Terminating a client due to lack of space

[apples and bananas]

I was in the same position last year wherein I had a full time family interested in starting but I had a part time after school child taking up that spot. Like you, some times she came 2-3 times per week and sometimes, zero times during a week. I felt really bad because like you, it was my daughter's friend and I also really loved the parents. I was just completely honest with her and gave her plenty of notice as you intend to...I told her that I love having her child around but this a a complete business move "for financial reasons". I actually got stressed out so much about it leading up to giving her notice...but then once I bit the bullet and went through with it, it went way more smoothly than what I imagined could happen (I was imagining conflict, lol) and I felt much better afterwards!! It's hard, but everything will be ok

Judy is absolutely right about putting on the right hat for the job. But its sometimes hard to separate those feelings. I don't know where they're going to find alternate care... but really it's none of my business and shouldn't be concerning to me. I am concerned about the girl feeling "rejected" not knowing why she can't come anymore, but in reality, I know she will make a new friend somewhere else.

It takes me a while to separate those feelings and talk myself into the business decision... but all of this encouragement helps. Thanks!