CM Club: Advice please - do I say anything to parent?

[looneytune]

I mentioned recently about charging extra for change of hours due to parents new job. I said that parent was shocked at new amount but you all agreed I was right to charge.

I've been worried since as mum has been very quiet. We normally get on great and she's very chatty like me although we both knew that would have to change as this new job means quick drop off etc. I'm hoping that she's quiet from being tired in new job and because more rushed but I have a feeling there's more to it?

Today she arrived 20 mins early and mindee still eating dinner so stayed and waited. I felt really strange about the quietness and managed to get a conversation going and she talked but was not at all herself.

I'm worried that it's something to do with me, maybe the increase in charges but I am a business and that's my rates.

I just want to know if she's tired or something or if it's me she has a problem with. The other day mindee did cling to me and said she didn't want to cuddle mum and I felt awful and tried to get her to cuddle her mummy. All was fine but that's another thing it could be that's upset her?!

Should I say something? If so, how do you think I should deal with it? It's just making me feel really uncomfortable and it's just not normal. Had mindee nearly a year now.

I won't be back to check until late tonight.

Thanks :)

I wouldn't worry .. she's not a friend .. as you so rightly say she's a client .. so if she doesn't want to be 'friendly' just continue to be pleasant to her

if she's sulking she'll snap out of it .. as long as you continue to be pleasant

She is a friend though, well, we went round for their dd's family birthday party for her. Were invited to their wedding. We've been told we'll be invited round for drinks/dinner some time soon. I definitely think of her as a friend. But yes, she's a client first. It's difficult.

Really must go now, people arriving soon.

Thanks for your comment :)

Most of my parents end up being friends, and some of them have become really good friends (I'm godmother now to one of my long-term mindees). Some of them have been in and out of my house on a daily basis for over 10 years! To be honest, I don't think I've ever had any really difficult problems with those that I am on very good terms with, probably because they know exactly what the "childminding rules" are - and are too scared of me to break them.

I think it is possible to be professional but friendly at the same time.

Looney - would you be able to broach the subject and ask her directly if you've done something to upset her? Would you even be able to say that you are worried that she's unhappy about the money increase? (So much easier said than done, I know). Unless she starts off any kind of conversation, then it is going to be down to you unfortunately.

Think I will just come out with it and this is going to bother me until I get to the bottom of it! I hope it's just the job but if it's me, I'd rather know and see what can be done (without reducing the fees!)

Thanks again :)

Will have to wait til next week as dad dropped off and collecting today.