Sibling rates

[Rachael]

I don't give sibling discounts either. Why should I decrease my income level for their financial advantage?

If they go to a gas station and fill up two cars, do they get a discount?
If they go to the grocery store as a family of 5, do they get a discount?

My daily rate is my daily rate and I understand that larger families have larger expenses but it was fully their choice to have a large family and I am not financially obligated to assist them make that affordable.

Would they take a pay cut if you (someone who is a complete stranger at this point) asked them to?
And bear in mind, these reduced fees aren't just a one-off to fill places, it's a loss that you will continue to incur, potentially for years until their children go to school.

[t_sconnolly]

Thanks ladies, I'm very new to running a dayhome so I wasn't sure. I have heard of some moms getting a cheaper rate for siblings, so I thought I would ask. My hubby and I don't actually do this full time, we both have full time jobs on top of running the dayhome...so this is not my primary income. We also only have 3 part time kids, be cause we are kinda like the fill in care the the shift workers, for the shifts they can't cover. Odd, I know. But it works really well. For us anyways! Thanks again!

[Rachael]

I have heard of some moms getting a cheaper rate for siblings, so I thought I would ask.

Yes, some day home do give it. Some near me offer a sibling discount. Traditionally it was something larger centres offered as it's rare a centre is at max capacity and therefore it was in their interest to do what they could to retain children when parents were expecting a new baby. Plus of course, they would also get the new child too.

I think parents started asking for it from in-home carer's because it was common in centres and then, because some in-home carer's agreed, the expectation/requests have continued.

Like any aspect of your business, it's entirely up to you if you wish to offer a discount. I don't and I won't for all the reasons already given. If that doesn't suit a client, so be it.

As a side issue - I would absolutely avoid three siblings anyway. I prefer single children from different families as then, if they move away before starting school, I only have one vacancy not two or three. Being limited to 6 here, multiple empty spaces have a huge financial impact. The times I have had siblings (8 times to date), it's been because an existing client has had a second child but I've never been asked by an existing client for a sibling discount. I have been asked by new clients and I've always declined.