My daughter followed our routine until she was around 4. She then spent more time away from the daycare space/kids as she requested. This is my job choice not hers. She got to watch tv, eat other things, play on her own upstairs, sleep in etc. I have never had an issue with other kids/parents. She is not allowed to bring food down so really the daycare kids don't even realize she is eating. When she was young though she followed our complete schedule but did nap in her bed.