Thread: Am I out of line????

One of the children I babysit for was supposed to be here today. Anyway, Aggie most days picks her up at home and takes her home. Yesterday the mother called said that she was to be here today at 9:00 am. Aggie got up, got dressed, drove over there. No answer at the door. Aggie then called me and asked if I'd call the mom and see what was going on. I called and she was asleep and said that her daughter was staying home with her. This is after she'd said she'd be here today. I had enrolled the girl today in one of those Michael Craft Classes for pre-schoolers....so I had made plans for her for the day.

Aggie was fuming when he got home about the entire thing....someone's home, but doesn't answer the door, mom didn't even call to tell us her daughter wasn't coming. I know it's not against the law not to answer your phone or door.....but please if you knew someone was coming open the door, answer the phone.

Later in the morning around 11:00 am the mother called and asked if I'd watch her daughter (after she'd gotten up). I told her no that I'd made other plans for the day and it didn't include taking a child with me.

I've emailed the mother and told her that Aggie and I aren't a delivery service, she could call when her daughter isn't going to be here, pay up when she's supposed to. To me it's just irresponsible not to inform anyone (especially) someone waiting. She needs to let me know daily if her daughter is coming.....not just drop her off on a whim.

Needless to say since I've sent the email I haven't heard from the mom. I'm not holding anything against the little girl. You can't hold her responsible it's her mom's fault.

Am I being out of line for sending an email like that? requesting that all she has to do is make a phone call?

I'm thinking seriously of telling her she needs to pay for gas, too. She doesn't live that far but you still get up, get dressed, drive over there.....all to be left standing outside. This isn't the first time she's done this. This is probably the 5th or 6th time.

TIA

H*ll no your not out of line. I would be one pissed off momma if someone pulled that on me! Its a total disrepect for you and your husbands time. Not to mention it costs you money (or Aggie) for doing it! Heck yeah I would ask for gas money if someone pulled that schitz with me!! I would not give anymore freerides after a stunt like that.

I wouldn't charge her this time, but I would let her know from now on....if she cancels within 24 hours (or whatever) of a 'commitment' (her confirming your services for her child), that there is a minimum charge (tell her what that is $5, $10, whatever) for the cost and inconvenience. Your time is valuable as well as hers.

I am an in your face type of person and i feel it is better to tell someone like this in person or on the phone if it is a long ways away. I like to see a persons face or hear their voice when i try to express something this important to them. However know i don't think you are out of line doing what you did, but like Pepperpot stated i might warn this time and charge next time.

No you were not out of line, and she is not a very good person to be so disrespectful. Your husband is doing her a great favor by helping with transportation, and she should hold that in the highest regard. I am glad you told her you would not take her daughter when she called back. Some people take forever to catch a clue.

Anyone that I know who provides any type of childcare on a regular basis has a set fee per week for a certain set block of time per day such as from 8am-4pm. If the parent is late picking up the child, they pay an additional fee for the unscheduled time. If they are three hours late bringing them it doesn't mean they can leave them three hours longer. Have them there on time, or lose the time. If an agreement is made to provide care, and the person doesn't show up- they still pay the fee for the day. It stops a lot of the not bringing the child on a whim by the parents. They pay whether the child is there or not.

I don't know of any childcare service that provides pickup and delivery home of a child. That would be another additional charge on top of the fee for daycare services.

People will take advantage of you if you let them. Only you can stop it from happening.

to the answer of your question.... HELL NO! you wer definitely NOT out of line! if this woman has no courtesy to call you then i believe she should still have to pay.
Like janelle said, get a CONTRACT WITH THEM IN WRITING ASAP!! thats the best way to cover your a$$!!

i was always taught to call if you cant make an appt, etc... even now with the age of cel phones you can call in an instant! absolutely NO excuse would work from the mother

As everyone has stated already, you definitely weren't out of line. The fact that Aggie picks up her daughter and delivers her is an unbelievable bonus!

I don't know why people don't take their child care workers seriously or recognize that it is a valuable service. I agree with others...find a contract and make everyone whose child you babysit sign it. Treat it like a business and people will respect you for it.