So... AIBU to think that my cm is being a bit cheeky? And how do I tackle it?

[funnypeCOOLYULEiar]

Lovely cm, she's fab, has looked after ds & dd for about 18mth, dd especially adores her.

But I've now had two instances in one month where she's cancelled at short notice - I've received an email today to say that she can't have the kids on Thurs (becuase she is organising a party for her mum's 60th and is going to be really busy)

I'm self employed and work from home, and, as it happens I don't have anything I desparately need to do, so can accomodate it.

But the email is just telling me she can't have the kids, not asking if it's a problem. I asked her when she wanted to start back to work, and Thurs was the date she gave me.

Coming on top of a similar issue in Dec (when she suddenly realised the day before that her daughter had a consultant appt, so I had to have the kids from 3pm. That one was actually quite inconvenient, & meant I had to work the weekend before Christmas.

So:

1. AIBU to be annoyed?
2. How do I politely say that I need more notice of changes of plan?

I really don't want to p* her off, but if this becomes a habit, it is going to cause real problems, so I feel like I should be clear with her now that just because I'm SE, I can't always change plans at the last minute....

I'm sure she wasn't deliberately being inconsiderate. It is probably more to do with the fact that you have become good friends and felt it would be OK. She probably just didn't think, due to the fact she's realised its her mums suprise birthday and she's got tons to do! Lets face it, its not the best time of year, to be on top of things! (Says she, who's forgotten to buy DH a birthday card for tomorrow! )

I reckon a gentle reminder of the t&c's of her contract will be enough to prevent it happening again.

ok

just thougth it was worth considering...

if she had known about the appt then you should ahave been given a LOT more notice... even the same amount of notice that she had about the appt

Self empployed, bree.

And Maureen, I'm sure you're right (says she who's forgotten to send cards for best mate & dh's gran's birthdays - both today!!) But I think I need to say something other than 'fine, not a problem' as I have done to date, iykwim.

After reading your post I think your cm is being unreliable and unprofessional. If she said she'd have your ds and dd then she cannot change her mind when it suits. She should sort out personal things after work.

I had the other problem (I'm a cm) of asking when I was having the little lad I mind as I wanted to plan my week around him. He's coming but from 2.30pm till 5.30 so that messes up my day really, I can't go anywhere with my own ds or do any proper jobs as I have to be back for 2.15 and even then his Mum is always late when she ahs already said 2.30. I have it in my contract that they pay a daily rate but they don't like it, I'm available to work from 7 am so in the hols its £25 per day.

I would have a good chat, tell her you are not happy that she has cancelled and give her one more chance, if she does it again, give her notice to say you are finding someone more reliable. It doesn't make any difference that you are self-employed, you cannot do your job with you children about and she is under contract. Good Luck and Happy New year!

That's terrible behaviour. I have 4 weeks in my contracts and although I am now pregnant and have certain midwife appointments, scans etc which aren't always given to me with 4 weeks notice, I always ASK parents in this situation if it's ok to drop off slightly later etc. I'd never just tell them, not even at 3 weeks notice, it's 4 weeks or ASK them and see what we can sort between us.

Definitely have a word with her or email her back. It's awkward but needs to be said and she shouldn't get p'd off at all.

Good luck

cant believe she e-mailed you what about a persoanl phone call if yours friends

think its one sided in the freindship basis

i would be fuming if a friend let me down last minute nevermind a childminder that i am paying

whats to sort party wise anyway as it cant have been that inportant if she hasnt written it down, most places are open today so she could plan it today