Childcare

[lulu68]

Hi,


I'm a stay at home mom who provides childcare for working parents from my home. I had one of the moms pay me and she was short $40. How do I let her know without sounding desperate, stingy, etc... Thanks!

Lourdes

 

[janie1234]

I would have said it right when you noticed it. Office Depot or any home office stores sells reciept books. I would count the money in front of people and give them a reciept. If they say they don't want it tell them it is just for your records. I don't know how much time has passed but it may be to late to prove that she/he paid you to late if it was cash. I know that it is hard to be agressive with things like that but if you don't nip it in the bud she/he might start to take advantage and do it again. Think of it as they are taking the money away from you and your family.

 

[chefkate]

you could jst casually say "hey, you were short when you paid last week...." and let her go w/ it. hopefully it was an honest mistake!

 

[Beavs]

Simple. You remind her that she owes you $40.00. I don't understand how that would be perceived as desperate or stingy unless you are offering free childcare (which it appears you are not). If she doesn't pay, you become unavailable to babysit and she can try the "I'm $40.00 short" schtick with another childcare provider who will probably be far less apologetic for demanding payment for services rendered.

 

[MAYNARDSMOM]

Assuming you are watching thekids on a weekly basis let her know that she can add the $40 she was short onto next week if she wants. I also would suggest the receipt book for such cases. Just be sure to clear this up now so it does not continue!
Good luck

 

[Stephanie0523]

You could start doing invoices each month and tell your moms that you have started doing them for your records. And when a mom is short or behind, you can tack it onto the invoice as "old balance due." That would make it easier than having the awkward conversation and also would help you keep good records.

 

[Beavs]

you could jst casually say "hey, you were short when you paid last week...." and let her go w/ it. hopefully it was an honest mistake!

Perhaps, but I think I'd notice of I had an extra $40.00 hanging around in my wallet. Receipts are a must.

 

[spyrosmom]

I'd go with the receipt method. Tell her payment is due PRIOR to the week services are given. Tell her she can catch up this one w/ next week's and if she doesn't, then no more daycare. Turn them away at the door if need be. That's the policy my daycare that I take my son to have always used. You are running a business. She can't leave the grocery store w/ $40 of groceries she didn't pay for.

Nan