2nd child and mat leaves

[CrazyEight]

I completely understand where you are coming from Kindertime. I can understand not wanting to lose a spot, especially with Bill 10 restrictions coming, but I know providers who have dckids with parents on mat leave, and these parents are the first to drop off, right at opening time, and the last to pick up, not a minute early, 5 days a week. I've had previous clients who were working but seemed to be able to take a TON of time off, and would always brag to me about having a nap, going shopping, whatever, while their kid was with me. I get it, everyone deserves a break, but why have kids if you don't want to spend time with them? And while an older child may love coming to daycare to see his friends, I would think that he may also get jealous of getting carted off to daycare while baby sibling gets to spend all day with mommy alone.

I think a middle ground would be the best option - if the parents want to keep the child in daycare while on leave, then obviously they can afford it, so either work out a part-time option with the provider, or pay full fees but only send the child 4 days a week, or pick them up early a few times a week, SOMETHING to show the child that they are not missing out or getting replaced by a new sibling.

I've never had a client on leave still sending their older child to me, but my feelings about it would really depend on their behaviour - do they take advantage of every second that I am open to dump their older child with me? Or do they occasionally pull the child out for the day, pick him up early, make an effort to show him (and me, frankly!) that they still understand that time with him is important, and time between the siblings is important too?

I'd be wary of taking these clients at their word torontokids, as they've already said they may not be able to afford to keep him in for the full year. Perhaps see if they will commit to pulling him after 3 months, or at least have a waiting list ready to fill his spot in the event that they leave.