How would you respond?

[cfred]

I think if you're up front about your policies and the expectation that business is business and the friendship is outside of that, you should be fine. If she's willing to sign the contract with the understanding that the rules are the rules, then it shouldn't be an issue. I currently provide care, full time, for my sister's boy. I've not had one problem and she's very respectful of my policies. She also understands that this is my bread and butter and signed the contract along with all the other clients. And honestly, all my clients end up being friends anyway. We continue to see each other when their children leave my daycare and I even have traveled with some of them.

If you're clear from the beginning, it should be okay. Of course, perhaps my sister is the exception....I don't know.