I am pondering something and wondering if I have a different understanding of the word late and I can’t quite believe I need to write this.

Last week I shared this post by Morecambe Bay Slings after 16 slings failed to be returned or extended on Saturday. By Sunday this was cut to 6. On Monday and another session brought another bunch of non-returns. My “overdue” list is currently sitting at 7. So what does late mean?

Late (adverb): after the expected, proper, or usual time.

When you hire a sling you do so for a set period of time (2 weeks or 4 weeks usually).  The return date is given verbally when you hire and by email the minute we press check out on MyTurn. Your sling is late if it isn’t returned on the date given at booking and at the appropriate drop in session, or it is posted the day sling was due back (should be posted to arrive the day due back). 

Slings can be returned “early” 24 hours a day using our drop box. Reminder emails are sent 3 days before your sling is due back. I honesty feel 3 days is sufficient time for you to contact me or post back (special delivery is next day delivery).

Slings aren’t late if you notify me before return date:

• That you want to extend and have paid extension.
• That you can’t make X session can you bring to Y instead.
• You have posted back before day due (and hopefully sent me confirmation that it’s posted).

I am a Mum, I know life sometimes does not work as we planned. If something has come up a quick text/email/Facebook message to let me know is not you can’t make it. But please don’t leave me in the dark. If I text you/ ring/ email please reply. Please don’t reply and say you are going to do something and then not do it. Your 1 sling is one of 320+ slings, it is one of over 150 out on loan at any one time, it is not in isolation. Late returns don’t just cause me extra work they are unfair on other families (especially where the sling is popular or the only one we have in that model).

I will continue to make follow up email/ texts/ Facebook messages / phone calls but there gets a point where I am going to have to do something else. Slings are not worthless pieces of fabric. If I need to I will send final demand letters and begin small claims proceedings for slings not returned. I really don’t want to have to do this but I cannot carry on the way things are: It is not fair on me, on my family and more importantly, it’s not fair on other library users and their children.

Thank you for reading.

Yours an exasperated sling librarian.

Summer might be drawing to a close but memories of holidays and adventures are still fresh in our minds as we begin to focus in on the day to day routine of school and work… Thanks to Rachel from North East Sling Library for sharing hers! This summer my boys and I have been very lucky…

via Connecta Preschool Solar – essential summer holiday kit! — Connecta Lives

I will carry you always. I will carry you when you are hurt, poorly or tired. My arms are always here for you; you only have to ask. 

Exhausted by the whole starting school experience Isaac fell asleep on the way to swimming lessons. Thankfully I had a wrap in the car after collecting it from its last hire.

The days when they want carrying are short. Isaac I will do it for as long as you need me. Slings have helped me every step of the way in my parenting journey and I love their versatility. Woven wraps truly birth to preschool and beyond.

http://thebirthandbabynetwork.com/back-to-school-we-go/

So here I am. The end of my first working week after the school holidays and by working week that means going “to work” rather than working for myself. After 3 years of sole self-employment on Monday I started my new job and I have survived the first week! This week also saw Isaac start school too!! How is #demodollisaac big enough?

I am loving each day. I am still finding my rhythm when it comes to replying to messages, posts, texts and emails. I am doing my best. If you haven’t had a reply after a couple of days shout! I am still trying to reply to messages every afternoon and evening. As I am working mornings I am don’t have time to reply first thing anymore. The task of getting me and the boys out of the door for 7.30 is still taking some getting used to.

Our new post box is working brilliantly! I am so glad I got it. If you haven’t seen it or heard about it you can find out more here. The excitement of pulling on the drive and seeing if anything is in the box hasn’t worn off. Just remember to wrap up parcels in something waterproof.

Next week will prove the first challenge while I try to get from school to sessions. I will be there as quickly as I can, I will be on my way!