WIBTAH for not babysitting for someone anymore because it took two weeks for them to pay me??
A friend of mine babysits kids in her home daily as her source of income. However she just had a baby last week so I’m currently “subbing” in my home until she is off maternity leave due to me not currently having a job.
It’s been mostly great but one of the parents has failed to pay me. I kept there three year old 4 days for what I thought was a more then reasonable price. I only charge $30 a day per kids. At the end of that week received no payment. The following week they didn’t bring her to me however they plan to bring her this week. I’ve had two conversations with them since then about how much they owe me. If they bring her to me would I be the a****** if I refuse to allow them to leave her if they don’t pay me at drop off??
I know it’s not a lot of money (only $120) but I’m a single mom of two and I’m not really making much money by watching these kids. The amount i charge mostly goes to groceries to feed them.
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WIBTAH for not babysitting for someone anymore because it took two weeks for them to pay me??
A friend of mine babysits kids in her home daily as her source of income. However she just had a baby last week so I’m currently “subbing” in my home until she is off maternity leave due to me not currently having a job.
It’s been mostly great but one of the parents has failed to pay me. I kept there three year old 4 days for what I thought was a more then reasonable price. I only charge $30 a day per kids. At the end of that week received no payment. The following week they didn’t bring her to me however they plan to bring her this week. I’ve had two conversations with them since then about how much they owe me. If they bring her to me would I be the a** if I refuse to allow them to leave her if they don’t pay me at drop off??
I know it’s not a lot of money (only $120) but I’m a single mom of two and I’m not really making much money by watching these kids. The amount i charge mostly goes to groceries to feed them.
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OP has offered the following explanation for why they think they might be the asshole:
> 1 not allowing the parents to drop there toddler off with me with no notice if they don’t provide late payment from two weeks ago.
2. Does it make me an ah for not telling them before drop off. I’ve already asked for payment at least twice.
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Contest mode is 1.5 hours long on this post.
NTA. In fact, $30 is WAY undercharging. Near me, daily childcare is $80-100 minimum.
You have the right to the money you earn
NTA. No one should work for free.
Think of it from their perspective: they found someone to babysit their kid for cheap. This person let them get away with not paying for that care. Now this person is willing to babysit again, even though they didn’t get paid the first time for it. So why should they pay this time?
That’s probably what they are thinking. If you take this kid again, tell them in no uncertain terms that first they need to pay for the first round of babysitting, and this time you’ll need payment upfront for the next round as well. Otherwise, I guarantee it, they’re gonna stiff you again.
Send an invoice and include interest.
NTAH, refuse to take the child until they clear up the historical debt and pay in advance for the child.
Look this is your job, your source of income. She is using your skills and home for her childcare. Don’t ever feel embarrassed about asking for what is rightfully yours.
They are 100% taking advantage of you. Maybe because they are just not nice people, maybe because you don’t charge a lot so it makes them think your time is not valuable. You definitely shouldn’t babysit without getting paid first and also increasing your price. The food/supplies you need to take care of that child should be in the charged fee. Your time is valuable, and your work too. Taking care of kids is not easy and it is very time consuming. In that time that you babysit for free, you are actively losing money. I know it’s not easy to put your foot down, but you can do it and it’s your right. They might try to guilt trip you, to pressure you, but you are strong and you are right to say no.
Do you have time to give them a heads up that if they don’t pay they can’t leave the kid?
Nta. It’s basic business. You should be paid for your services. But I think you ought to tell them before they come to drop the kid off. Then they won’t be on their way to work or whatever and needing to find childcare. They’ll know upfront you can’t watch the cold without payment. Also, I’d ask your friend that you’re subbing for how financials work with those clients. Do they pay her but not you?
A daycare wouldn’t let someone who hasn’t paid drop off their kid. This is the same situation. They need to pay for past due and I’d tell them you require up-front payment going forward due to the non-payment previously.
NTA at all
NTA I would definitely require payment in advance, it is like a job, you dont show up and work if you arent given a paycheck. If they say “it isnt a lot of money” the response is “then you should be able to pay me.” You should not have to waste your time and energy trying to collect, and while I understand people are tight for money and need babysitting to keep their jobs, you need to get paid for yours!
Definitely NTA. It’s pretty common across multiple industries to not receive further services until you’ve paid outstanding invoices. Childcare shouldn’t be different.
Out of consideration for your friend who referred them to you though, I’d probably reach out to her to see how she would handle this if it were her. This is her permanent source of income and you don’t want to cost her clients. She may be able to assist you or at least offer a solution that’s in keeping with her business model.
WNBTA. You shouldn’t take any new jobs from them until they pay you for the last one. Don’t do your job for free.
NTA – you deserve to be paid for your time!
NTA
Tell them it’s payment upfront, don’t accept anything less than the full amount.
Nta. Message them that they will need to pay what they owe plus pay daily at drop off
You need to be paid in full for what’s owed and then money up front each day. You’re not free and how dare they not pay you!
NTA. Tell them you need past your payment now and in the future, you need payment daily when they drop the child off. If they can’t do that, then you’re going to take on another client, this is your money. They’re taking advantage of your good nature.
NTA, and you need to let them know that this price is a steal and if they are not willing to send it in advance, you will no longer watch their child.
Most importantly, put it in writing so that if they abandon the child at your door, you have proof that they were refused.
NTA Require payment before any additional services. Make that clear.
When they drop him off they need to have what they owe you plus payment for the week ahead. If not, turn them away.
I tell them before they come that you’re going to need payment for what they owe you AND payment up front for what they’re asking you to do in CASH or they won’t be able to drop off their kid.
Plus you’re charging an insanely low price (they’re crazy to not pay you immediately) and you’ve got your own bills to pay. NTA
Do they not pay your friend either?
NTA
As a fellow single mom, who’s been in some WILD situations and also helped friends and people in the community with childcare etc. Not that you shouldn’t have your time respected, but maybe ask your friend if they usually don’t pay on time, get the inside scoop. Maybe they had an agreement you weren’t informed about?
Either way, I would give them NOTICE in writing and also in person NOW. Then, I would give them until the end of this week to get caught up and if that doesn’t work for them, they can have enough time to find something that works for them. They work too, and someone could lose their job for no childcare and having to call out of work last min for so many days.
Let them know they must pay what’s owed prior to bringing the child.
Don’t wait until they show up. You’d be setting yourself up for a scene and guilt tripping.
NTA
NTA, I would warn them you’ll refuse service if they don’t start paying in a timely manner.
no money no honey
NTA
They need to pay, otherwise, don’t accept their kid
NTA.
You provided a service which they agreed to compensate you for. They haven’t paid, so that service is understandably revoked. Payment in advance (should things get straightened out) for the next time is not an unreasonable request.
NTA No one works for free. Some people will continue to push the bounds of what they can get away with forever if they are never challenged. Payment in full the day prior to the next booking or don’t accept the child and late fees will be added, assuming your agreement allows.
I’d suggest talking to your friend also just to let them know there may be an issue with one of their customers. They may also have dealt with similar.
Not related, but make sure you have all the insurance and whatever other approvals you need in your area for childcare. A hostile customer could cause you problems if you’re not covered.
Idk if you’ve used a day care, but daycare services are the only place that has made me pay BEFORE services are rendered. So no, you would not be the asshole.
NTA but send them an email/text saying
“Due to delayed payment last time I will only be taking payment up front on a daily or weekly basis. If you cannot pay upfront you will have to make other arrangements.”
NTA. Don’t get paid. Don’t work.
NTA
Payment cash up front for money owed and for the next week or they can find other arrangements. Which will not be $30 a day because you are way under-charging. Teenagers where I am would expect the equivalent $8-15 an hour, and they generally have no insurance or overheads.
You can’t drop your kid off at daycare if you owe them money and most daycares where I live have a one strike you’re out policy in their contract. I would give your friend a heads up and then tell them they have to pay what they owe and then pay each day at drop off. They lost the privilege of trust when they used that trust to stiff you. And 30$ a day is cheap they’re fucking themselves over by losing access to your services. Nta start standing up for yourself, YOUR kids need food clothing and shelter, and these ppl are taking advantage of you and compromising your ability to provide for your family.