i have a situation at work where i need to “say it how it is” and clear the air..If i don´t do this i will walk around feeling irritated about this because it is something that is going on every day now.. 12 months ago

I had a breaktrough at work. There has been irritation in the air for a while now. I decided to say it how it is and clear the air, and we ended up having the best talk ever. We all opened up and talked about what made us frustrated and now the dynamics of the group has changed for the better. 13 months ago

the late fee. I would have rather been paid on time. Why people must challenge me, I do not know. 13 months ago

Im known for being nice, and sure that is an great quality but…when you let people run you over and dont “say it how it is” sometimes, or most of the times because you dont want to offend anyone or be awkward, then its not good..I sometimes feel i loose my slfrespect because of this.. 13 months ago

but I held strong to my decisions. Where I’d made poor judgement, I apologized and corrected but didn’t give into the things that are necessary and important.

I’ll need to continue to enforce the closing hours and late payment but I really think I have a handle on it now after this initial confrontation. 13 months ago

so, i passed out a very simple contract indicating a very small pay raise and a change in hours.

I was met with a hissy fit and total rudeness from my oldest client. This is the one who actually has the problem with staying late every day even though I know that their hours don’t necessitate it.

:(

No one else has responded. Step two of backbone growing would be to enforce them having it signed and returned before returning MOnday. 13 months ago

complete with cover letter is sitting in front of my now. The darn backbone is not cooperating. 14 months ago

I’m sending the contracts home tomorrow. I have to do a quick edit and get them all printed really quickly. 14 months ago

Is it totally wrong to do a relatively steep rate increase all at once.

The truth is that my rate has been so low for so long. Also, speaking with another daycarelady/former client she said “don’t sell yourself short” indicating my ridiculously low rates.

I know I’d surely alienate my current clients to some degree. I think they’d understand but not sure if some of them would be willing and/or able to handle the $5/day/child increase.

I sort of feel like I have to do it to get to a reasonable salary…and it still wouldn’t be much, let me tell ya.

I guess I will just have to hang in there and experiment has planned. That is, post my ad and see if there are any takers at the increased rate. That’s the only way to know.

I fear that this particular area, though the economic level is fair (not super high) and my rates still very affordable, that the clientele here would not value child care if it isn’t dirt cheap. This is my fear.

I don’t mean to place negative thoughts. I just want to be realistic. Despite that, I cannot stop myself from pursuing this business in the way that my intellect, integrity and heart tell me is true. I also feel that I deserve to get paid a fair wage for that service. 15 months ago

Paperwork is ready to go. I didn’t give a stitch of explanation “why” I’m raising the rates, personal info, blah blah. Just this is the way it will be, effective when, sign here.

There ya go.

I plan to pass them out after I redo the playroom and am able to advertise at higher rate. Hopefully that will make me a little more comfy that I’ll have takers should some people decide to leave.

I plan to pass them out no later than second week in February. This gives me plenty of time to change my mind, lol. 15 months ago

is a most entitled, selfish little thang. I’m not sure this is a matter of backbone, as much as me spoiling my own child in my own way. Her mother gives her cash and gifts, I guess I give him….laziness.

He is so combative and she is such a drama queen that to say anything ends in tears and swear words.

sheesh, the price of a load of dishes these days.

Seriously, I’m irritated.

what happened to earning your keep? 15 months ago

I’ve been thinking about him lately, a lot. I’m not even sure where this comes from…I know he is no good…that he and I are no good together at any rate.

I almost gave in and called last night. Is as if he knows too, he sends me an email “I love you and miss you”.

I have to stay strong. This never ends well. Just get through court…

It almost kills me when baby girl asks for him but she seems to understand and not be angry with me when I tell her no, he isn’t ready yet. She’s always happy to speak to another family member instead. He claims I’m doing great damage to her. I feel strong in my decision and feel it’s for the best but sometimes it breaks my heart…probably because I know she loves him at whatever five year old level, just as I love who he used to be (or who he is deep inside). that person is gone, he isn’t even a real person anymore. He is not to be trusted at all and I know this. 16 months ago

to the ex’s family. Granted I was very very conflicted about it. I want them to visit and have a relationship with their grandma and aunts but it always seems to come with drama. They don’t understand why the kids’ dad can’t just “see them when he’s not drinking”. Is it just me that sees that concept as totally ridiculous.

Whatever.

They showed up uninvited after many ignored messages, texts and calls/voicemails so with them in my face in their syrupy sweet passive aggressiveness, I gave in because I know the kids love their aunts and grandma.

I did explain a few things to them but I know they are just nodding their heads to appease me. They are so fake it makes me ill.

I am continuously torn on the right of the family to the kids, even if they are…not my favorite people.

I won’t budge on their father though. If he shows up here, I call the police. There’s some emotional conflict there but my good sense (finally) weighs out on that one. 16 months ago

are really pissing me off. 16 months ago

I presented my son with a letter last night explaining my disappointment and expectations.

His girl is furious and offended but he seems to totally understand.

The letter wasn’t even about her. Sheesh.

Her level of disrespect already makes me want to smack her but I think that goes beyond backbone, lol, so I’m letting him handle her as long as possible. 16 months ago

put my foot down to my son and his girl.

I just hope they follow through to prevent any ugliness. 16 months ago

I said not a word as parents filed their ill children into my home all week long. 17 months ago

I had decided yesterday on a policy regarding getting away from working 12-14 hour days. I cannot continue like this at this rate of pay and survive AND not have resentment building.

Of course I had kids here from 615-600 yesterday and was left feeling very doubtful on how the new policy would work.

I’d basically decided that instead of raising rates I’d close a few hours early. If clients choose to keep the extended hours they could pay substantially more.

There is no way not to piss off/alienate someone with this but I have to make a change.

On a positive note, I took toys out of boy’s hand this morning. I’ve reminded gma about a million times not to bring toys or food from home and she has totally ignored because it makes it easier to get out the door in the morning. I took toys and handed them back to her. He threw a fit but she stayed on my team reminding him “there are rules”. I had him lay down and rest for a few after she left and he’s fine..he’s gonna survive with the hundreds of toys I provide. :) 17 months ago

allowing my clients to run all over me for 3 years. It has to stop. I’m so tired.

I’ve allowed my family’s needs to come second to the convenience of my clients and that is just silly.

I have to be compensated if I’m to avoid (further) resentment and stay in this field long term.

Enough is enough. 17 months ago