How would you handle this?

[mom-in-alberta]

When I had my daughter in Sept, I only took a month off. I spoke very often with parents about what the process was going to be, what to expect, asked them what their plans were, and so on.
I had one family that said "we'll be back" and then "we won't" and then said yes again.
2 days before I re-opened, I called THEM (they didn't even have the courtesy to call me) and they told me they were continuing with the system that they had been using while I was off. Various family members.
My lesson? No matter what, these folks look out for themselves first, and then they think of you. And I say that as UN-cynically as possible. Not a pessimist, just a realist.

[sunnydays]

As a parent, wouldn't you look out for your own childrens' interest first? I don't mean that it is okay to trounce on us caregivers, but I just think it is realistic that parents will make decisions based on what they think is best for their children.

When I had my daughter in Sept, I only took a month off. I spoke very often with parents about what the process was going to be, what to expect, asked them what their plans were, and so on.
I had one family that said "we'll be back" and then "we won't" and then said yes again.
2 days before I re-opened, I called THEM (they didn't even have the courtesy to call me) and they told me they were continuing with the system that they had been using while I was off. Various family members.
My lesson? No matter what, these folks look out for themselves first, and then they think of you. And I say that as UN-cynically as possible. Not a pessimist, just a realist.

[Judy Trickett]

As a parent, wouldn't you look out for your own childrens' interest first? I don't mean that it is okay to trounce on us caregivers, but I just think it is realistic that parents will make decisions based on what they think is best for their children.

I agree. And that is why it doesn't have to be nasty. It just needs to be BUSINESS. The facts are that this parent has expressed a desire to seek care elsewhere. That is her perogative. So, you invoke the two week notice and IF she comes back you start fresh again in March. IMO, ALL the dcparents of the OP should be treated in the same manner because there are NO guarantees in this business.

It's not personal. It's just business.