Anonymous wrote:I have never performed childcare, but as a person who used an in-home I agree with many of the posters. Set it up so you are paid ahead. I would also set more boundaries, such as no weekend care for current clients. I know that may effect your income, but it also sets a normal schedule for those you are currently working for. There are many parents out there looking for good reliable childcare. Get rid of anyone who is not paying you and keeping to the schedule. Again as a parent I always paid on time and never was late...even though it was close a few times, which I usually called to warn. Just remember, you are owed respect too.

+1

Put your requirements in a polite note. Put it into their hand. Keep a copy for yourself, record the date you gave it to them by writing on your copy. Give them a deadline within a week.

I have never performed childcare, but as a person who used an in-home I agree with many of the posters. Set it up so you are paid ahead. I would also set more boundaries, such as no weekend care for current clients. I know that may effect your income, but it also sets a normal schedule for those you are currently working for. There are many parents out there looking for good reliable childcare. Get rid of anyone who is not paying you and keeping to the schedule. Again as a parent I always paid on time and never was late...even though it was close a few times, which I usually called to warn. Just remember, you are owed respect too.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, if you are not licensed, get ready for her to retaliate and to burn you for operating and unlicensed center.

I am licensed. This person is too busy partying or hooking up with guys to do something like this.

At the beginning of the thread, weren't you saying that you were practically friends with this person and felt bad about pushing on insisting about prompt payment? I could see how your tune would change over the course of these events, but it seems a bit odd.

No. I was never 'friends' with her. I did a lot of weekend childcare for her daughter.

You are never going to get her to see that she's in the wrong. She's overextended and angry with her life, and she sees you as one of many enemies she has trying to keep her from enjoying her life at all. None of it is real, of course, but you just have to let this go.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, if you are not licensed, get ready for her to retaliate and to burn you for operating and unlicensed center.

I am licensed. This person is too busy partying or hooking up with guys to do something like this.

At the beginning of the thread, weren't you saying that you were practically friends with this person and felt bad about pushing on insisting about prompt payment? I could see how your tune would change over the course of these events, but it seems a bit odd.

You need a solid contract detailing payment terms, dates, late fees and consequences. I realize that when running an in-home day care it can be harder to maintain the boundaries between the personal aspect and the business aspect. However, when it comes down to it, as much as you may like the families and the kids, you are running a business. My advice is that moving forward you stick to your contract policies and don't make exceptions or let things slide. Nip them in the bud. If your parents are late, charge the late fee. Don't open before your operating hours, don't let things slide because if you do it once you will be expected do do it again ( As a "favor" of course) but you will find it harder to enforce your own rules.

As for this woman, if she pays you the $200, then great, but honestly I would say this was an expensive lesson for you. Remember, this is your business, you are not a charity or free service.

OP, the next time you see the parent, tell them that they owe x amount and its due on ... If i do not receive payment, childcare service will be terminated until payment is received.

don't feel bad that she's a single mom since she's playing you.

Report what is happening to licensing tomorrow. Get everything in order to be ready for an inspection. It is very likely she will report you at some point this week. It happens frequently.

Anonymous wrote:OP, if you are not licensed, get ready for her to retaliate and to burn you for operating and unlicensed center.

I am licensed. This person is too busy partying or hooking up with guys to do something like this.

OP, if you are not licensed, get ready for her to retaliate and to burn you for operating and unlicensed center.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No deadbeat sent you most of it through PayPal and sent you a nasty note. I call fake. If she needed to wait until next check, she didn’t magically find $800. Nice story though

My PayPal is connected to a credit card. I don’t have to actually have the money to buy something. I expect that is true for many other people.

Op here. Yes this is very true. You can send people money instantly through PayPal credit card. She told me she can't pay the remaining $200 because she won't have money for food. She says I'm being a greedy bit** . Her exact words. I usually don't like to use the term white trash but it suits everything about this person.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are you responding to her texts and emails? Did you decide to go for the other $200, or let it go?

This. You need to STOP responding in any way to her attempts to bait you. (And don't be fooled into thinking you are the first person she has scammed this way and then tried to turn it around to play the victim. This is a way of life for this woman, and you won't beat her at that game.)

If you feel you must respond, then just repeat the same line every time. Something like "I'm sorry you feel this way. Please do not continue to contact me unless it is to notify me of the date that you plan to deliver the outstanding payment of $200 that you owe for my child care services."

Op here: I guess I just have to let the $200 go but I'm so mad I've been cheated out. She's such a crappy person.

Anonymous wrote:No deadbeat sent you most of it through PayPal and sent you a nasty note. I call fake. If she needed to wait until next check, she didn’t magically find $800. Nice story though

My PayPal is connected to a credit card. I don’t have to actually have the money to buy something. I expect that is true for many other people.