Ok, probably not the first post on this... and probably not the last. but I need a wee bit of advice.
I have been looking after two school age boys (after school hours) for the past six weeks. The mother is Polish so language can be difficult.
On going to the school the first day to pick them up I went over to the teachers and introduced myself showed them my ID etc, etc, one of the teachers reply was "oh, another childminder" ... yeah, warning bells went off.
First week of payment (and so it begins) the mum said tax credits were not in and could i wait until they did, I was ok with that, because i'm kind of easy going
(I should mention at at the initial meeting mum was very adamant she get "number so she can claim tax credits"
Second week I txt her what she owed me for the two weeks. I do out an itemized invoice and hand it to her every week, or to whom ever is picking the boys up. She txt back "why was I charging so much." I didn't get paid until several days after the agreed Friday payment day. I thought 'oh great another one'.
The school holidays (Christmas) I charge half my normal fee for days off, normally parents txt me if their kids will be coming or not, she didn't. I went up to the school ( it was out early) to pick the kids up and they weren't there. I got them for 6 hour one day that week, they arrived one morning unannounced at 11.30 am (everyone else was off. I thought I was going to give my house a good tidy.) I charged my usual half fee for the days off for the hours I normally have them (not many hours) and my usual fee for the hours I did have them that day. I txt mum the bill on the Friday what she owed me for that week and she complained "I have boys only one day why I charge so much".... I received a part payment for that week with the promise of I'll pay you the rest later (I think you know to out come of that).
The following week same thing have kids only a few hour for one day.... I didn't get paid for that week. She has also been expecting a taxi service from me running her kids home, ok I done this twice for her I don't normally mind. I have done this very rarely in the past for parents sometimes peoples cars break down or they are held up at work. But, she was beginning to expect it on demand,
This week the kids are back at school, so yesterday (Friday) I txt her the total of what she owes me. Again the "why am I charging so much." so on pick up dad picked them up with the promise "We pay you tomorrow; maybe Sunday" I very firmly said "Tomorrow." (My husband joked I had on my Mr potato-head angry eyes He also says I should tell her to find another childminder)
Honestly If she hasn't paid me by 5pm today I just want to get rid of her. Or am I being to harsh? I has only been six weeks but I can already see a habit forming.
I did have a parent in the past who was like this before. I told them off for not paying me on the day specified and the amount owed. I don't charge the earth ((£2.50 per hour), I'm going to raise them in April) it's was usually ok for 2-3 weeks after that then it's back to excuses and no payments.
So is getting rid of her being too harsh? I'm kind of done giving chances. My Husband says shes just taking advantage of my kind, easy going nature and she'll just keep doing it. I know he's right on this, and I know I'm a soft touch especially when it comes to kids which she will emotionally dangle in
front of me the plea her case.
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