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Paid childcare

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Original poster

Guilt!!

29 replies

Whatalotofpiffle · 01/05/2013 12:56

A parent has 3 children with me and one is currently poorly (sickness bug) so she asked if I could have her youngest while she took middle child to the doctors. This is not a day I am usually contracted for and have had a cancellation today so have a space.

Said yes, no prob, child arrived 11am. Parent back from doctors and Parent asked if child could stay longer so said yes but would need to charge.

Child then picked up immediately and I feel awful.

Should I have given a freebie? The parent had assumed it was a freebie and said so upon collection.

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Original poster
Whatalotofpiffle · 01/05/2013 13:18

Thank you both. We are becoming friendly but more professional I suppose. I don't think I will charge for the morning so as not to drag it up with next months invoicing

Feel terrible though

OP posts:
minderjinx · 01/05/2013 13:06

I don't think you should feel guilty. I think asking you to cover while she visited the doctor is okay, but longer, and assuming it would be a freebie, is a bit presumptious in my view and she is the one who should be feeling bad.

OutragedFromLeeds · 01/05/2013 13:01

I think it depends very much on your relationship with the parent tbh, but in general no it's not unreasonable, you're running a business not a charity.

SweepTheHalls · 01/05/2013 13:01

No guilt needed, this is your business and she is a client, not a mate. Well done you for being able to keep it professional.