Does It Matter What Parents Do While Their Children Are In Your Care?

Do any of these situations bother you?

* One day a parent tells you she gets off work at noon that day, but doesn't pick up her child until 6pm.

* A parent enrolls in your program and brings her child during your regular hours of 7am-6pm. Later you find out that the parent often has time during the day to play golf, go to the gym and run errands.

* A parent tells you she probably won't need care on Friday on a regular basis, but would like to be able to bring her child anytime she wants that day.

In all of these situations the parent could care for their child, but they prefer that you do.

Most providers recognize that parents may occasionally want some time alone or want to do an activity without their children. It's when this becomes a regular habit that some providers protest.

One provider told me her philosophy was that she won't provide child care if either parent is able to care for their child. She asks parents when they get off work and sets their pick-up time based on how long it takes them to get from work to her home.

I've talked with other providers who have told me they don't care what the parents are doing while their child is in their care. As long as the parent is paying for their services, they feel that it's none of their business what the parent does with their time.

There is no right answer to these situations.

You should make up your own mind as to what you want to do. It's your business and you can set your own rules. Your rules don't have to be the same for each parent. You can allow one parent to bring her child anytime she wants and only pay for the days she uses, and not allow other parents the same option. You can change your rules anytime you want as long as you put it in writing and have the parent sign it.

Whatever you do, make sure you are comfortable with your decision. You are the boss of your own business. Make your business work for you.

Tom Copeland - www.tomcopelandblog.com

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