tropicgirl

I, too, started my own business for the freedom. I'm a 26 year old mother of 2 kids, 7 and 5 years old. Being divorced, I bring my kids with me if they are out of school or on the weekends. They have thier own room with a tv, movies, games and toys. One reason I did this was to be able to spend time with them. As a single mom, I know how hard it is to find someone willing to watch your kids so you can tan for 10 minutes. I, too, allow parents to bring their kids. However, to discourage EVERYONE from bringing kids and neices and nephews, there is a fee, either one time or monthly. They love the freedom, I like the extra money, and it's only 10-20 minutes. People were bringing them with or without me okaying it or charging them. I dont know what the laws are in my state, I guess If I'm caught and told I can't do it, I'll stop. The main thing is to explain your policies to everyone using the services. We watch only over the age of 2, no bathroom breaks, and they must sit and watch television or play quietly. If they misbehave, we simply explain we won't be able to watch them. What liability is there in a kid watching a movie for 10-20 minutes? This service sets me apart from the rest of the salons and brings me business. Plus, my kids like the company!

tancrazy

tropicgirl greatminds think alike this is exactly what i had planned ....i even called the state i live in and she said no that as long as the kids where there for such a short period that everything is ok.....the only thing i would suggest is to have the parents sign a waiver when you charge them ....that is if you dont already .....thanks for the reply

lotiongirl

That is an excellent idea tancrazy and tropicgirl! I would suggest doing the same tropicgirl, and call your state.

TanningEmporium

Just to note: We do not encourage the leaving of children in the salon. But we do allow it. I have had clients ask if we provide childcare and as I stated we do not provide it. I tell the client maybed they should have a friend come and tan with them and they take turns watching them,and I have gained a few new clients that way. I let them know we are not always up front at the counter. This means we are working not watching children, but having the area in the waiting area for them to sit quietly and watch TV or read a child based book, allows the mom a few quiet minutes alone.

pam

We also don't encourage it but will allow it. We don't do potty breaks and we let the parents know if the child misbehaves we will shut off their bed. Very few people bring them in and most of the ones who do will upgrade to a faster bed when their child is with them. You might also want to check with your insurance company to see what would happen if a child got hurt, etc while you assume responsibilty for them.
Pam

TanningEmporium

I have been thinking this next season to have a release for all parents to sign and attach to their card, so they can not come back on me if anything were to ever happen to their child/ren while in the salon. But I am going to put in a newsletter so they know that it is coming and they wont be surprised when I ask them to sign. I do a newsletter every month and its a great way of keeping all abreast to what is coming or going on in the salon.