I see a lot of the other side of the coin too Judy in that a lot of the "complaints" from providers stem from feeling entitled to perks they had working outside the home ie in one business and then are upset when they find out the other business doesn't offer the same thing - paid freetime lunch breaks being one of them - oh for a leisurely stroll alone on my lunch hour.

Just because one had a perk at one job does not mean they can automatically import it to the next job and expect to get it since all jobs come with certain limitations. Yes value what you do so you do not feel belittled by the new job but remember you gave up some of the perks so whether you are worth them still is up for debate. Ask/demand away for whatever perk you want but remember not every providers feels as "entitled" and therefore you will be up against competition. Our contracts are a reflection of us and what we have gone through in life good and bad. Not sure if I am saying all this right but some people that must have held some very high and mighty positions on the corporate ladder are now doing daycare and well finding out the grass isn't greener and maybe demanding that we all ask for the same perks so they won't feel bad about asking for them themselves sort of supports what I am saying.