My letter to the parents

[apples and bananas]

i always try to make it about what's best for the child. "child" will adjust better to a consistent schedule. " it's best for "daycare child" to be here at 12:30.

If you make it about YOUR schedule, and YOUR routine, it may come off wrong.

[mom-in-alberta]

Agreed.... Lisa's letter, (less emotion, more to the point), DON'T refer to yourself as bitchy (you are not being unreasonable in the least!), and throw the schedule in there. Make it about them and their child, not you or your child. And yes, there are some spelling/grammar issues, possibly just fast typing on your part, but you don't want them in the final draft.
Good luck!

[Littledragon]

Here is the letter I ended up sending:

Dear Mom and Dad,
This letter is in regards to the half days that CHILD spends here with us. As previously discussed, it is imperative that he arrives no later than 12:30pm. We follow a consistent schedule throughout the day, and in a better attempt to keep the transitions seamless, his scheduled arrival for lunch would be in everyone's best interest.

I neglected to insist upon the 12:30 drop off at first, as it has been only the 3 of us but I am finding the late drop offs to be disruptive to our schedule and it is a happier and smoother environment when everyone knows what to expect next, as children thrive on consistency and routine.

I kindly ask that you drop CHILD off at 12:30, unfed, on his half days so he has a chance to settle in and play after lunch as the next meal time is not till four pm when he wakes from his nap. (Normally, our lunches are at noon but I have pushed them to 12:30 on half days as I realize DAD appreciates spending his mornings with his son. But having lunch any later is extremely disruptive to our day) It would make for a smoother transition for CHILD. The 12:30 drop off time is in effect immediately, and I appreciate your understanding.

Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns,

Me

[Spixie33]

Great. Hope the parents get on board and it is smooth sailing for you

[Momof4]

Awesome! Good for you! Good luck and keep us up to date. Don't let your clients push you around. Be firm. It takes practice but you can do it!

[Lou]

Sounds great!!!

[playfelt]

Even if dad is spending time with his son there is no reason why some of that time can't be sharing lunch together so having a rule that if he comes to care after 12:30 he must be fed. To get lunch he must come before 12:00 ie you are all eating at the same time and child is either eating at home or your place depending on drop off time. Then there is a planned playtime after followed by nap. If child comes fed he is ready to play anyways.

Alternately for the sake of your own child and future children who will come having eaten breakfast before 7 am and want lunch by noon you are going to want to have a 12:00 lunch every day as you fill up so while this works for now you are going to want to back it up later. Might be better to do it now. 12:00 is lunch and I feed whoever is here. Meal of the day is only guaranteed if I know by 11:30 you are coming and NO you may not send your child lunch in hand as that isnt' fair to the rest of the gang.