Wow, in my contract every clause has to be initialled by the parents and I go over every paragraph with them when we have our contract signing meeting. Again, this is why I keep my contract short and straightforward so that parents can remember my rules and understand them clearly, no loopholes.

Any time any new parent says anything that is in black and white in my contract I point it out quickly that they have a LEGAL copy and signed all the paragraphs and can check when they get home. But I learned the hard way in my first year never to back down on any clause in my contract or they will walk all over you.

Whatever you decide to do about this payment and whether you keep this family or not get it all out on the table so no more misunderstandings occur. If it were me and I just found out this family has a nanny I would start interviewing and replace them quickly. I would also not let this payment go since you will be setting a bad precedent for the family if you do keep them.

You are running a business. Does any other service worker, doctor, plumber, etc. say, oh that's ok you don't have to pay me for that day's work. NO!!!