That's a really hard decision you have to make! I would probably take the family with the 17 month old and have my space filled. I have these difficult decisions to make next month because I have too many people wanting my spaces in early 2013 so I know how your mind is going back and forth and back and forth right now. I'm in those shoes too! It's really difficult to decide.

But to tell you the truth, I wouldn't take the chance on being over in numbers ever. I would explain to the parent that I can't take the chance on losing my reputation and my business if anyone were ever to report me as running my daycare illegally, because 5 children is the law in Ontario at least.

Good luck!