Some parents..

[kidlove]

oh sister-in-law, gotcha there! i have a sister in law that I sometimes provide care for too. the only advice i can give you is attempt to treat her as all the other parents, otherwise she will begin to think she has "special allowances" that can become a problem later, if not a problem already! as far as the kids coming in pj's? that is up to you, noone can give you advice in that area, if it bothers you, gently comment to her that the kids do need to be dressed and ready for the day upon arrival, plain and simple, don't make a big deal out of the conversation just mention it at drop off or better yet maybe pickup. If you dont really mind the pj's (which is not what I am sensing) but if you dont mind then just ask her to provide the kids change of clothes and if anything have baby in a fresh diaper at drop off, that's just respectful and caring toward you and the child. Could be that she is just a "lazy" parent or it could be that she thinks she can push the limits cuz your family or could be a little of both. Don't forget, she is a client just like all the rest and expect her to follow your rules just like all the rest.. i know because like I said i too have family, and although you need to tread lightly, or keep things confrontation free with family, you also need to get the point across that you can not be used. address it quick and matter of fact. and you'll be fine! let me know how it goes.

[Inspired by Reggio]

It is a sad reality of the state of the world we live in that there is no 'common sense' among us anymore because there is so many vastly different values, belief systems and ways to do things!

When I chose to work from home with the freedom of being my own boss and making my own 'rules' I sat down and reflected on all the things that 'sucked at my soul' to see in my years of doing centre daycare and I created clear values and policies in my handbook to ensure I did not have to DEAL WITH THAT anymore

Including THIS sadly ... the expectations is that unless it is a schedule PAJAMA PARTY DAY that every child arrive to program 'dressed appropriately for the weather, fed breakfast, and able to cope within the programs regular activities'.

Most providers contracts and policy handbooks continue to 'evolve' over the years as they learn from experience that you cannot trust clients to 'know' what you expect of them and it needs to be all spelled out to avoid dealing with conflict over what is common sense to the provider but 'unreasonable expectation' to the client ... you know like they arrive on time for pick up, that they pay their fees on time without bouncing payments or having to be chased, that their children are not little demon spawn who run through your house destroying everything in their path

[Inspired by Reggio]

I like all of your ideas, but what if it was your sister in law? Would you still handle it like that?

I agree with the other ladies that during 'business hours' the rules are the same for EVERYONE regardless of their blood line or relationship to me ... even my stepson had to follow all the rules of the daycare when he was here in the program until he was old enough to 'leave the premise' for things like quiet time he had to engage in quiet time to be fair and respectful to the other children!