What's your Take on this?

[nschildcare]

I would return the deposit and keep looking. Inconsistent hours and trying to keep her there outside of business hours would not make me happy in the long run. Trying to negotiate my rules and policies does not fly.

I look at it this way: they are trying to negotiate rules that you have in place for a reason. If you work with them on this, they will take that as the green light to negotiate other rules later.

I feel for them. I really do. But they need a nanny or a babysitter until their hours are consistent, or to keep looking for a care giver with more flexibility.

I had a client just like this. HAD. She asked for special on her hours. Then asked for special on something else. And something else. When I finally said no, she left.

Keep looking. The right client is out there.