I agree, they were blindsided and I expressed my understanding and offered to help them locate another provider as I know many people in the area. They have no reason to think that X wouldnt be safe in my care I have been polite and respectful even offering to extend the notice period if they were stuck. Its her emails that are rude and disrespectful yet I reply in a professional manner. Its only now that I have copied her hubby on everything that the tone has changed in our communication.
What is the point of a contract if they dont respect it and if its not worth while going to court. There were no angry words until I corrected her on the amount that was due. She is her own worst enemy. As it turns out I was speaking to a fellow provider today who knows of a couple people who have already turned her down because of the hours.

As for being upfront with them, they knew that the mornings were hard. I had never outright said i may not be able to continue but it did come up in conversation. I was trying to make it work. I dont really think that I am obligated to give them warning. I am going to let it go because I already feel so much better today just having that weight off my shoulders.