Thanks everyone, that's just what I needed, I know I did the right thing by not giving her a bigger break. I honestly don't mind giving the second sibling discount, in my view it is my appreciation to those families who stay with me over the years even as their families grow. 5$ a day is just a little break for them I do know it can get spendy with more than one child. However I DO feel the same way as reggio also, IF you chose to have more than one child then you are CHOSING to pay to raise more than one. I did explain to her that I would be losing x ammount of dollars taking her children part time when I could fill the spot with two full paying clients, I know it sounded a little harsh when I said it to her but with people like that sometimes you need to point things out from the "other side" as well, they seem to only see things from their position. When I explained that to her, she seemed to understand it better, but then made the comment that if I got an offer for full time kids to take the spot just let her know and they would find care elsewhere! not sure if that was her way of trying to make me feel bad for her? my response was.."I would never do that to such a good family" that wasnt my point at all, I just wanted her to understand I was only in the same boat as her..making ends meet as well, and pointing out not only was I doing her a favor by charging less but willing to take a loss in income for her and her family.....I think things will be fine just frustrates me when it seems some people want something like the care we provider, for such a cheap price, as if we don't NEED the money, and we don't have families to raise ourselves. Not to mention, I was willing to cut her a break on care during her leave so they would have an easier time affording the loss in pay. Do they understand because I offered then a lower rate, I have had to struggle in turn? I don't mind doing the favors for these families, I treat others how I would like to be treated and would be so grateful to my provider if she was willing to cut deals here and there to help me out financially and take the hit to her own pocketbook at the same time? I would appreciate it so much, but I wouldn't expect it.....it seems this Mother expects a break rather than truly appreciates my kindness.
I have to sy though I am really glad I stuck to my guns and charged her for the min due, per my contracts, for a bit I was thinking of only charging for the two days she was bringing her kids and doing ANOTHER favor on top of ALL the others in the past. Thanks for ALL your input I appreciate the support here. Outsiders don't understand completely and most parents are too self centered to put the shoe on the other foot!!!!!