I could write a book but no one would believe me

[Saltire]

I am fed up, I know I am. And I'm ranting and a whole load of parents are going to come on here and moan at me and tell me how unprofessional i am and how glad they are they don't use childmidners because we are all the same.

Mindees 1 & 2, whose hours are 08.00 till 5.00pm, are getting dropped off at 07.30 today"because we are both at work and X (their dad) can drop them off on the way to his work."
I just get more and more incredulous at this lot. Still on the plus side the younger one will at least have breakfast at a reasonable time with me today, not his usal 09.30 and he hopefully won't be screaming the place down on the way home from school because he's so hungry

Oh Saltire, anyone who knows the history will fully understand why you're totally and utterly fed up. I would have booted that family out months ago!!! Poor kids though :( As for the 7.30am start - if they hadn't 'asked' me and just told me, I'd have said no way, not in our contract. If they'd have asked me, I'd have thought about it and IF I said yes, it would be at my higher rate (I charge more before 8 and after 6). Honestly though, is there really no way you can give notice, you're going to make yourself ill! :(

Saltire, I've read a lot of your recent posts in mounting disbelief. I have to say from what I've read you do need to get more "professional" in that you need to learn to say "these are my terms and conditions of business and if they no longer suit you then we must part company" and then you need to give notice. I don't think you have a healthy relationship with these parents and that is obviously making you upset and angry which just isn't healthy.

Saltire. This family is just rude.

What did you reply when they informed you that they would be dropping off a half hour earlier? I would expect a cm to say either "that's fine, but you will be charged £X more for the day" or "no, sorry. I open at 8am".

You are in charge. You are the cm. It's your business. They are your clients. Maybe it's time to tell them that a contract review is necessary and go through all parts of it with them? If that fails, just be more firm. People don't expect other businesses to open a half hour earlier just because it suits them. If they need a 7.30 drop off, then they need to find a suitable childcare arrangement where this is possible.

agree that you need to be braver stronger and say no

you are the boss, you are in charge you make the rules!!!

i would have said i open at 8 and not flexible for this family and if they came at 7.30

i wouldnt have opened the door till 8a,