I learned this the hard way, was nickel and dimed by a family right from the get go and always had to argue about payment when her children were sick eventhough it was clearly stated in my contract. Got to the point that she kept sending her kids sick to me b/c I was going to charge her, when I put my foot down and said you cannot leave your child here today, she is too sick, of course on pay day she tried to tell me that she was not going to pay me as I was the one to send her child home.... yeah, that did nt happen.... if there is anything I have learned in my short time as a daycare provider is that good parents who appreciate you makes all the difference in the world!