I like to make sure the families have lots of sick days they can use or retired grandparents or other family or friends who can provide backup. However, I have only taken one sick day in 4 years and the little ones made me sick so the parents understood completely and made arrangements because I told them the day before that I was getting much worse and needed to take a day. If you have to close for a day just give lots of notice so the parents have time to make arrangements.

I take 4 weeks vacation a year and none of my 5 families have a problem with that either because I tell them before the beginning of the year what they will be so that they can book their holidays in sync with mine. I make major appointments on those vacation weeks.

I also admit to a quick stop at the bank on the way to the library or a quick trip to the grocery store with the double stroller once when I had one little boy who was here late for an hour after everyone else had gone. He enjoyed the trip!