CM Club- You know when you realise there has been a muck up and you feel sick to your stomach............

[LoveMyGirls]

I told Parents I was having 2 weeks off at christmas and I kept meaning to get a newsletter sent out with confirmed dates, well I started writing it out last monday which was still later than intended but anyway then I was ill and I still am tbh but I sorted out and gave it out on Monday this week now one of the parents has said that they can cover all of next week (I'm working Mon tue and part of wed) but they haven't sorted anything out yet for the week after, Mum has said she will try to cover it (but she started a new job the other day) but I'm dreading if she can't get the time off or anyone else to have her dc's and she asks me to work, technically I should give 2 weeks written notice of holiday and the date on the letter is the 8th dec BUT because of illness I didn't actually give the letter until the 15th which still gives them 2 weeks written notice that I am having the week begining 29th Dec off so technically I am in the clear as regards my policies/ contract.

So just incase she does ask what am I going to do? I've really been looking forward to having time off and have already agreed to work half of xmas eve though I wasn't going to (for different family) my dd's are also looking forward to having some quality time with me, oh I feel sick to my stomach I really do need a break, I'm exhausted and I can't shake this illness, I need a break.

What can I say if she does ask?

How long ago did you verbally tell her you were having 2 weeks off, and did you def tell her verbally prior to the written notification?

I told her verbally in the summer before we signed contracts. Then mentioned if again when they started in October.

I think so long as you are in the clear policy/ contract wise then you should apologise to her but say you are unable to work that week. You had told them you were going to have 2 weeks off over xmas so even if they didn't know the exact dates they should have been checking out alternative care really.

Hope you feel better soon - don't be guilt tripped into working.

If she knows she should have sorted out the 2nd week (which it sounds like she did know about) then you have to be firm and tell her you are sorry and that you have plans/are away.

Do you have any CM friends who may be able to provide childcare for her?

I agree they were told you were having 2 weeks off over Christmas if they needed to know dates then they should have been asking you for specific dates at the beginning of Dec IYSWIM. Perhaps you need to set a precedent or it's going to become an issue in the future?

Surely when she started work in October she should have been mentally working out who was going to do Christmas childcare or asked for the holiday off work then?

LMG i do a form where all of my holidays can be listed and i get the parent to sign it and take away a copy. I do it as soon as i know DH has had his hold approved in January.

And it's there in black and white as proof of what you have said verbally.

I'm really hoping she doesn't ask because I'll feel really awful saying no, they are good customers, lovely family. I am praying they can sort something out because having 2 days off for christmas when I specifically said 2 weeks is not good enough it's not even as though I can take the whole of next week off because I've got other famillies who need me the first 3 days of next week. I will say no as politely as I can and hope she doesn't decide to find other childcare. I had 2 days off last week for illness as well (first time this year I've taken any sick days) typical!

My only other thought would be to offer her one day between Christmas & New Year so she can juggle everything around and you may find just working one day as a break from the holiday season IYSWIM. I used to like working between Christmas & New Year but I'm not a CM!

I have it in my handbook that I give to parents that I do not work between Christmas and NY, maybe put it in yours?

Good idea shoshe I need to do that for deffo. The most I've had off since I started is 5 days off plus weekends either side I was really looking forward to a proper break.

y dont u ring around a few othe cm and ask if they can take the kids then give her the numbers to ring and stand firm saying that yr not working as u have family staying or yr going to them ..at least u have coverd yr self then by offering alternative cm care ..

On the bottom of my Oct, Nov and Dec invoices , I put my Xmas holiday dates.
That way it only takes a few seconds to do and they get three months notice.

Hello,
I know how you are feeling. I've had a similar senario with regards to advising in planty of time, then torn whether to stick to the hoilday or not.& I agree with Dustystar above..

I verbally advised parents in Sept, then again end oct and only needed 1 day off, my Son's bday, in Dec. I felt so guilty as parents had no other care.
I arranged my 'buddy' cm known well to me, and had met the mindee before, to cover the day. Then left it for the parents to contact cm to arrange, the offer was not taken up.
I stopped feeling guilty - it obviously wasnt needed,
This prompted me to give all new (and existing) parents a 'Holiday list' for 2009. I have listed all known dates that I will not be available, and clearly stated all other days will be advised with appropriate notice, (4 weeks) However everyone has said there would not be a problem, they can ask grandma, frinds etc when the situation comes up.
Good Luck, stick to the decided dates, you obviously need it, and have given notice.