I don't get paid sick or vacation days but I do expect them to pay if their child is sick or gone on holidays. They are paying for the spot, not days used, which is why I expect this. Basically, if I'm open, they are expected to pay.

I do ask for paid stat days but at a reduced rate. It is common in my area to pay for stat days so I just went with it. Tbh, I really don't know why it is. I do fully agree with you that as self employed people, we should not get paid unless we are working but I'm not sure why STAT days are paid but I'm glad they are. It's a little break every now and then! When I worked in centres, parents were expected to pay stat days as well even though we were closed.