Feeling Really Used.

[sandylynn]

yes I do hear what you are saying thirdtimesacharm ..I am very grateful that I am in a position that should this happen.....(someone leaves with no notice)....I won't lose any sleep over it....I do this because I love children and it fills my day with amazing memories....I am ok having to take time to replace a lost one....honestly....i f I DON'T want a particular family coming to my home anymore for whatever reason...I DON'T want to have to put up with their nonsense for another say "3" weeks because of a legal bind...I like it better this way....I owe them nothing....and they owe me nothing....In all the time I have been doing this...it may have happened once!

[Suzie_Homemaker]

What is the biggest benefit in everyone's opinion....of having a contract .....

There is no chance of misunderstanding.
Parent is clear what service is being provided, when and for how much.
No dispute about closed days, stat days, vacations days, sick days.
Paid notice period
Transparency
Everyone knows where stand on every situation and not have to rely on memory.
Verbal is okay for 10 mins after said but in 3 weeks time or 3 months time, parent not remember all that said verbally.
No contract means can't go back and show client that they agreed to two weeks off (paid or not), or they agreed not to bring sick kids, or show up early or pick up on time or late fees.
Can't prove anything.
Also, sometimes things misunderstood. Parent thinks statement mean one thing. Provider really mean something else. Contract gives exact details and if need be, shows third party (Judge) exactly what was agreed.

Contract might be pain to deal with but first time you need it, so worthwhile. Everyone think contract not needed but when things go wrong, they very worthwhile for all.

[Suzie_Homemaker]

What is the biggest benefit in everyone's opinion....of having a contract .....

What is the biggest benefit in not having one?

Only one I see, is that if someone isn't good fit, that provider can get rid of them instantly as parent can't prove what agreement was. But provider can get rid of parent anyway if contract written properly.

[mickyc]

Contract is a full set of rules in writing. Nothing is missed or forgotten. There is no playing dumb after the fact because it is all in black and white- everyone has agreed!

I have had parents say my contract is too strict - no problem - if you don't like it I don't want you as a family. The one I just signed on for September said my contract was perfect and that's exactly what kind of provider she was looking for. It also cuts down on my interview as they have already read it and often come with next to no questions as it is already all written out!

[mattsmom]

Contract is a full set of rules in writing. Nothing is missed or forgotten. There is no playing dumb after the fact because it is all in black and white- everyone has agreed!

I have had parents say my contract is too strict - no problem - if you don't like it I don't want you as a family. The one I just signed on for September said my contract was perfect and that's exactly what kind of provider she was looking for. It also cuts down on my interview as they have already read it and often come with next to no questions as it is already all written out!

I'm the same. When someone wants to schedule an interview, I send them a copy of my contract first, so they know what they are getting into. If they don't like the terms, they don't come. I'm not willing to negotiate anything in the contract or nickel and dime with someone.

I've dealt with too many families in the past that like to make up their own rules as they go along or try to get me to change my hours or policies. At least I know that when they sign, they agree to all terms and I can refer back to it with them if I have to.