"Forgot" to pay?!?

[Melanie]

Well I'm hoping that posting here will be as lucky as it was for me last time!

I started minding for the family that I had a call from when I was posting my first message. That was nearly three weeks ago and I still haven't been paid! I feel like a blooming idiot. I let payment ride for the first day because I figured it was an oversight and the mother promised to bring cash the next day. My contract states cash in advanced and they only signed 3 days previous.

I called Friday to see if there was a cash problem or any issues and she said she'd just forgotten to bring the money! They hadn't forgotten to drop their kids off half an hour early or quarter of an hour late though.

During the phone call she said she'd come this weekend but guess what ... no money. I'm tempted to refuse to take the kids without full payment but that seems mean to them.

I'm a teaching assistant and had rearranged my hours to accomodate her needs but now I think I've made a huge mistake. I've been offered more hours at school so was thinking about ending our contract and staying registered for after school and holidays.

I really enjoy both jobs and ending this contract feels like accepting defeat but in the same breath I can't see it getting any better without confrontation.

[Rubybubbles]

If it's in your contract then refuse, thats what I have in mine, and right I would stick to it in this instance

Hope you get it sorted

[Banana]

Yeah, parents use the 'i forgot to pay' excuse quite a bit!

Do not mind for her until you have been paid. Explain you are sorry buit care has been removed until she has paid the money owed and refer her to your policy which she agreed to. Dont let it go on any longer, she is taking advantage.

Sorry this has happened to you but you need to be firm now to save being sorry later

x

[miffy]

I agree with the others

This parent is taking the mickey

Be firm or you may not get your money

Good luck

Miffy xx

[Melanie]

Specified payment up front unless by prior arrangement but didn't necessarily say that the consequence of not paying would be that I wouldn't have their kids.

You live and learn though. I had a prospective after school and holiday person come visit the other night. I made it clear then that I don't care if it's cash or cheque but the money comes through the door first! Obviously I phrased it in a professional yet friendly manner but you gt the idea!

Thanks for your outrage - wasn't sure if I was over reacting by starting to get so... er.... annoyed and irritated.

[Trouble]

i agree dont mind until she has paid explain you have changed hours to fit her in and have her contract at hand to show her but get the money somehow first or say you are going to charge her a late late late payment fee but enough is enough now your not a charity and shes always on time what a bag!!!!!!!!!!!

[Pipsqueak]

That is so annoying - for goodness sake we work because we need the money - just like every other person!!!

If they have signed a contract agreeing to your t/c's and you have stipulated advance payment then refuse care till you get whats owed.

xx

[Melanie]

That's what I thought. They'd soon have something to say if they weren't paid and their boss says they forgot!

How can you leave your kids somewhere for 10 hours a day and not think about paying the person caring for them?

You think I could go get myself some new Jimmy Choo's and forget to go to the till? I'm sure security will be as much as a pushover as I've been!

[ajs]

that's a great example you could try that on her.
i think i would gently remind her that she stills owes you money and that you have bills to pay too.

what a shame this has happened to you so early on in your new career though

[angeldelight]

Only just catching up

I agree with everyone else

This parent has a damn cheek - I would call her or when she drops the children tell her shes got 24 hours to come up with the money or it is no fees no childcare until payment

Hope you get this sorted let us know what happens

Angel xx

[LittleMissSparkles]

I'd do her a letter explaining in full the amount owed up to date and refusing childcare until it is paid in cash and with late payments fees added on xxx

Sorry you havent had a very good parent to start off with xxx

[sarah707]

Any news this morning?

[charleyfarley]

Parents like this astound me

Hope you've sorted it out now

Carol xxx

[berkschick]

Did the parent pay you this morning?

It never fails to amaze me that we are looking after their precious ones and doing a very good job of it too yet they "forget" to pay us!

[Blaze]

Cheeky moo...personally i'd refuse care...3 weeks is a long time! let us know what happened!
Tasha

[Banana]

Sounds like you took control of the meeting for the after schooler - saves any hassles doen the line!

xx

[Melanie]

Well she never came with the money today so I got in touch with her. I explained what she owed me, when for and basically that I expected it in full before the next drop off on Wednesday morning as per the contract.

We'll see if she comes through with it. I have a feeling she won't turn up.

Either way I've decided to give her her notice on Wednesday night. It's just not worth the hassle. I don't want to worry every week about getting paid or not. There are plenty of other people who are willing to respect the work we do when we care for their children.

I'll chalk this one down to experience and have a better idea about what to do and say next time. I'll also know about not being so shy about insisting on sticking to the contract in terms of pay and late payments etc!

[miffy]

Good for you Melanie

Hope you get some better work soon

Miffy xx

[sutherland]

some people have no thought for others do they, i'm sorry that you still have not received what you are owed. What did the mum have to say for herself when you called?

[manjay]

Good for you Melanie. It's such a shame that we have to learn the hard way sometimes BUT at least you sound positive and like you say it will give you the confidence to be stricter next time

amanda xx