i would inform all parents that I would be opening later that am due to an unexpected appt. if its an am appt I dont feel as bad, opeing later isnt too big a deal for most parents. when I have had stuff going on i nthe afternoon I have always asked my mother to cover for me, the kids call her grama and love her, all the parents know her quite well (small town) reccently however, i have a new baby, (firdt time parents) they had a prblem with anyone else taking care of their daughter for one appt last week (had to cancel, but understood their concern) did shake up my personal life however. soooo....after 10 years, I have devised a new plan hopefully it will work for me, and may give you a little idea too. I have set aside two fridays each month for potential appts. these are open in advance and my mm is on standby, in the event I have to go to dr bring my kids to visits OR JUST want to take a afternoon with my kids or out to lunch. I added it to my contracts especially for these new parents to agree to, they were thrilled to have a set day and cant wait to meet my Mom this week, I will have her over for dinner during their pick up time so everyone can meet and minds can be at ease. My daughter has a DR appt this friday, and after we will go to the beach!!!!! NEVER get to do that during the week, so excited!