I don't think I have ever had a parent request things a certain way but some have mentioned the methods they use at home. Sometimes I am able to do the same here and other times I am not. I only have 4 children so it does make it a bit easier but I don't necessarily want some of those habits! During the first week at daycare, I do try to make it as easy on the child as I can. This allows us to connect really well and makes the child want to come back which is helpful in itself. I haven't had too many issues of this causing bad habits thankfully. I did have one child who would cuddle with me a lot and at pick up time they would fuss A LOT and not want to go home. I had to decrease our cuddling because I felt bad that she wouldn't go to the parents. We still cuddle but not nearly as much.

It's only day one so things will be rocky in the beginning. I would be honest with the parents asap and let them know that because you will have multiple children starting, you are unable to rock them all at the same time. If they are not okay with this they will leave and that is fine, you will fill it with another family!

I have rocked some to sleep when I first started (I had an 8 and 10 month old who napped on different schedules for awhile) It was a hard few months but we all survived lol. It was due to the fact that I was just opening and like you said, wanting to fill spots and keep families happy. I don't necessarily do the "I can't do for 6 so I don't do for 1" logic because all kids are different and need different things. However, if I had all 4 needing to be rocked than no, I wouldn't physically be able to do this. I do send out a form for parents before starting with me and it suggests to wean their child from certain behaviours before starting group care. I have had some who need bottles before bed for example and I do allow this if I am able too but it is something I do suggest to wean.

I'm not black and white LOL....it all depends on what they are requesting and how my other kids are at that time. Do what you need to do to survive!! Some parents are unable to see the big picture until we explain it to them

Good luck!!