Thanks everyone. Your input is so appreciated. I definitely have it clearly written in my contract that I do take time off and as much notice as possible is provided. I too rarely take days off and I know that it's not serving a good purpose for me or the children I care for. I agree that it is one of the downfalls of being a home daycare provider in that many of us (I included) do not have back-up care but ultimately the families are more than aware of it when they sign the contract. It's a small close knit group but there is only one of me. Lol. Even after eons in childcare (both centers and preschools and home daycare) I still want to be there for the families and not be off a lot but at the same time as I know some families have an equally hard time taking days off but I'm only human and old enough to know taking care of my sanity is equally as important. I also have two young children one of whom has a chronic condition that requires my 24/7 care so that too drains me after weeks on end of no days off from "work". I think overall it all balances out when over the fall to spring I barely take any days. Thanks again!!