Advise on dealing with an irrate parent please????

Question

I have 5 children in my care on a daily basis. I have had no problems out of most parents.

When I first started I accepted a little boy who's dad said his mother ran out on him and had no one to care for his son, the first week his son was here he gave me a bad check and I called him and informed him, he apologized and asked if I could wait until Friday to pay, I did.

He wasn't coming to get pick his son up until 8:30 or 9 sometimes I talked to him about this and he started picking him up regularly.

A couple of months ago mom is back in the picture and she drops him off at times, I never know when they drop him off or pick him up The other children miss out on play time outside because were waiting. she forgets the diaper bag, I end up having to buy him some diapers. She has no job and sits at home all day, I called dad to discuss some concerns he was nice and understanding, 5 min later mom calls and cusses me out and both refuse to come pick their son up until their ready to.

Answer 1

I would no longer babysit that child.

Answer 2

you should let them know that you cannot work with them anymore, if it is going to be a disruption to your normal day with the other children you should give them a two week notice and if mom gets irrate call the police on her, why is her kid in childcare while she's sitting at home anyway...ya know?

Answer 3

You don't need customers bad enough to put up with this.  When they pick up their kid next time tell them not to come back, you will not be caring for their kid anymore.  Very simple.  They aren't worth the stress they put you through.

Answer 4

you need to tell them that you can no longer take their son into your care unless they agree to a specific collection time and make sure he is provided for while he is with you.

Answer 5

You're enabling their bad behavior.  I'd say you've done all you can, and you need to tell them no more.  Outline all the reasons and tell them your decision is final.  A center would never have let it go on.

Answer 6

don't let the kid come anymore

Answer 7

Sounds to me like you need to cut them off.  If you have explained that these problems are not acceptable and yet they continue to give you a hard time and not respect you - you are better off without them.  If the mother stays home all day, she can start watching him.

Wouldn't you rather have another child who's parents you can rely on?

Answer 8

You need to make them sign a contract with the understanding of your responsibilities and theirs.  Make sure to tell that if they are late picking up you will have to charge them for your extra time and your extra purchases.  It sounds to me that the mom is taking advantage and blaming everyone for her lack of responsibility. I hate not to support a woman but there are times that some ladies out there need to grow up and behave like an adult and not a child.

Answer 9

you say that you have told them not to bring him back? simple then...the next time they drop him off don't answer your door for them. and make up a contract that has a set time for them to pick him up (which really if you are a daycare there should be one already for insurance purposes, or at least thats the law where I live) anyway, have a set time, and explain to them that if they go an hour over that time, you will be forced to call child services for child abandoment.

Answer 10

Well since she is not working i am assuming their state pay? If she is not working DSHS will NOT PAY THEIR CHILD CARE i mean i assume he has a co0pay? and they pay the rest.....I personaly would keep the child he needs SOMEONE stable in his lif

WOW-THATS CRAZY I WOULD NEVER LEAVE MY KID SOME WHERE HE WASN'T WANTED, SOUNDS LIKE THEY JUST DON'T CARE FOR HIM

Answer 11

You are being used.  I would bet that if it weren't for the fact that you are concerned about the little boy, that you would have told them to get lost a long time ago.

Can you ring a social worker or something?  If this is what they are doing when he comes to you for care, then it is probably happening all the time.

Answer 12

You have behaved very admirably.  However, for the benefit of the child, I think you may be obligated to call child protective services.  Have them arrive at the house when you would expect the parents to come.  It would be nice if they waited with you in order to see what happens and how the situation plays out.  Besides you will need back up when the parents are aprised of this.  You do not want to be there alone, or even with your family.  You will also want these people removed (by a policeman who should be there) from your property and a restraining order in place.  Protect your family, yourself ,your husband, and the children and the families you care for. A show of this kind of force, demonstrate you mean business.  This is not a matter lightly taken.  They may also be very supportive in helping you be relieved of this distressing situation.  And best of all, the baby gets the care he needs.  Sounds like to many issues of neglect.

Unfortunately, you are the one to make the call.  Be strong.

My apologies  to my cohorts above supporting a contract.  The issue is much bigger than that.  You need to be away from this situation all together. These people are dangerous and if the situation were to escalate, someone may be seriouly hurt.  No good deed goes unpunished or without harm.  This situation is endagering your children, family and all of the children you are caring for the longer you permit this to go on.

Edit:  You will still be a good person.  More so for recognizing a responsibility that is over the call and beyond that of duty.