My opinion is in direct conflict to yours - That the security of keeping loyal clients who have been here long term, by providing a stable day home vs one in constant change, is more important that the short term financial gain for me that a short term client brings.*

My door is NEVER open to anyone who needs my spots. I am not interested on "bums in seats" resulting in high turnover. I am very particular with who I take and I have never offered a space to someone based on them wanting to come here. I vet my clients and I choose my clients based on what is in the best interest of myself and the client's I already have because in my market, that has proven to be the best way of having a low turnover day home and stability for all. I eliminate potential clients based on the boundaries I have determined to be the right ones for both my business and my family.
Good for you Suzie_Homemaker, I'm sure your method works too. Absolutely agree you have created your own boundaries for you and your business. Because that's what works best for you.

Sharing my personal experience I must say I haven't had turnover it actually created a long waiting list of long term clients because many people got to know my services. It helped creating a good reputation over the years.

I'm sure your demand market is slightly different than mine. I cannot longer see or call "long term clients" many of them stay only for two years and a half or so (then their child goes to school in Ontario); and I have parents who have the second child and stay but i noticed that is also changing many just have one and they're done.

My group have experienced first hand the exposure of their children learning to accept, tolerance, patience, the children I care for are very social and also resilient to overcome changes. Parents know that here or in school sooner or later they will experience change, I help them raising a child who accepts changes in a more positive manner, they know that even with changes it is all ok and they are fine, accepting that changes are part of our lives. I do not create closed.circles because a city life is more dinamic.

Young generation of parents are obviously open minded (they have their child enrolled in different activities too and not just daycare). I have really good report from parents and teachers on how well socialized those kids are. They are patient able to help and support if someone is in need (I guess they have learned that through role modeling, helping others and making them feel better) when a short period client comes by they usually become long term clients or leave with a positive experience which resulted in great recommendations.

So, in general Suzie_Homemaker, as I mencioned before and in many of my posts, I work with the children and not only what is in my best interest, I evaluate pros and cons constantly and what life learning experience my group will have. Which I think it is much greater than any finantial gain.

But also as I see some caregivers read our posts, I share with honesty of what I do or works best for me, by giving other options or look things differently is what drives me to write these posts. We have the social responsibility of guiding or giving advise or just listen or support to who ever needs it.

Your method works and mine also works both successfully, we shared our experiences now it is up to each person to take or guide themselves through our advices or not, or also come up with a better ideas or results. That way we all support each other and grow together.