I think every provider has to learn early on how to set BOUNDARIES. Its so so so important. Do not work past your current hours. 7-5:30 is long enough already. You are human and you need rest, too. Just because you work from home, does not mean you are capable of working long hours without rest. You will quickly burn out if you arent careful.

But don't feel bad, I did the same thing when I first started out. Let this family know you have put some thought into your current situation and that from now on you close at 5:30 without exception, not even the days has to work from the office. If they do pick up late more than 2 times the third time they will be handed a notice that care is terminated immediately.

Being "nice" doesn't get you anywhere in life if it doesn't also come in YOUR best interest. Doing people favors is like giving little pieces of yourself away; unless they nurture and do something for YOU and you are somehow compensated...sooner or later you will have nothing left.