to the mum telling you when you have your holiday - no way!!!! You are self employed and you have your holidays to suit your family! If it happens that you want time off over christmas so well and so good, but certainly don't have it just to accommodate this family - as you get busier you can't work around every family so you don't want this family to think that you will always work around them.

Also as you are SELF EMPLOYED you can have as many holidays as you want, and when you want them - not to suit parents!!! There is nothing to say that if you have 2 weeks at Christmas you can't have anymore until October!

As your eldest child has now started school, I am assuming that you will want to have some of your holidays in the school holidays, but again, make sure its to suit you!!!

I think you have been more than accommodating with this family, but they seem to want more and more!!! I hope you manage to get things sorted out!

[Mouse]

I wonder if mum really doesn't understand things, or if she's playing a clever game and bit by bit getting everything on her terms.

Would it be possible to sit down with her and start everything from scratch? Explain that you are self employed and offering a service, not employed and working for the parent. Find out exactly what she wants and tell her exactly what you are prepared to do. It takes compromise from both sides, so she should be prepared for that and not expect you to be the one to agree to all her terms. Document everything that you talk about and get her to sign a copy accepting what has been agreed.

As for the fees, be very specific. Write down how much was due week for week so she can see she hasn't paid. Then be very firm and tell her that without payment in advance you won't have the child. I'd be worried that she has used her deposit money up already and wold definitely not allow her to run up any more of an unpaid bill.

You're learning that bein nice doesn't get you anywhere with some parents. The more you try to help them or please them, the more they expect things to be on their terms. By standing up for yourself and being tough, you find that some parents respect you more. Give it a try :thumbsup:

[bunyip]

Tbh, I've never had to issue an invoice, for one simple reason.

All my parents know that I have a straightforward rule and that i will apply it ruthlessly: no payment = no childcare + no exceptions. I don't mind if they pay me a month ahead by bank transfer or daily by cash. But they will get turned away at the doorstep before they ever go into arrears - and they know it.

When money is tight, people will first pay the bills they're under pressure to pay. Once you go on their 'soft touch' list, you stay there. :(

Mouse is right - if you show you're tough, they'll respect you a lot more. :thumbsup:

[The Juggler]

i agree its hard to tell if mum is playing dumb or actually doesn't get it. you need to sit her down for a chat and explain that she HAS underpaid for this month as she only paid 3 weeks instead of 4. She needs to pay it NOW or you will be adding late fees and you will stop childcare until the bill is paid.

Tell her in NO uncertain terms that from now on, late payments will incur late fees and childcare will stop and not resume until fees are paid. :thumbsup:

[jane5]

I think the mum knows exactly what she is doing, she is taking advantage of your kind nature. She is trying it on and you are agreeing to the things she wants, time to toughen up.

Tell her that you will tell her your holiday dates as soon as your husband is able to secure the time off work, ( I always blame dh's job). I wouldn't agree to taking your holidays in school holidays if uour child isn't at school because the price can double, it's much cheaper when the schools are still open and quieter.

Tell her you will still be working over the xmas holidays so full fee is expected. Be prepared for her to send the child though as she may send the child if she is paying anyway.
Don't feel that you have to agree to her every demand as she will just keep demanding more things.

Tell her payment was due on such a date and ask her straight out why payment hasn't been made, I have a late payment charge of £5 a day, if you dont have this it may be worth considering writing this into the contracts in the future.

I ALWAYS use the 4 week deposit as payment for the notice period at the end of the contract so I am not left out of pocket. I think she is always going to be hard work so start saying no. She probably needs you more than you need her.

[Goatgirl]

Hi Keeley,
I think you need to talk to Mum very straightforwardly. Take a deep breath and just say it.

Something simple like: "You owe me fees of £x which are/were due on x/x/x. Unfortunately I do not offer childcare unless I have been paid in advance so childcare will cease from (date as yet not paid for) if payment has not cleared in to my account by that date". Then just wait for the info to sink in and for her to answer you. Don't feel you have to fill the silence or back down. You are not being rude to ask for what she owes you for the service you are providing.

She has caused this situation, not you. Your job as a professional is to make sure she is made aware of the facts. As she seems to 'forget' what you discuss, rather conveniently I feel, it would be a good idea to record the conversation and ask her to sign that you have made her aware of what is due, when it must be paid by (x of this month) and what the consequences will be if it is not paid (no childcare but fees still due).

I'm like you and struggle to be polite without ending up agreeing to things I don't want to agree to. The longer you do this job though, the easier it gets and once you start to think and act more like a business woman you will find that if you are very firm from the beginning you will not get many parents trying it on. I have learned from people on this forum to always "get back to" parents with requests after some time for a good think as I'm a soft touch and it can take a while for me to realise that I'm not just helping them out but hurting myself or my business in the process.

AT the end of the day she has already agreed to all your terms and conditions in signing the contract. They are not up for never ending negotiation. Put a stop to it before it drives you crazy :thumbsup:. Apart from anything else you don't have the time or energy to be renegotiating all the time.

Good luck getting the rest of Octobers money and make sure they get the invoice for November with at least a week to get the payment to you. That' s what I do :). Actually in this particular case, with the confusion, (feigned or real), I'd have November's bill with the date due highlighted or in bold ready to hand to Mum when you have your conversation about the remainder of October's fees. Otherwise I can see her using the excuse that 'she didn't realise' or 'thought you said something different' to pay late and or in dribs and drabs for that too.

Let us know how you get on, we're right behind you :clapping:

[Lynsey C]

Oh my this makes me mad when I read it...how dare she ask you to take your hols when she takes her's!!! She needs to fit round you, not the other way round. What if all parents said this to you, you would be stuck and couldn't possibly accommodate it. Put your foot down and tell her your terms and conditions and she if doesn't like it then tell her she would need to go else where (I bet she doesn't). I am soft too and my prices are low and I didn't charge parents for their hols but after I have read some of these forums, I realise how soft I have been and am gonna step up (I have been childminding for 6 months and joined tis forum tonight). You will get other business. If she demands this now what else will she demand......man up, or should I say women up n stand up for yourself!!!!!! -I say all this in the nicest possible way I just hate to see people been taken the mick out of!!!

[debs1]

Hi
I have a term time only siblings mindees. when we had the initial interview and quoted fees they were worked in terms of the number of weeks i was needed for - 39 for the academic year - and then divided by 52. That way it was beneficial to me, in the sense that i have a steady income throughout the year from this client, and it works out cheaper on a weekly basis for the parent(s) concerned. Otherwise i would agree with others on here and charge at least a 75% retainer for the weeks they want to take the mindee out for.