Although I'm new to home daycare, I do have a strong background working with children from birth to age 6 and transitioning them to daycare settings. It is horrible to listen to a child cry most of the day for weeks on end. It is draining for everyone. But, I do agree with those who say that after sticking it out the child usually becomes a dream to keep on.

Crying is also based on temperment not only learned behaviour. The parents may not give into the child all the time at home, the child just may not be as resilient as others and more emotionally needy. I do encourage you to stick it out for the sake of the child because it will get better. When you terminate a child who is having difficulty adjusting it makes it so much worse for the child at the next place he or she goes.

That being said, not all children are a good match. If the way you run your daycare and your style doesn't match the parents beliefs etc. then maybe this child is not a good fit. Sounds like this parent has you doing all the work so she can coast in the evening. That is not fair!

Tough call, and lots to think about. I commend you for sticking it out this long