To be so annoyed with these parents

[teacherandguideleader]

I give up a lot of my free time for other people's children. I recently organised a weekend away and spent months planning it to make sure the children had a good time. It took hours and I passed up the opportunity to do some things with friends at weekends as there was so much to do.

The week before the event, I had various text messages from parents saying their children could no longer come as they had 'made other plans'. 40% of the children dropped out and I then had to rearrange all of the activities as they weren't suitable for the numbers I had left (not to mention re-doing all the quantities for recipes and food shopping).

I am so annoyed at these parents who seem to thinks it is all 'easy come easy go' and have no concept of how much time goes into such events. The parents have also requested refunds which if I give, I will be left out of pocket as I had already paid for many things.

I am so close to giving it all up. Sorry, I just needed a rant.

Don't refund them!

Some people are rubbish unfortunately.

Mostly... DONT REFUND THEM!

Did you make it clear beforehand that any money paid was non refundable?

If not, make sure you do in future.

If you don't just give up, which, tbh - I would.

Sadly, some people are like this though. They think it really doesn't matter.

Perhaps you should point out that you have spent your own money and time on this and see if they give a shit. If they don't, then maybe it really is time to pack it in.

Don't refund.

My GC go to Brownies and Rainbows and have an amazing time.
Many of the parents will be very appreciative, but some are just hopeless.

I repeat: Do NOT refund.

You poor thing. Could you write down where all the money went and offer a token refund, whilst showing that actually most of it has been spent because you were organising a good event! If the parents see what you had actually planned, they might realise 1. how much work you did, and 2. where the money went.

Sadly lots of people only think of themselves, but a few may realise. Don't stop doing what you are doing, you are building positive memories and opportunities for children!

Some parents are thoughtless unfortunately.

Don't give them refunds. Send round an email stating that refunds are not possible due to places being cancelled so late as supplies have already been purchased. You could say that refunds will be offered only in cases of genuine illness.

I don't think they're entitled to refunds, that's just cheeky.

Please make it clear on anything else that you do that refunds will not be given.

If there is a genuine reason someone can't go then you may decide to refund as a good will gesture but as a rule it's the best way forward. It may mean less sign up but then at least you know what you are working with

Tell them the money has already been spent.

Imagine phoning up a holiday company. "I've booked this holiday but I've decided not to go, can I have my money back?"

Just say no.

No refunds! Don't they realise that they'll end up with no one wanting to run these things?
I'm sorry, you must feel really demoralised.

No refunds! Unless there's a genuine reason for cancelling, like illness.

No refunds!

Whack all you've spent on a spreadsheet to show them if they get narky.

Definitely do not refund. However I would make this clear on the contract to cover yourself legally in future.

Agree no refunds. Tbh, even if my child was ill and couldnt go on a trip I wouldn't expect a refund.

oh, that's upsetting, not just annoying
no refunds

I agree with the others, do not refund. They booked, they cancelled. The money has been spent.

plus if you don't refund them, they will think twice about 'holding' a place, and you should get realistic numbers from the outset.... making planning MUCH easier!.

YANBU at all, I'm really sorry that you've had to deal with that.

No refunds, absolutely. Just stick to your guns on it though, as some no doubt with get arsey....

Agree with peachy, don't refund and maybe people will think twice in future

Absolute don't refund them. One holiday play scheme includes cancelation insurance (which I've never invoked so I don't know if it's changed mind or broken legs only).

School always states once money has been spent that's that.

That is rubbish, YANBU :(

Another one agreeing no refunds. You had already spent money so you should not be out of pocket.

I am astonished at these parents. Cancelling because they'd "made other plans"? They already had a plan; their child was away at an event being organised for them.

I am always so grateful for the volunteers who run the guides and Cubs troops attended by my DCs.

I am returning the favour just a little bit by helping out on a stall for my DS's troop tomorrow.