Do not let them make you feel guilty. Everyone deserves vacation time!! Especially caregivers. That is plenty of time to make alternate arrangements with their back up. I would not offer to hire someone to take over for you unless that is in your contract. I would not suggest other options, either. They are the parent and need to come up with their own plan. Using a home daycare means that they will run into situations like this and need to plan accordingly.

I, too, stress during interviews that they need to have back up. I have never taken a sick day but I know I might need to and i do take vacations. I ask what their back up plan is. If their 'plan' is to take a sick day from work, forget it. If their back up is a 4 hour drive away, forget it. They need a solid plan so that I don't get hassle when I need to cancel last minute or take holiday.

I hope you have a fantastic holiday!