New Rates

[mamadaycare]

I have been open for over a year now. I am working on my contract now for next year, since I put it out in November. I want to do a price increase. Partly because of inflation and partly because I deserve more money for what these parents put me through . I have a sibling discount which was $150 per child, which I want to get rid of. My normal weekly rate is $165. I have already changed infants to $185 because they are a lot more work! And then I wanted to change 18 mon+ to $175. Everyone in my area is $185 for 18 mon+ so I feel like I am not raising it as high as I could. But I have a family that has 2 kids. 3 and 12 months. She started when she was expecting and has been hell on wheels since. I wouldn't mind getting rid of them but I don't have a reason necessarily. ANYWAYS, She only pays $300 a week currently, the change would have her paying $360 instead. Which I feel she owes me with how often she belittles me, tries to control me, bothers me about mundane things during non business hours, the list goes on and on. But I know she will raise HELL. Am I wrong for making her have such a price increase? I don't want to make it personal but its been a long year with her

[Michael]

If someone is that much trouble why not term? Will raising her rates make her hell any better? If so, then it’s a no brainer to charge more. If she doesn’t like it she can leave. It’s a win win for you either way.

[mamadaycare]

I have just never felt that I have had enough of a reason to get rid of them. She is just an overbearing mom. I have thought about the next time she over steps her bounds I tell her that this is the last time and she has to go. I'm not sure if it would be worth it or not honestly. I think since she isn't getting her way, she will leave. Which is fine with me!

[Cat Herder]

Raise your rates, fill your slots, term her.

[DaveA]

I had it in my policies that fees were evaluated every November with any rate change going into effect Jan 1. I didn’t raise them every year, but it was in there so parents knew it was a possibility.

[Rockgirl]

I agree with Cat Herder.

I wouldn’t be tolerating someone belittling me in my own home. I used to put up with more, but as I get older, no way.

[Alwaysgreener]

mamadaycare do you have a no tolerance bulling policy? If so than you have a good reason to terminate.
Replace then term.

I have dealt with this parent before and held on to her for to long, then regretted it.

Also would you still want to raise rates if you limited this family from the equation?

I had that family too, the only reason I wanted to raise my rates was because I didn't feel that I was getting paid enough to care for that child. Or in your case dealing with that parent.

[mamadaycare]

I don't have a bully policy in place, but it states in my contract that if you fail to respect myself or my home that I can terminate immediately. It also says that I can terminate at anytime for any reason. I really struggle with starting new families so I have held on to this family just to stay in my comfort zone and it starting to wear on me. I wanted to raise my rates regardless, I just feel bad that their weekly bill will go up by $60. But also I feel that I deserve more than she is paying me now. She got a great deal when she started with me, she didn't even pay to hold the infant spot and I have her part time in the summer. The more I give the more she takes and I am worth more than that.

[Alwaysgreener]

"I really struggle with starting new families so I have held on to this family just to stay in my comfort zone and it starting to wear on me."

This is exactly why I hold on to families too long. The family mentioned above ended when Dcg hit my DD after DD fell to the floor during a toy tug of war which Dcg won.

[mamadaycare]

That DCG does not sound like a fun child to have in care! I am sure once you got used to the new child you were happy you termed! Just getting comfortable with another family is a process, one that I am not fond of lol. I have anxiety about change and the unknown so I will keep a family until I have completely wore myself thin on trying to make things work. I envy those that can term and start easily!