What are your important issues? Where will you compromise?

[Play and Learn]

My contracts are non negotiable. You don't ask your doctor or lawyer to open earlier, or stay later, do you? Well, I am qualified at what I do, and the contract is set in place for a reason. I do have a life outside of caring for other individuals children!

Parents who I have interviewed don't understand that I won't give them leniency on times. I explain to them that I have two businesses to run, and I have to have some me (down) time between the two businesses. Yet they don't care, and it's all about them!

So no, no leniency from me!

[Isawitfirst]

I have had to change my operating hours over the years. I don't mind if hours extend to 6:00 as many of the families here use the Go train to Toronto (I do charge an extended day fee however). I find later easier than earlier. Payment issues I do not change. It becomes important to review policies when you enter a dry period. Not to go on a rant again but the all-day Kindergarten might force some changes.

[Cadillac]

I set up my daycare to be completely flexible for parents. But that being said, they are know that there are limits and the flexibility will lessen should I feel I'm being taken advantage of.

For me it's all about the situation.

One child will stay hours after closing time about once a week. I wouldn't do that for any other family but mom does shift work, dad works long hours far away. If I didn't then they would have to hire a nanny and pay a substantial amount of money for only a couple hours of care. on top of that, this child is my kids best friend. they are inseparable. when he stays late I get a huge break after work to make dinner in piece

For another family I am giving a sibling discount. This family moved not too long ago but goes out of their way to come to me for care and are working on getting their older child into the school up the street so they can continue to stay with me throughout the children's school years. This sort of loyalty deserves something on my end (besides amazing care LOL)

I have close bonds with my families and I think thats important in the job that we do.

When I had an emergency with my fiance. One parent offered to watch the kids for me until my assistant could come and another insisted on driving me all the way to the hospital to be with him. On some other occasions parents have come to pick up their children in the middle of the day so I could take care of other issues. No one ever complains or even looks slightly inconvenienced.

How can I not bend for them when they so willingly bend for me?

So to answer the question: I'd probably bend the rules on anything (but safety) as long as it's a logical and reasonable request.