I have a new child starting in 6 weeks. She will be 12 months old then. The mother has just sent me a message asking me if they can come in for an hour or so this week so her daughter can start getting used to things. I replied that I usually do visits 1-2 weeks before the start date and I find that is usually sufficient.

She has just replied that she doesn't want to be "that mom" but really wants her daughter to be "used to things" before she starts. And that she will "stay with her this time."

Is it just me, or does that seem a bit excessive? I'm not comfortable with doing visits that far in advance but I also don't want to appear to be inflexible. Visits effect the other children in my care as well. It completely disrupts their routine and schedule as well.

Any thoughts on how I can handle this?