DCM Won't Leave

[AmyKidsCo]

My policies state that children must be picked up and OFF THE PREMISES by closing time.

I used to have a mom show up right at closing time to get her 2 yr old. She'd bring her older children and let them all play in my back yard for half an hour before finally leaving. I added the "off the premises" part for her. ::

[Mom2Two]

Oh, been there.

You need to be blunt with these types.

Tomorrow when the cycle starts, nip it right then.

"Jane, I made sure dcg went to the bathroom just mere minutes ago, she has what she needs to go home and it is past closing time. I need to wrap up my day and clean up." I'd then hold the door open and not entertain a single distraction.
"It's time to leave for the day. See you tomorrow." With a cheerful smile on your face!

I bet you're not as witchy as you think you are. You've got to be firm. She doesn't need a last minute potty every. single. day. If she just went, then she just went. Too bad. If mom doesn't believe you, then she's at the wrong place.

[midaycare]

Sounds like this issue is more common than I thought!

Since this dcm is state pay, she won't care about late fees.

I think you guys are right and I just need to be more blunt

[lovemykidstoo]

Oh yea, have had this one recently too! Dad would walk in and ask jr if he had to go potty before he left. I always have the kids go right before pickup because I just don't need momma and daddy walking through my house in my bathroom. Before they even ask, I would say, oh just so you know, little Sally already went potty. I have had to say too, hate to rush you, but I've got a phone call I have to make real quick or I have somewhere i have to run bye! Usually takes 3 days and then it's not a problem anymore.

[Josiegirl]

What about sending home a note to everybody, reiterating why quick drop-offs and pick-ups are a must? And emphasize that closing at 5:30 means the lights go off and the door locks at 5:30, even a minute past that is over time.
I find it so hard to tell that one parent so it's easier for me to remind everyone. Can't help it-I'm a chicken.

[Blackcat31]

Oh, been there.

You need to be blunt with these types.

Tomorrow when the cycle starts, nip it right then.

"Jane, I made sure dcg went to the bathroom just mere minutes ago, she has what she needs to go home and it is past closing time. I need to wrap up my day and clean up." I'd then hold the door open and not entertain a single distraction.
"It's time to leave for the day. See you tomorrow." With a cheerful smile on your face!

YES! ^^^ with a smile! I don't think its 'what' you say but 'how' you say it that makes the difference.

I would avoid trying to say you have somewhere to go in an attempt to get her out the door as you'll end up having to have somewhere to go everyday...kwim?

Just say what you mean but don't say it mean.

[boy_mom]

I agree with PP, be blunt! I had parents like this, and I directly reminded them that I close at 5:30. That means last child out the door at 5:30, not parent walking in at 5:30.

I also reminded them of the late fees and that they continued to incur late fees until the child was out my front door. Telling them how much the small talk would cost going forward really helped it stop quickly!

[Snowmom]

Oh, been there.

You need to be blunt with these types.

Tomorrow when the cycle starts, nip it right then.

"Jane, I made sure dcg went to the bathroom just mere minutes ago, she has what she needs to go home and it is past closing time. I need to wrap up my day and clean up." I'd then hold the door open and not entertain a single distraction.
"It's time to leave for the day. See you tomorrow." With a cheerful smile on your face!

[Miss A]

Is it possible to be outside when DCG is due to be picked up? That has helped speed up a few of my lingering parents.

[MomBoss]

I had this problem too so i started saying i had somewhere to be and i may be late . "I have dcg all ready for you, Im about to head out myself, gotta be somewhere by 5:45!"
I also would be waiting right by the door with child ready and when she opened it I would say "theres mom! Have a nice night!" And start shutting the door.

[midaycare]

I know this is a common problem...just trying to figure out a kind way to go about this.

Dcm is usually one of the first ones here and the last to leave. When she comes in the morning, it can be a 5 minute drop off, and my mornings are hectic! I just don't have time for that.

Worse than that is pick up. I close at 5:30 and dcm walks in at 5:30 and proceeds to spend 10 minutes getting dcg out the door. I've tried having her ready - doesn't work! Dcm will - every day - tell dcg to go potty before she gets in the car. I explain that dcg just went, but once the idea is out in the open, dcg is adamant she has to go again.

I just don't want to do small talk at closing. I'm ready to close up and spend time with my family.

Help me find a nice way to do this. I'm not confrontational unless I have to be, and then I'm blunt and it all comes out witchy. There is no in between.