I used to do the same as you. they get 10 free days, i get 10 paid days off. but as you said it hurt the pocket book when i wasn't expecting to not be getting full pay. Now, as i still feel it to be fair to give something back to the parents as i'm taking paid days off i offer 10 'discounted days as $10 off the normal daily rate. so instead of $40/day they still pay but only $30. that way i'm not out a full day pay from a child and they save $10 too. I do limit these to only 10 discounted days as well and now require at least two weeks notice to use them. I also still take my 10 paid days off during my one year contracts.