I am willing to bet that she is at home fuming over having to apy only because her child is still sick and shes stressed out/overwhelmed. If she is a deccent person and values your care (which is THE ONLY type parent we want) she will come to her senses as soon as the illness is over and get you your money. Just keep firm on the fact she owes you, dont buckle. It's so easy to do when you are a nice person, even tell her that you feel for her and understand but point out to her, just as it was unfortunate that she had to put up with the illness and lose a days work, you also dont want to lose taking her child for care, but life can be infortunate we adults have to deal with it. sympathise with her rather than be hard on her, but let her know she does need to pay per contract. just think, IF her child spread that illness to the daycare and it went through all the kids, calculate how much cash you would lose IF you didnt charge any of them for their 2/3 day absence over illness! that would be majority of your income. (plus youd be next to get sick and close for 2/3 unpd. days)