Should I charge?

[Zoomie]

I have a mindee who comes alternative weeks. He was suppose to start 2nd week of Sept but one of his parent is off sick. Parent said they would pay for the first week of care, expecting him to attend the next time. However, they are still off and are offering to pay for the 2nd alternative, eventhough mindee is now looking at only starting on the 3rd alternative week.

I feel guilty accepting the money. Would u?

[rosebud]

Yes. You are available and ready to work, you can't fill that space as it is contracted to them, if you have put in your contracts that you will charge if the child/parent is off sick then you should charge them.

[Chatterbox Childcare]

I would charge as I would of had the child if he were not sick.

If you feel that you want to offer as a "one off" take a 50% retainer.

[Goatgirl]

Hi ,
You were available to work so I would be charging. Its unfortunate timing but this is your business. If it had been you off sick would you have charged? no. And I'm guessing in that case, the parents wouldn't be struggling with their consciences in not paying as they would just be doing as the contract states. I'd start as you mean to go on with them and charge according to the contracts terms.

They seem to understand they need to pay, so don't feel bad about it

Best wishes,
Wendy

[angeldelight]

I would charge as I would of had the child if he were not sick.

If you feel that you want to offer as a "one off" take a 50% retainer.

Yes that's what I would do

Good luck

Angel xx

[madwoman]

Yes i would charge hun, you are available to work and it is not your fault that the child is not attending, you are running a business after all

[jane5]

YES!!!!!!
Start as you mean to go on. You would regret it if parents kept their lo's off and didnt pay you and you could not afford to pay your mortgage.

Be clear with your charges and remember these parents are not your friends that you do favours for, you are entering into a business contract with them (even if you do end up being friends with them).

[Demonjill]

Definitely yes